10 ways to stay productive at home

Working from home has its perks; no commute, more flexibility, and the chance to work in your comfiest clothes. But it also comes with challenges. Staying focused and motivated while juggling work, family, and household tasks isn’t always easy.

The good news is, with a few smart habits, you can get more done, reduce stress, and make working from home actually work for you. Here’s a practical, no-fluff guide to help you do just that.

Set up a dedicated workspace

Working from your bed or sofa might feel cosy, but those spaces are designed for relaxation, not deep focus.

Your environment has a huge impact on your mindset. When you physically move to a workspace, you signal to your brain that it’s time to switch into work mode.

How to create an effective home workspace:

• Pick a dedicated spot — ideally near a window for natural light. Studies show natural light improves alertness and reduces eye strain.

• Separate work from leisure — even if you don’t have a home office, you can use a small desk, a folding table, or a specific chair just for work.

• Keep essentials close — charger, notepad, pen, water bottle, and any work tools you use daily. This cuts down on “wandering off” to find things.

• Make it feel good — plants, a comfortable chair, or even a small desk lamp can make your workspace more inviting.

If you need small-space ideas, IKEA has plenty of inspiration: IKEA Workspace Solutions.

Get your desk ergonomics right

Working in an awkward position can lead to back pain, neck strain, headaches, and even repetitive strain injury. A few small adjustments to your desk setup can prevent discomfort and improve focus.

Ergonomic essentials:

• Chair height — your feet should rest flat on the floor and your knees at a 90-degree angle.

• Screen level — your eyes should meet the top third of your monitor without you looking down or craning your neck.

• Keyboard and mouse — keep them at elbow height to avoid wrist strain.

• Lighting — avoid glare on your screen by positioning it at a right angle to windows.

Create the perfect Ergonomic Workspace here: https://bit.ly/3VqnzDa

Try to limit distractions at home

One of the biggest productivity traps when working from home is the “I’ll just…” mindset I’ll just put the washing on, I’ll just tidy up, I’ll just make a snack. Before you know it, half an hour’s gone.

Practical ways to minimise distractions:

• Do quick household tasks before work starts so you’re not thinking about them.

• Use the Pomodoro Technique — 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. This gives you micro-moments to stretch, grab a drink, or put something in the wash without losing momentum.

• Shut the door if possible and keep your work area tidy to reduce visual distractions.

Learn the full Pomodoro method here: Todoist Pomodoro Guide.

Limit your social media interaction

Social media is designed to keep you hooked and one “quick check” can easily turn into a lost hour.

How to take back control:

• Turn off notifications during work hours.

• Keep social media off your work devices so you’re less tempted.

• Set strict check-in times — for example, once mid-morning and once mid-afternoon.

• Use productivity blockers like Freedom 

Set healthy boundaries with your household

When you work from home, it’s easy for family or housemates to think you’re “free” because you’re physically there. Constant interruptions can kill your flow.

Boundary tips that work:

• Clearly tell them your working hours and stick to them.

• Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode when you’re in deep work.

• Use visual cues — a closed door, headphones, or even a desk sign to signal that you shouldn’t be interrupted.

Start the day off right

How you start your morning sets the tone for your whole day. Rolling out of bed and straight into emails can leave you feeling flat and unfocused.

Morning habits to boost focus:

• Get dressed — you don’t need office wear, but avoid pyjamas.

• Eat a proper breakfast for steady energy.

• Spend five minutes reviewing your priorities for the day.

• Try a short mindfulness or stretching session to wake up your body and mind.

If you need a quick, energising routine, check out 7-Minute Morning Stretch by Yoga With Adriene.

Plan your day

Without a plan, your day can easily get swallowed by small, urgent tasks while bigger priorities get pushed aside.

How to make a realistic schedule:

• Write down everything you need to do.

• Rank tasks by urgency and importance.

• Use time blocking to assign each task a slot in your calendar.

• Build in “cushion time” — things always take longer than you expect.

• End the day by reviewing what you achieved and what rolls over to tomorrow.

Tools worth trying:

• Google Calendar — for time blocking

• Trello — for visual task organisation

• Notion — for flexible planning and note-taking

Listen to music

Background music can boost mood, creativity, and concentration — as long as it’s not too distracting.

Good options for work music:

• Lo-fi hip hop

• Classical or instrumental jazz

• Ambient nature sounds

• Movie soundtracks

  
  

Spotify has a whole range of playlists designed for focus: Spotify Focus Playlists.

Take regular breaks

Working non-stop isn’t a badge of honour — it’s a fast track to fatigue, irritability, and mistakes. Breaks help your brain recharge so you can work better for longer.

Ideas for effective breaks:

• Step outside for sunlight and fresh air.

• Stretch or do a few minutes of yoga.

• Drink water and refuel with a healthy snack.

• Listen to a short podcast episode.

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If you forget to take breaks, apps like Stretchly will gently remind you.

Keep a running to-do list

A to-do list isn’t just about remembering what to do, it’s about seeing your progress. Ticking off tasks gives you a small dopamine boost that keeps you motivated.

How to make your list work:

• Keep it visible — on paper, a whiteboard, or your phone.

• Break down big tasks into smaller steps so you can tick off progress.

• Use sticky notes for quick, temporary tasks.

• Review your list at the start and end of each day.

Tools like Todoist and Microsoft To Do make it easy to manage lists across devices.

Final thoughts

Working from home isn’t just about where you sit with your laptop, it’s about creating an environment and routine that help you do your best work. By designing a dedicated workspace, protecting your focus, managing your energy, and planning your day, you can get more done in less time and still have the energy to enjoy your evenings.

Experiment with these tips, tweak them to fit your lifestyle, and you’ll find your own rhythm. The goal isn’t to copy someone else’s routine it’s to create one that works for you.