How to stay focused and productive when you work from home

Working from home saves travel time, but it can blur the line between work and family life. These habits can help.

Make a work corner

Choose a regular place to work, even if it is a small table. Keep your charger, notebook, water and tools close. Tell people at home when you need quiet.

Keep a start and an end

Begin at a set time and finish at a set time. A short ritual such as washing your face or making tea can signal "work time". At the end, close your laptop and write tomorrow's top three tasks.

Plan your day

1. Choose the three most important tasks for the day.
2. Do the hardest one first, while you are fresh.
3. Group small tasks, such as messages and calls, into one block.

Handle distractions

• Silence non-urgent notifications.
• Keep your phone out of reach during focused blocks.
• Use short breaks to stretch, drink water and rest your eyes.

Prepare for light and power cuts

Charge your devices when power is available. Keep a power bank, a data backup plan and a list of tasks that can be done offline.

Look after yourself

Eat properly, move your body and speak to other people during the day. Isolation can lower your mood, so call a friend or join a group of people who do similar work.

Productivity is not about working all day. It is about doing the right things with a calm mind.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.