Whether you have been working from home since 2020 or are recently back to it because of the recent spike in cases, you know it’s hard to stay productive when you’re out of the office and forced to work from your bedroom or living room. Because of the many offline and online distractions, it can be a challenge to stay focused and finish your tasks in a timely manner. Here are a few tips that will help your productivity levels to stay up even while at home.

Have a morning routine.

You may be tempted to, but refrain from being too comfortable and deviating from your routines despite working at home. Set your alarm at the same time and go through your normal morning routine as if you’re getting ready to go to the office. If you like, you can also get dressed up before going to your workspace. These kinds of rituals are important to signal your transition from being at home to being at work.

Have a designated workspace.

Pick a small area or corner where you can set up a workspace. If you’re only temporarily working remotely, you don’t need a full desk-and-chair setup — a simple spot that clearly separates you from the rest of your home as you work can immensely help get you into the right headspace.

Manage your time wisely.

Working at home can make you lose track of time easily, so make sure to monitor the time you spend working on certain tasks. The Pomodoro Technique is great for managing your time well by encouraging you to only spend two to three hours working and have 20 to 30 minutes of break in between.

Take your breaks outside.

When you do take breaks, use the time to step outside even for a little bit and get some fresh air. Take a walk alone, with a friend or your dog, or just sit on your porch to take in the sounds of nature. This will help with reducing stress and increase your energy levels so you get back to work ready to perform better.

Take your lunch break at the same time every day.

You may be tempted to become more lenient with your daily schedule and not stick to it since you’re working from home, but it’s best to do things as close as you would in the office. Having your lunch break at the same time every day will help you stick to your schedule. It’s also better for your body to get used to consistent eating habits.