Working from home has become the new normal, but maintaining productivity in a home environment can be challenging. Here are five simple yet powerful hacks to help you stay focused and efficient.

Creating a designated workspace can tremendously improve your focus and productivity. Jane, a marketing manager from New York, transformed a corner of her living room into a mini-office. She invested in an ergonomic chair, a spacious desk, and some soothing houseplants. This not only separated her work zone from her relaxation areas but also made her workday much more comfortable and productive.

When working from home, it’s easy for work hours to blend into personal time. Establishing clear boundaries helps you manage your time effectively. Mark, a software developer in San Francisco, sets strict working hours from 9 AM to 5 PM. After 5 PM, he shuts off his computer and switches to personal activities. This clear demarcation ensures he remains focused during work hours and relaxed during personal time.

Technology offers numerous tools designed to enhance productivity. Trello, Asana, and Slack are excellent for task management and team communication. Maria, a freelance graphic designer, swears by the Pomodoro technique with the Pomodone app. She works for 25 minutes and takes a 5-minute break, which helps her maintain a high level of efficiency and focus throughout the day.

Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Incorporate regular breaks into your schedule to rest and recharge. Robert, a financial advisor, uses his breaks to stretch, walk around the block, or grab a healthy snack. These short breaks help him return to his desk with renewed focus and energy.

A distraction-free environment is critical for maintaining productivity. Sarah, a content writer from Chicago, uses noise-canceling headphones to block out background noise. She also turns off non-essential notifications on her phone and computer while working. These steps have significantly minimized interruptions, allowing her to stay on task and complete her work more efficiently.