Sounds like working from home is the ultimate dream for many, right? No more commute, cozy home office vibes, and being in charge of your own work. What’s not to love? But let’s be real, working from home isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Distractions are everywhere, staying motivated can be a drag, and work-life balance? Yeah, that can get tricky.

Here’s the good news: we’ve got some habits to supercharge your efficiency and help you be laser-focused to get things done!

Craft your ideal work zone to maximize focus and output.

First things first: pick your work zone. This could be a spare room, a corner of your living room, or even just a desk. The key is to pick a place that helps you focus and minimizes distractions.

Once you’ve got your spot, declutter and organize. A messy workspace can seriously mess with your mental clarity. Make sure your area is clean and tidy. Bins and shelves are your new best friends: keep only the essentials for work on hand, and put everything else away.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of good posture! Sitting for long stretches can be a real drag on your energy.  Invest in a comfy chair that encourages good posture. Trust us, it’s not just about looking good –  sitting up straight can actually help you focus better and stay energized throughout the workday.

Make a schedule that prioritizes focused work to boost your productivity.

Working from home is great for its convenience, but it can be a double-edged sword. Here’s the trick: to avoid feeling burned out, establish regular work hours just like you would for an office job. Aim for consistency by starting and finishing at the same times each day. Communicate your schedule to team members and clients; this transparency will help them manage expectations and respect your boundaries. This way, you can truly leave work at work!

Now, to stay on track within those work hours, make a daily plan. Write down your tasks, prioritizing the most important ones. Block out dedicated chunks of time for those big projects. Sprinkle in shorter breaks in between: check messages, grab a snack, or recharge.

Multitasking might seem efficient, but it actually hinders your focus. Instead, tackle tasks one at a time in dedicated chunks. There are even cool time hacks like the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a quick break. It’s like a mini-workout for your brain, helping you stay sharp and avoid mental fatigue.

Master the art of staying focused and managing distractions. 

Start by putting your phone on silent and closing those social media tabs! There are even apps that can block tempting websites for a while, keeping you laser-focused on the task at hand. This way, you won’t get sidetracked by that funny video (again!) and can finish your to-do list.

Want to avoid getting pulled away during crunch time? Here’s the secret: turn on Do-Not-Disturb. Let your coworkers know when you’re free for chats and calls. On those platforms you use to talk work, there’s usually a thing showing your availability – use it! Personalize your status. Let people know if you’re good to go or better off left alone to focus.

Prioritize your well-being for sustained productivity.

Alright, to avoid burnout, the first step is setting clear work hours and sticking to them religiously! When you’re finally off the clock, shut down that work computer and focus on pure relaxation – you’ve earned it!

But here’s the thing: your body needs to move too! Schedule some exercise time each week, even if it’s not some crazy intense workout. Just getting your blood pumping can work wonders – it helps you focus better, chill out when stressed, and even feel awesome.

Speaking of feeling awesome, sleep is absolutely key for conquering your day! Try going to bed and waking up around the same time each night, even on weekends. This consistency helps your body stay on track. So, ditch those super late work sessions and set a chill bedtime routine to wind down before hitting the hay.

We asked members of the Filta community about their habits for working efficiently at home. 

Here are their answers:

Korina swears by staying in top shape for peak efficiency. Enough sleep and delicious food keep her energy levels high. Proper rest can boost focus and productivity. So, when she’s feeling good, she can tackle anything! After all, feeling great physically, and mentally makes crushing tasks easy.

Christian also chimes in with his habits: having good sleep, listening to music that gets him in the zone, and keeping his work area looking clean and neat for a clear mind is what make him productive and efficient. 

Similarly to previous answers, Alexis echoes the importance of having proper and complete rest and listening to music. She shared that planning her day in chunks through time blocking is a total game-changer helping her be efficient at best. 

These are just some habits that worked wonders for some of us here at Filta. The beauty of working from home is that it lets you be productive while also incorporating activities that make you happy. And that’s the real secret of how we get and stay efficient even while working remotely. Level up your remote work game! Experiment and find a combination of habits that work best for you – to conquer distractions, and smash through your to-do list. It’s a marathon, not a sprint; so be patient, celebrate your wins, and tweak your approach as needed. Remember, remote work thrives on flexibility, but solid and consistent habits keep you on track. Embrace these tips, keep learning, and watch yourself become more efficient while working from home!