When the pandemic hit and working from home became the new normal, I felt like I’d won the jackpot. No more soul-sucking commutes, no more stuffy offices, just me, my laptop, and a world of possibilities—and lots of opportunities to discover the best work-from-home tips.

But as the weeks rolled into months, the shiny allure faded. Working from home wasn’t as effortless as I’d imagined. Without some serious planning, I found myself exhausted, out of shape, and more disconnected than ever.

Here’s what I learned — the good, the messy, and the surprisingly life-changing.

Work from Home Tips: Plan and Organise Your Day (Or Risk Chaos)

In the beginning, my days blurred into a weird mashup of emails, Netflix, and snacking. I’d start work at 10 AM, break for “lunch” at 3 PM, and find myself still glued to my laptop at midnight.

Lesson learned? Structure is freedom.

Every night before bed, I now map out my next day—not just meetings but when I’ll exercise, cook, and even scroll social media. I also block “focus hours” for deep work in the mornings, when my brain is freshest.

One of the most valuable work from home tips I heard came from most productivity coaches: ‘Treat your day like a recipe. Missing one key ingredient throws off the entire meal.

Create a Home Office That Sparks Joy (and Productivity)

In the early days of working from home, I made the classic rookie mistake—I set up shop on my couch. It felt cozy at first, but within a few weeks, my back was begging for mercy and my productivity had taken a nosedive. That’s when I decided to create a proper home office, and honestly, it changed everything. I claimed a bright little corner by the window, treated myself to a height-adjustable ergonomic chair, and added a few touches that made the space feel inviting—like a small leafy plant I affectionately named Fig. Having a designated “work zone” did more than just improve my posture; it helped train my brain to snap into focus during work hours and to mentally log off when the day was done. A few key elements made a big difference: good lighting (natural, if possible), a decluttered desk to clear my head, and small personal touches that made the space feel uplifting. If you’re serious about making remote work sustainable, creating a workspace that sparks both joy and focus isn’t a luxury—it’s a must.

Plan Meals (So You Don’t End Up Living on Chips)

I’ll admit it—during my first month of working from home, “lunch” was usually whatever random thing I found in the fridge, and my snacking habits were completely out of control. Being just steps away from the kitchen all day turned out to be both a blessing and a curse. It didn’t take long for me to realise that without a plan, I’d end up living on chips and impulse snacks. That’s when I started meal-prepping every Sunday. I now chop veggies in advance, portion out snacks, and prep quick lunch options that make healthy choices effortless. One of the best things I did was set up a little “snack station” stocked with grab-and-go items like Greek yoghurt with a drizzle of honey, nuts and dried fruit, sliced veggies with hummus, and rice cakes with almond butter. Having nourishing options at arm’s reach makes a huge difference—especially during that notorious 3 p.m. energy dip.

Build Breaks Into Your Day (Naps Are Not a Luxury!)

There was a time I thought powering through six-hour work blocks without moving made me productive. In reality, it left my body aching and my mood in the gutter. These days, I treat breaks like non-negotiable productivity tools. I set a timer to remind myself to stand up and stretch every hour, and after lunch, I’ll often take a 10-minute nap—something I never would’ve dared to do in my old office life but now fully embrace without guilt. One of the most effective work-from-home habits I’ve adopted is the art of the micro-break. These short pauses, whether it’s five minutes of yoga stretches, a quick dance party in the kitchen, a walk with the dog, or even a round of 10 push-ups to reset my posture, do wonders. Studies show that micro-breaks can boost focus by up to 40%. They’re not wasted time—they’re fuel for getting through the day feeling sharper, lighter, and way more human.

Stay Social (Even If It’s Just a Text)

One of the most unexpected challenges of working from home was the loneliness. I didn’t think I’d miss quick hallway chats or coffee runs with coworkers as much as I did, but their absence left a noticeable void. That’s why I now make a conscious effort to stay socially connected, even in small ways. Whether it’s sending a funny meme to a friend, checking in with a colleague, or scheduling a virtual coffee date, those little interactions make a big difference. One surprisingly effective habit I’ve picked up is virtual coworking—jumping on a video call with others who are working silently. Just seeing someone else focused on their screen makes me feel less isolated and more motivated. I’ve also found joy in Slack conversations that go beyond work and in joining online communities tied to my hobbies. Making space for social connection, even in simple forms, has become essential—not just for my mood, but for staying grounded and energized throughout the day.

Final Takeaway

Working from home isn’t just about finding a desk and a Wi-Fi signal. It’s about creating new rhythms that nurture your body, mind, and relationships.

With a little structure, a lot of grace, and a few dance breaks, you can thrive—not just survive—in this new way of working.

You deserve a workday that works for you. Build it, tweak it, and own it.