It’s been six years since I’ve worked from home. One of the most common questions I get is how to avoid procrastination while working remotely. I know remote work isn’t for everyone. If you’re in the same boat, trying to find that sweet spot between productivity and balance, here are some tips that work for me, plus a few tools that might make your days easier.
Workspace: Your Haven of Focus
First, define a dedicated workspace at home. Ideally, this should be a desk, not your bed (unless you live in a 7m² apartment!). Keep the space clutter-free, leaving only the essentials. When your desk is filled with miscellaneous things, it can distract your focus from what matters. I firmly believe that a messy and chaotic space leads to a messy mind and life! So, clear your desk.
Tip: make the space feel inviting to you. This is personal and will depend on your style. I love having a bouquet in a nice vase on my desk. It brightens my mood and makes my desk feel welcoming. When I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, just looking at those flowers gives me a quick mental reset.
Try this: Invest in something that makes your workspace feel like your own cozy corner. It can be anything from a cute coffee cup to an adjustable standing desk.
Daily Routine: Build What Works for YOU
One of the biggest traps in working from home is procrastination. Without the structure of a traditional office, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Having a daily routine is key. But don’t just copy someone else’s routine. The trick is to create a schedule that fits you. If you’re not a morning person, forcing yourself to wake up at 5 a.m. because a famous productivity expert says so will only lead to burnout.
Start small and think about the times when you’re naturally more productive. Include moments for physical activity, even if it’s just 20 minutes of yoga or a quick walk around the block. And please, prioritize sleep. You need that 7-8 hours to function optimally!
Work Periods: Finding Your Flow
Find your ideal work rhythm. For example, you might work for 50 minutes straight, then take a 10-minute break. You could try the Pomodoro technique or any other method that suits you best.
Another key is setting boundaries for work time. If you don’t define when your workday ends, you might find yourself working late into the evening, feeling drained, and losing precious me-time. Define your hours and stick to them as much as possible.
Invisible Helpers: Subtle Shifts Into Work Mode
Sometimes, it’s the small rituals that make the biggest difference in shifting into work mode. For me, simple things like putting on my rings, diffusing lavender essential oil, or a bit of perfume give me a mental cue that it’s time to get serious. These little routines, which I like to call my invisible helpers, create a subconscious link between my actions and my work mindset.
There’s also an incredible site called I Miss My Cafe that plays ambient café sounds. It makes me feel like I’m working in a cozy coffee shop, even though I’m just at home.
Your invisible helpers can be anything: scented candles, a favorite playlist, or wearing a specific pair of slippers. Whatever helps you transition into work mode. It may sound simple, but it works like magic. And let’s be honest, even as adults, we could all use a bit of that magic to keep us on track.
Prioritization: Stay On Track
Always clearly understand your top tasks and goals for the day, week, and month. I wrote a separate article on how to prioritize and stay organized, so make sure to check that out. This is crucial because unpredictable situations or last-minute client requests always pop up. But if you know your top three must-do tasks for the day and tackle them first, you’ll not only feel satisfied but also confident that you’ve accomplished the essentials, no matter what the day throws at you.
Navigating People Around You
If you’re working from home with others around, it’s essential to set and communicate clear boundaries. Let them know your work hours and break times, and kindly ask them not to disturb you during your focused periods. Clear rules help everyone understand when you’re available and when you need uninterrupted time. It is especially important if you have kids. They should know when it’s okay to ask you to play or help with something and when you need to focus.
If you’re working alongside someone else who’s also remote, try syncing your schedules. It creates a peaceful environment where both of you can be productive without stepping on each other’s toes.
Don’t be afraid to set these rules. Having structure will make your remote work life much smoother!
Apps to Help You Stay Organized
Apps are a lifesaver for staying on track. I can’t recommend Notion enough. It’s my go-to tool for organizing everything from work tasks to personal goals. I use it to keep track of my entire life, from bill payments to long-term goals.
For visual thinkers, Trello is a great alternative. It’s a simpler, more visual tool that can make even the most chaotic task list feel manageable.
Also, check these apps to set you in a work mood:
- I Miss My Cafe recreates the cozy atmosphere of a café with soothing background sounds, perfect for getting in the zone. It also includes a built-in Pomodoro timer to help manage your work intervals. If you’re curious about the method, consider checking out “The Pomodoro Technique: The Acclaimed Time-Management System That Has Transformed How We Work“ for a deeper dive into the strategy.
- Pomofocus (available for desktop and mobile) – a straightforward Pomodoro timer designed to break your tasks into focused sessions with regular breaks. Give it a try! You’ll likely find that working in shorter, concentrated bursts helps you achieve more, especially when you’re able to stay distraction-free.
Get Some Fresh Air: Your Mental Reset
I always make it a priority to take a long walk after my workday. It’s my way of unwinding and resetting. When I’m pressed for time, I make sure to schedule at least an hour of walking, either in the middle of the day or at the end. There’s something about being outside that just helps you relax and clear your mind. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity for some “me time”. You can treat yourself to a great podcast (if you’re into them) or just enjoy your favorite music.
I truly recommend scheduling regular walks for everyone. Not only it is incredibly beneficial for your health, great for your heart, and an easy form of cardio. But it’s also a wonderful way to give yourself mental space. You’d be surprised how many solutions you’ll find during a peaceful stroll!
Conclusion
Working from home can be both rewarding and challenging. Finding your flow, creating a workspace that suits you, setting boundaries, and using the right tools can make all the difference. By building a routine that reflects your rhythms and incorporating invisible helpers, you can stay organized and on top of your tasks without losing sight of what matters. It’s all about finding what works best for you. Because remote work is as individual as you are.
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