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.
Pro Tip: List your top 3 must-do tasks every morning. Anything extra is a bonus, not a burden.
Create a Home Office That Sparks Joy (and Productivity)
At first, I worked from my couch. Big mistake. Within weeks, my back felt like it belonged to a 90-year-old.
Setting up a “real” home office changed everything. I claimed a sunny corner by a window, invested in a height-adjustable chair, and even added a tiny plant named Fig.
Having a designated “work zone” trains your brain to shift into work mode and, just as importantly, to shift out of it at the end of the day.
Checklist for Your Home Office:
- Ergonomic chair (your spine will thank you)
- Good lighting (preferably natural)
- Decluttered desk (hello, mental clarity)
- Personal touches (plants, candles, inspiring quotes)
If you’re gathering work from home tips for better focus and well-being, setting up a proper workspace is non-negotiable.
Plan Meals (So You Don’t End Up Living on Chips)
True confession: During my first month at home, my lunch was usually “whatever’s in the fridge,” and my snacks were… endless.
I quickly learned that proximity to the kitchen is both a blessing and a curse.
Now, I meal-prep on Sundays, chopping veggies, portioning snacks, and making quick lunches easy. Having a stocked “healthy snack station” saves me from reaching for cookies at 3 p.m.
Easy Healthy Snack Ideas:
- Greek yoghurt with honey
- Nuts and dried fruits
- Sliced veggies with hummus
- Rice cakes with almond butter
Build Breaks Into Your Day (Naps Are Not a Luxury!)
I used to power through 6-hour stretches without moving. Spoiler: it wrecked my body and my mood.
Now, I set a timer to remind me to stretch every hour. After lunch, I sometimes indulge in a 10-minute nap—something I’d never admit to in my “office life,” but now proudly embrace.
Another of my favourite work from home tips? Embrace micro-breaks.
Micro-breaks can boost your focus by up to 40%. It’s not lost time; it’s fuel for productivity”
Other break ideas that work wonders:
- 5-minute yoga stretches
- Quick dance parties (yes, seriously)
- Walking your dog or playing with your kids
- Doing 10 push-ups to reset your posture
Stay Social (Even If It’s Just a Text)
One hidden cost of remote work? Loneliness.
I missed more casual hallway chats and coffee runs with coworkers than expected.
Now, I make it a point to message friends or colleagues daily. Sometimes, it’s a quick meme, and other times, it’s a virtual coffee date.
And don’t underestimate virtual coworking! Logging into a video call where everyone works silently (with cameras on) has made me feel less isolated and more accountable.
Ways to Stay Connected:
- Weekly virtual hangouts with friends
- Slack chats with coworkers beyond just “work stuff”
- Joining online communities related to your hobbies
Adding social interaction to your list of work from home tips can massively boost your mental health and motivation.
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.
