Work From Home Tips: 15 Expert Tips to Be Focused!

Working from home sounds so pleasing, right? No commute, flexible hours, and a cozy setting. Yet, staying productive can be surprisingly tough! That’s where work-from-home tips can be helpful.

To stay focused when working remotely, I will show you:

• How to create a daily plan
• How to use time management tools
• How to establish effective boundaries
• Productivity hacks for your home office
• Wellness tips to stay sharp and energized

So, let’s get started!

15 Best Work From Home Tips and Tricks

Working from home can be great, but it’s important to find ways to stay focused and balanced. I’ll share some of the best work-from-home tips that helped me work productively from home. They are:

1. Create a Morning Routine

Britt Reints, in her book 'An Amateur's Guide to the Pursuit of Happiness,' suggests starting your days with intention. Prioritize yourself by creating a consistent morning routine. It can help you smoothly adjust to your daily schedules and set the tone for the day in a remote work setting.

Well, that’s why I try to wake up at the same time each day, even if it’s only half an hour before work. It gives me time to wake up slowly—maybe make some coffee, feed my pets, or do a quick workout in a tidy workspace.

Plus, don’t stay in bed until the last second—get up and get moving! In fact, a short walk or a few stretches can increase your energy levels.

2. Make a To-Do List

It can be hard to stay organized when working from home. And I’ve realized that a clear to-do list is one of the effective work-from-home tips for improving remote work efficiency and staying on top of your tasks.

You could use a basic notebook or try a digital tool like Trello to keep everything together. I like to include due dates and reminders, so I don’t lose track of anything in real time.

See, the trick is to find a method that works best for you, whether it’s writing things down or using an app. When you keep your tasks clear, it can lower stress and make it easier to focus.

For me, sticking to this practice on a daily basis has been a simple but powerful rule of thumb for staying organized and productive.

3. Establish Clear Rules for People in Your Living Area

As remote workers, there are also other options such as working from a cafe, a library, or a coworking space. These options are also brilliant alternatives to get in the right mood for your shift, to remain focused, and definitely more productive.

Sam Mallikarjunan, CEO of OneScreen, an AI company, says, “If you're working from home and others are around, let them know that when you're in your 'office' (for me, it means wearing headphones), you're working, even if it looks like you're just relaxing.”

So, you must set ground rules with the people you live with. You should also create an organized working space that clearly shows when you're busy. This way, they understand that even though you’re at home, you’re still working.

It’s much easier to stay productive and reach your maximum productivity level when everyone respects these boundaries.

4. Ask for What You Need

When you start working from home, ask for the things you need to do your job well. Remote workers might need a laptop, a docking station, and an extra monitor to increase productivity.

To protect your privacy, I’d suggest you ask for a VPN service. And try to avoid asking for brand-new equipment unless it's really important. That’s because most companies reuse devices after they've been securely cleaned.

Make sure you have everything you need to work safely and efficiently. Keep your request simple!

Further Read: 11 Ways to Increase Productivity in the Workplace.

5. Don’t Work in Your Living Room

If you can, try not to work in your living room.

It's better to keep a healthy work-life balance by separating work and relaxation. It’ll help you avoid mixing up your work time and personal time.

Seeing my desk in the living room every day makes it hard to relax and recharge during quiet times. I think it's better to keep the living room for relaxation and time for wellness after work.

Also, organize your work desk. A study by Brother reported that 41% of employees think that a tidy and organized work station is essential to improve productivity.

In addition, 2 out of 5, or 40% of employees, admit that a cluttered desk directly affects their performance at work.

If you have a small apartment, try to create separate spaces for different activities. It can help you relax and enjoy your free time. Even a small corner can serve as a deep work mode zone.

6. Use a Noise Canceling Headphones

A lot of research has found that loud noises can lead to more mistakes and make accidents more likely. So, when you work from home, especially in a noisy place, good noise-canceling headphones are very important.

If you want to be sure your video meeting calls are clear, even in noisy places, a wired headset with a built-in microphone is a good option. Sony, Bose, and Jabra make some great ones. Some of their models can be used with or without wires.

I use Skullcandy to block out noise. And it's affordable!

7. Use Separate Work Devices

I've found it helpful to use different devices for work and personal stuff. It keeps my work and personal life separate. When I used just one computer for everything, I'd often get distracted and couldn't work as efficiently.

If you can’t use two devices, create separate user accounts. One for work and another for personal tasks. This simple change can help you get rid of distractions.

To sum this up, avoiding distractions, turning off notifications on your cell phone, blocking pop-ups notifications on your computer, and keeping your workstations are some of the things to do to remain productive at work.

8. Try Time Management Apps

Trust me, time-tracking apps can help you work better from home. They let you keep track of what you're doing, stay on task, and see how productive you're being.

Some apps can even track your work, log your activities, and create reports.

These tools, like screenshot takers and URL trackers, might seem a bit too personal. But they can actually help you understand how you spend your time and manage it better.

Apploye, for instance, helps you keep track of your time and productivity. It shows you how you spend your work hours, including idle time. That way, you can use your time effectively.

9. Use a VPN

As mentioned earlier, you should use a VPN to secure your remote working.

Surprisingly, the latest study found that most Americans are unaware of VPNs and don't use them.

See, a VPN creates a hidden pathway for your internet traffic. It’s one of the best work-from-home safety tips to protect your devices from potential online dangers.

Plus, try to use a VPN as often as possible, no matter where you are. Besides, many companies still use VPNs to protect their data.

While newer security methods like SSO and zero-trust are becoming popular, VPNs are still a reliable option. You should know, however, that your employer might monitor your online activity when you use the company VPN.

10. Take Full Breaks

To truly rest, you need to disconnect from work completely. It’s the best work-from-home wellness tips I can give you. Even a short break can help. In my case, I take a few minutes to do something unrelated to work, like —

• Going for a walk.
• Enjoying the view from the balcony.
• Having a snack.
• Watching a funny video.

It’s not about how long you rest. It’s about giving your brain a break from work and letting it relax. As Christina Janzer, Slack’s SVP of Research and Analytics, says, “You need to physically distance yourself from your workspace,”.

Also, Miriam Herst, Beauty Editor at All Things Hair US mentioned this topic when sharing her experience of working from home. She says:

“It’s common to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks during the day. I used my lunch break to get some fresh air and I come back to my work station reenergized. It’s simply my best tip for staying productive while working from home!”

Further Read: The 12 Best Time Management Techniques.

11. Enjoy Healthy Lunches and Snacks

A study by Population Health Management found that employees who don't eat healthily are 66% less productive than those who eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Besides, eating healthy at home is easy and enjoyable. You can make simple salads with different toppings like seeds, nuts, and protein sources like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and beans.

For a quick and healthy snack, try sliced cucumbers with a pinch of salt or a handful of mixed nuts.

12. Drink Lots of Water

Drinking a lot of water is a tip for working from home effectively that many employees and freelancers should consider. There are many benefits to staying hydrated that every one of us should be aware of.

First of all, it can help reduce headaches, and sugar cravings, and help to maintain weight.

Staying hydrated is key to staying sharp and productive. Even slight dehydration—losing just 1% to 2% of body water can reduce your mental clarity and concentration, studies show.

In air-conditioned spaces, be mindful of hydration. Cold, conditioned air is often very dry and holds little moisture, much like desert air.

Actually, indoor heating can make the air even more dry, as experts at the Agricultural Research Service have found.

13. Exercise and Stretch Regularly

Working from home, I found it easy to sit for long hours without moving. But keeping active throughout the day makes a real difference.

I do short workouts before work or during breaks. You can try a quick morning session to wake up or a 15 to 30-minute workout around lunch.

If you can’t make it to the gym, try working out at home. Simple tools like kettlebells or resistance bands can be very helpful. It’s the easiest work-from-home tips to stay healthy, and you can try them.

14. Prioritize your mental health

Did you know that a surprising 73% of people who work from home feel lonely?

So, working from home can be both a relief and a challenge.

To keep my mind balanced, I plan simple ways to stay active and connected. I try to find some social time, like meeting a friend for coffee or calling a coworker. It has helped me avoid isolation.

If you start feeling cooped up, work from a library or coffee shop to get a change of scene. These small actions can help you keep a healthy mindset.

15. Be Positive

Remember, work isn’t life or death; most tasks can wait. So, stick to your work hours without guilt; when the day’s done, let it be done.

Reframe your space, too, with a view of the sky or a favorite corner, even if it's a wall! And if stress builds, keep your resume sharp—you always have options.

How Difficult Is It to Remain Productive When Working From Home?

Staying productive when working from home can be tough, but it often depends on personal habits and routines. The biggest challenges are distractions, a lack of structure, and the temptation to stick to what’s familiar.

Here’s what I think that makes it hard to remain productive —

• Household chores, family, and the freedom to take personal breaks can disrupt focus more easily than in an office.
• Without coworkers nearby, staying disciplined can feel challenging, sometimes leading to procrastination.
• Working near a bed or couch makes it tempting to relax, which can lower focus.

Even with challenges, you can stay productive at home by implementing the work from home tips I’ve shared.

Things to Remember When You Work from Home

Working from home can feel free. However, it comes with its own set of adjustments. So, here are a few things I believe you should remember —

• Set Boundaries with Others: Family or housemates might assume you’re available, so I’ve found it helpful to set clear work hours. A simple reminder now and then keeps everyone on the same page.
• Create a Work-Only Space: Even if it’s just a small corner, having a set workspace helps you stay focused. A comfortable chair and good desk setup go a long way, too.

• Be Clear on Video Calls: I’ve seen that not every call needs a camera on. So, it’s good to check with your team on what’s expected, some prefer video, while others are fine with audio. Use useful tools like free video capture software for screen recording if you're afraid of missing something in an online meeting to come back to it later at any time.

• Limit Household Tasks: It’s easy to slip into chores, but I try to keep them to a minimum during work hours. This way, they don’t eat into the time I need to focus.

Mastering the Work-from-Home Lifestyle

Working from home has its own challenges. However, with the tips mentioned for working from home, you can turn those challenges into opportunities to work better.

You’ve found that setting clear limits, having a dedicated workspace, and following a schedule can help. It’s also important to stay active, drink lots of water, and keep in touch with others.

As remote work becomes more common, Apploye can help you manage your time and tasks better. It keeps you organized, focused, and less stressed.

So, try these tips, adjust as you go, and make working from home work for you.

FAQs Regarding Work From Home Tips

How can I stay motivated and avoid burnout while working remotely?

To stay on track, try to start and finish work at the same time each day. Take regular breaks to relax and recharge. Plus, get some fresh air if you can, or listen to music or a podcast to rest your mind. A consistent routine can help you stay motivated and focused all day long.

Is it important to get dressed each day if I’m not leaving home?

Yes, changing out of your pajamas into regular clothes can help you feel more focused and productive. It can also help you separate your work time from your rest time.

What should I do if I’m feeling distracted by household chores while working remotely?

You can take short breaks to do small chores like folding laundry or washing a few dishes. These can be relaxing and help you clear your head. However, try to avoid big chores during work hours.