your productivity guide while working from home.

Landing a remote job brings some serious perks to the table. Suddenly, you have the absolute freedom to build out an environment, set up a schedule, aim for productivity and lead a balanced lifestyle. But if you’re used to the structured buzz of an on-site office, this newfound independence might catch you off guard.

Without supervision, it is incredibly easy for your focus to slip away. Navigating this transition requires a whole new level of self-discipline to ensure your workday doesn't go off the rails. If you want to buckle down and keep your productivity high, we’ve put together an excellent drip of foolproof tips that power you through your task list, even while working remotely.

1. achieve productivity with tackle demanding tasks. 

Trying to power through a complex project when your brain is struggling to keep up with the load is a recipe for disaster. Thanks to the natural ebb and flow of your circadian rhythm, there are specific windows when your brain is practically begging to be put to work.

​For a large portion of the workforce, this sweet spot rolls around mid-morning. If you want to master the art of remote work, you need to delve into your most challenging, high-stakes tasks while you’re in the zone. However, when you are wide awake and highly focused, you can slice through complex problems effectively.

At this stage, logic supports you to develop deliverables much faster than you would later in the day. Beyond just getting things done, this approach is a lifesaver for your mental health. By consciously holding off on your easy, routine tasks until the afternoon slump sets in, you can wind down with high-level productivity without feeling wiped out before time.

2. make time to move.

When you have a work from home job, it's all too easy to stay at your desk for hours on end. Without colleagues to chat with, you have fewer reasons to walk around or take a break to eat lunch. While that's fine on occasion, regular marathon work sessions can take a toll on your physical and mental health, making it harder to stay productive.

To stay fresh, make time to get up and move. Join meetings or calls on your phone rather than your laptop, and walk around the block; or even your living room, while you talk. Turn off your computer at lunch, and make a point to move around the house or prepare a hot meal. If you're feeling stiff, stand up and do a few stretches or squats.

Small movement breaks are good for your body and mind. They prevent your muscles from getting stiff, provide time for your eyes to rest and give your brain time to process and reset. You'll go back to work feeling alert, rejuvenated and able to power through your next task efficiently.

3. dawn hours elevate productivity.

Whether you're navigating a bustling household with kids or simply trying to carve out some quiet time in a solo workspace, setting your alarm a bit earlier can completely transform your workflow. That said, the magic of the dawn hours lies in the absolute silence.

​Before the rest of the world logs on, you are free from the endless pinging of group chats and the usual household hustle. It’s the ultimate window to knuckle down and knock out your most demanding tasks. By the time the clock strikes 9:00 a.m. and everyone else is just getting going, you'll already have some serious wins under your belt. Plus, getting a head start means you can wrap up your wrap up your day much earlier.

Furthermore, you can sit back with a coffee, knowing you’ve already conquered the heavy lifting. The best part? Putting in the hours early means you get to log off long before dusk, getting back those late evening hours just for yourself and your family.

4. distance yourself from distractions.

If you find yourself scrolling on Instagram or watching Netflix in the middle of the work day, you're not alone. Social media and TV can help you feel connected to the outside world, which feels good when you're trying to reduce isolation.

To prevent scrolling from slowing your productivity, it's helpful to create a physical distance between you and your devices. Move your TV and tablet out of your home office and set your phone on the other side of the room. When you have to take an extra step to access an app, it's easier to stop opening it mindlessly.

You can also use technology to restrict access to distracting apps. Turn off social media notifications, and use software to prevent you from opening web versions during working hours. In extreme cases, you might need to delete apps from your phone during the day; you can download them again after work.

5. upgrade your environment.

One of the best parts of remote work is the ability to change locations at a moment's notice. If you're having a hard time staying focused at home, even in an inspiring and productive workplace, a new environment can help. Pack up your laptop, head to a local coffee shop and enjoy a latte and a muffin while you work. The background noise and movement are a nice change of pace from a silent home office.

If you prefer a quieter environment, check out your local library. Chances are, you'll find plenty of other people working on their laptops. Coworking spaces are another alternative workspace; you'll need to pay a fee, but you'll get high-speed internet and the opportunity to network with other remote workers.