If you are new to working remotely, these tips can help you to stay productive and maintain balance.

Treat working from home as a business because it is a business! Just because your location is inside your residence, and you can forego your commute in favour of more sleep, it can be harder to focus on work. 

  
TIPS 1. Get up on time and start your morning routine 

Without a commute, it is helpful to start a day with something that wakes you up. Get up on time as usual, have your breakfast and keep it as a routine! 

Routine is key to get your tasks done. Never give in to sleep longer as it can reduce your energy level.

  
TIPS 2. Shower and Get Dressed

Shower and dress just as if you are going to work. Stay fresh before sitting at your desk to focus on your job. Be careful of your brain that constantly trick you into working from bed.

  
(Don't say it is your work uniform!)

TIPS 3. Write a To-Do-List

Before you start any task on every working day, write a To-Do-List! It is important to keep a structured daily schedule than usual when you are working alone. 

Scheduling chunks of time to work on specific things really helps and it is sort of like mini-deadlines throughout the day.

  
TIPS 4. Taking Breaks 

Be kind to yourself, taking breaks increases productivity and creativity. You may practice "The Pomodoro Technique" by the following steps.

Step 1 | Choose a task you would like to get it done. 

Step 2 | Set the timer for 25 minutes and immerse yourself in your task. 

Step 3 | Work on the task until your timer rings.

Step 4 | Take a short break! Go for a short walk, grab a cup of coffee, checking social media or whatever, having small rewards at the end of each work block are helpful.

Step 5 | Every 4 short breaks, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

  
TIPS 5. Do some stretching

There are disadvantages to sitting at your desk all day. Your body can become cramped, uncomfortable and wrecked due to the long sitting periods and your sitting position. Having stretching exercises help your muscles relax and improve flexibility. 

Stretch now to get your blood moving and free your brain.

  
TIPS 6. - Protect your space / Don't work from your bed

One of the challenges while working from home is laziness as our workspace at home is usually located near the bed or sofa. If you don't want to accidentally fall asleep while working then don't work from your sofa or bed.

  
Also, it is important to protect your space so you still have places to relax at the end of the day. 

If you share your space with someone else (Family / Kids / Siblings), try to organize your time according to their sleep schedule so you are not working when they are loud or playing.

TIPS 7. Important to set boundaries

It is super important to set boundaries while working from home. You need to set when is your work time and when is your "home" time. 

It is tempting to do some house chores or involve in some social engagements. And you need to avoid this during your work hours.

You can turn your work chat and email notifications off or be mindful not to check them after working hours too.

TIPS 8. Make it Cosy

When you are feeling unproductive, try to brew some tea or put a playlist on.

Force yourself to stay focused and find your productivity back. Make a commitment to yourself helps too!

  
SOME OTHER HACKS: 

#1  | Video conference call in five minutes? Meet your new best friend: Dry Shampoo :D

#2 | Put snacks on a plate so you won't finish the whole bags of chips without you realising :P

Be sure to implement them if you think these tips are mindful and helpful!