To many people, working from home sounds like the greatest thing since sliced bread. While it certainly has its perks, it can become challenging to stay focused and productive outside of an office environment. For many people, this shift to working from home can seem daunting and you struggle to find a sense of structure and productivity in your days. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Thankfully through some trial and error, I’ve found some key things that truly help me be just as successful working from home. With that, here are my top 10 ways to successfully work from home that keep you productive, efficient and on schedule.

#1: GET DRESSED

I know, I know - you’re probably thinking “But Stepf, working from home means not getting ready and getting to be in sweats all day!” While that certainly can be a perk for some, I found that it did not work for me. I felt less productive in sweats, like I wasn’t actually working. Just the simple task of putting on regular clothes - even if it’s just jeans and a long sleeve tee - being in real clothes made me feel like I was doing something other than lounging at my apartment; it created separation from work and Netflix + chill.

#2: STICK TO A MORNING ROUTINE

For me, the transition was difficult because I felt like I was out of my routine. No commute, no packing a lunch and snacks, no need to fully get ready. But once I created a new work from home morning routine, I found that I felt more productive. I make sure to wake up at the same time each morning. I prioritize getting some movement in first thing, whether it’s a walk/run, yoga, etc. I get ready as if I were going to the office and then get started working at the same time I would as if I were in the office. It helps to keep some sense of similarity to your office routine when making the transition to working from home.

#3: CREATE A DEDICATED WORK SPACE

I know not everyone has space for a full home office but dedicating a specific area to work helps create that separation from work and Netflix + chill. It could be an actual desk/office space, or a specific chair at your dining table, or a specific spot on your couch. It should be the same space each day so that your brain associates it with work. If you’re lucky enough to have an office room/space, you can keep all of your work items in that room/area and out of site. If you don’t, keep your laptop and any other work items in a bag or backpack. Each morning when you grab that bag or backpack, it signals to your brain that it is time for work.

#4: STAY ORGANIZED

This one may seem obvious but it deserves it’s spotlight. I’ve always been someone who uses calendars, notebooks, reminders and to-do lists but I’ve found since working from home, they’ve become even more relevant. Block off times in your calendar to work on specific tasks; this allows your brain to focus on one thing at a time. Create folders or labels in your email so you can easily resort back to something if needed. Make lists, be it in a notebook or on your phone. Check back to that list throughout the day to see how your pacing. Use a notebook to take notes during conference calls, or write down things that pop in your head throughout the day, or to jot down reminders. I have a slight obsession with office supplies and stationary so I always love hunting for new notebooks, calendars and pens.

#5: FIND YOUR GO-TO FOCUS ELEMENT

This was a no brainer for me and I use this technique even when working in the office. Music is my go-to for tasks that require me to really hone in and focus. The style of music depends on my mood or what I’m working on but I have go-to playlists ready at all times. For others, it may be diffusing certain essential oils, lighting a certain candle, meditating for 5 minutes, being next to a window for natural light or accomplishing the easiest tasks on your to-do list first. Whatever your go-to element is, make it a part of your routine when you really need to focus.

#6: STAY HYDRATED

When I was in the office, I always had a tumbler at my desk and would fill it up multiple times throughout the day. I used the time getting up from my desk as a quick break for my eyes and mind from the computer. Sometimes I made it a game to see how many times I could refill it in a day - hellooooo hydration [and multiple trips to the restroom!]. I found when I first started working from home that I would get so sucked into my work that I forgot to not only refill my tumbler, but to even drink water altogether! I made it a point to put my water in a fun tumbler - bonus points for having a reusable straw! My go-to now is the reusable tumbler from Starbucks - it’s only $3! You can also add things like lemon or cucumber to your water to spice it up a bit, too, and keep your hydration on track.

#7: STAY FUELED

Just like remembering to stay hydrated, it’s important to remember to stay fueled and eat. We’ve all been there - whether working from home or in an office - where you get so focused on what you’re doing, look at the clock and realize that lunch was hours ago and the afternoon slump is about to set in. If it helps, set a reminder in your calendar or on your phone to stop and eat lunch. Have grab and go snacks ready for the afternoon slump that is bound to hit you every now and then. My go-to snacks are a protein bar, veggies with hummus, a honeycrisp apple with peanut butter, or energy bites [check out the recipe for my peanut butter chocolate coconut energy bites] .

#8: MEAL PREP

This one tags off of the stay fueled point above. Even though you have the ability to make an elaborate lunch working from home, it can certainly be a time suck and take away from your productivity. Meal prepping on a Sunday and having key staples to whip together a quick and healthy lunch is key and something that really helps me. I prep basics that allow me flexibility throughout the week, as I’m not one to want the same meal 10 times in one week. Roasted veggies, greens and a grain [along with pantry + fridge staples] allow for ample flexibility throughout the week. And having them prepped saves time and effort during the work day so all you have to do is reheat quickly and assemble. [perk #9834926 of working from home…getting to eat on real plates and not from tupperware]

#9: GET MOBILE

Nowadays, working from home doesn’t have to mean just from your home. Take advantage of the flexibility to work outside on a nice day or at a cafe or coffee shop. The change of scenery can do wonders for your motivation and creativity! Be sure to have your laptop, cell phone, any necessary chargers and a portable hotspot. Don’t forget the snacks!

#10: EFFICIENTLY MULTI-TASK

You’re probably wondering how this makes you more successful. Well if you’re working the standard 40 hours/week from home, you still may find yourself falling behind on house chores or laundry. Even if you aren’t at 40 hours/week, a perk of working from home is that it allows you to multi-task. Start a load of laundry right before you sit down to start your day. When it’s time to switch loads or put something in the dryer, use that as an opportunity to give your eyes a quick break from the computer screen - which is becoming more and more of a necessity these days. While you’re heating up your lunch, take that time to tidy up your kitchen or put laundry away. Multi-tasking throughout your day will certainly make you feel more productive when the work from home day is done!

And that my friends, are 10 ways to successfully work from. Do you prefer working from home or in an office environment? Have any additional tips or tricks to be productive working from home? Share below in the comments!

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated and recirculated for 2020.