Maximizing Productivity while Working from Home: 12+ Simple Tips

Are you new to the remote work lifestyle? Here are some tried-and-true tricks to help you stay productive throughout the day.
This post will offer simple and effective productivity tips, used by successful freelancers, for working from home.
With many companies transitioning to a fully remote workforce, working from home has become a common norm.
Though it may seem challenging at first, these tips will help you smoothly adjust and thrive in this new environment.
1. Say Goodbye to Caffeine Jitters: The Benefits of Ditching Coffee
I used to start my day with a cup of coffee, but a few years ago, I noticed strange tremors in my hands. It was only after I stopped drinking coffee that I realized it was the cause.
Since then, I've switched to tea and I feel more energetic throughout the day.
Coffee is a quick fix, but its effects are short-lived and can lead to increased sluggishness once it wears off.
If you're struggling with productivity, consider giving up coffee for 30 days. Replace it with healthier options like tea or smoothies and see the difference.
2. Maximize Your Time with End-of-Day Preparation
To stay ahead of the game, I make a habit of preparing for the next day's work at the end of each day.
For example, if I have to write an article, I create a new document, outline the article, and gather research links.
This allows me to jump right into research and writing the next morning instead of wasting time searching for resources and getting sidetracked.
This simple habit has saved me countless hours and has proven to be effective every time.
3. Incorporate Exercise into Your Breaks
Taking regular breaks is crucial for boosting productivity.
While it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks is actually essential as sitting in front of your computer for extended periods of time can lead to boredom and fatigue.
Some recommend taking a walk outside or meditating during your break. However, I suggest incorporating physical activity by doing exercises.
If going for a walk isn't an option for you, consider doing 20 push-ups or sit-ups in your living room. This burst of energy will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle work with renewed vigor.
4. Start Your Morning with a YouTube Video
Begin your workday with a relaxing and entertaining YouTube video before diving into your tasks. It might seem like an activity that would harm productivity, but it can actually be a smart way to motivate you to get back to work.
By not finishing the video and closing the tab before it ends, you'll naturally feel the urge to return to work and avoid the temptation to watch another video. Give it a try and see if it helps increase your productivity.
5. Snacking on Energy-Boosting Foods
Maintaining energy levels while working can be a challenge, but snacking can help keep you going. Rather than reaching for junk food, opt for healthy energy-boosting snacks. Nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts are packed with protein and can provide a quick burst of energy. Keep a stash of these snacks nearby to help you power through your workday.
6. Divide Your Work into Manageable Chunks
Instead of taking on a huge workload for a project all at once, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This will help reduce stress, promote rest, and increase productivity. For example, if you have a week or month's worth of work on a project, divide it into smaller chunks and allocate them evenly throughout the week. This can also apply to writing articles, by tackling one per day instead of all at once.
7. Establish A Reward System
Staying focused while at work can be a challenge, especially with social media sites like Facebook and Twitter just a click away.
While some experts recommend using Chrome extensions to block access to these sites, there's a more effective solution.
By establishing a reward system, you can stay motivated while working.
For example, after completing a task, treat yourself to 10 minutes of Facebook time. This incentivizes you to work harder and stay focused.
The reward can be anything that motivates you, such as reading a few pages of your favorite book, playing a quick game of PUBG, or even grabbing a snack from the fridge.
8. Establish A Morning Routine
Having a set morning routine can greatly improve productivity levels throughout the day. By creating habits that center around your work environment, you can develop a routine that helps you get into the right mindset for working efficiently.
For example, starting your morning with tea, watching a short YouTube video, closing it before the end, listening to music and then immediately getting to work can help set the tone for a productive day. Consistently following this routine can help make work feel more manageable and easier to tackle.
9. Identify Your Ideal Work Setting
Different people have different preferences for their work environments. Some may prefer the solitude of a quiet room, while others thrive in a bustling coffee shop.
The key is to identify the environment that works best for you and helps you get into a productive mindset. Whether it's a co-working space with fellow freelancers or a park bench, find your ideal work setting.
10. Set Personal Deadlines
Remote working jobs often come with deadlines that may be weeks or months away. To stay on track and maintain productivity, it's helpful to set personal deadlines.
For example, if you need to write an eBook in a month, break it down into smaller sections and set a deadline for each section. This way, you have short-term goals to work towards and the pressure can motivate you to get the work done.
11. Embrace the Power of Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in our physical and mental health. It's important to ensure that we get enough of this essential nutrient, especially if we're working from home. Lack of exposure to sunlight, which is the main source of Vitamin D, can lead to a deficiency that can affect our productivity, stress levels, and even cause depression. Taking a Vitamin D supplement or spending some time outdoors can help boost your levels of this important nutrient and improve your overall well-being. Try it for yourself and see the difference it makes in your life.
12. Tackle The Most Challenging Task First
Starting your day by tackling the most challenging task may not be the conventional approach, but it can have a powerful impact on your productivity.
By tackling the hardest task first, you are tricking your mind into thinking you are unstoppable. Completing the most challenging task of the day sets a positive tone for the rest of your work and makes the other tasks seem much easier in comparison.
Starting with the toughest task will give you a sense of accomplishment, boost your confidence, and leave you feeling motivated to complete the rest of your work with ease.
Reassess Your Work Satisfaction
If you've tried all the productivity hacks and still feel drained, it might be time for a deeper examination. Doing work that lacks purpose or doesn't challenge you can lead to boredom and decreased productivity.
Take a moment to evaluate your job satisfaction. Do you genuinely enjoy what you do? If not, it might be worth considering trying something new to see if it makes a difference.
Ultimately, it all comes down to managing stress levels. Remember to take sufficient breaks to recharge and keep pushing forward, even while implementing these tips.