Everyone loves working from home—or at least most of us do. It offers flexibility, comfort, freedom, and convenience (like enjoying your own food, being home for deliveries, and skipping the commute). Since 2020, working from home suddenly became the new normal—whether we were ready for it or not.

While many enjoy working from home, it certainly comes with its challenges—distractions, isolation, and the constant temptation to procrastinate. Staying motivated can feel like a struggle, but with the right strategies, you can transform your home environment into a productivity powerhouse. Let’s dive into practical tips to keep your motivation high while working from home.

Working from the comfort of your own home

1. Create a dedicated workspace

Setting up a dedicated workspace can significantly boost your focus. Whether it’s a corner of your room or a full office setup, having a specific area for work helps your brain distinguish between “work mode” and “relax mode.” Keep your space organized and stocked with everything you need—like your laptop, notebook, or even a motivational playlist. Avoid working from your bed or couch, as these can blur the boundaries between work and rest—they’re great for chilling, but not for productivity! Also, keep the television out of sight so it doesn’t become too tempting or distracting.

2. Establish a morning routine

The way you start your day sets the tone for the hours ahead. A solid morning routine can help you mentally prepare for work. Start with small wins: make your bed, get yourself a nice cup of coffee, and spend a few minutes planning your day. Create habits that energize you, like a quick workout, a burst of fresh air, or listening to uplifting music—anything that gets you moving and ready to tackle the day. A structured morning routine helps signal your brain that it’s time to focus.

3. Set Clear Goals and Prioritize

Having a clear to-do list is essential for staying on track. Each morning (or the night before), identify your top 2–3 priority tasks. Break bigger projects into smaller steps to make them more manageable. By focusing on specific goals, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure steady progress throughout the day. Plus, when you complete these tasks, you get a sense of fulfillment, which makes your chill time feel guilt-free and well-deserved.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Working from home doesn’t mean you have to be glued to your desk. In fact, regular breaks can boost your productivity. A study in Applied Cognitive Psychology tested the impact of five different types of breaks on sustained attention. After 45 minutes of focused work, participants took a 5-minute break to either play on their phone, sit in silence, or listen to music or a video. All break groups performed better than those who didn’t take a break at all. It’s recommended to keep your breaks under 30 minutes if you want to maintain peak performance.

You can use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which alternates focused work sessions with short breaks. It also gamifies your time management which helps for some. Quickly stepping outside for fresh air, stretch, or simply move around to recharge your energy and refocus your mind also works.

But what about hyperfocus?

While regular breaks are important for maintaining productivity and mental clarity, hyperfocus can sometimes offer its own set of benefits, especially for tasks that require deep concentration. Hyperfocus is when you’re fully immersed in a task and lose track of time. It can be incredibly productive because you’re not distracted, and you’re able to dive deep into the work at hand.

However, the challenge with hyperfocus is that it can lead to burnout if you don’t balance it with breaks. Prolonged periods without rest can drain your energy and lead to diminishing returns in productivity.

The key is finding a balance. Hyperfocus can be incredibly beneficial, but it’s important not to rely on it for every task you do.

Having Hyperfocus on work

5. Limit Distractions

Distractions are everywhere—social media, household chores, or even the TV or Playstation. To stay motivated, minimize these interruptions. Turn off notifications, set boundaries with family or roommates, and create a schedule for non-work activities. This is one of the most challenging aspects of working from home.

Here's a list with good tips on how to avoid distractions.

6. Stay Connected with Your Team

Remote work can sometimes feel isolating. Combat this by maintaining regular communication with your colleagues. Schedule video calls, participate in team chats, or even organize virtual coffee breaks. Feeling connected can keep your motivation levels high and remind you of the bigger purpose behind your work. However, keep in mind that some people may find too much interaction distracting, so it’s all about finding the right balance based on how much contact you need during the day (and already have). Not working with a team? Call family or friends!

Staying motivated while working from home is all about finding what works for you. By setting up a productive environment, sticking to routines, and prioritizing self-care, you can make remote work not just manageable but fulfilling. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint—stay consistent, and you’ll reap the rewards.

Is it really motivation you are lacking?

James Clear, the best-selling author of Atomic Habits, argues that motivation is overrated. Similarly to a Psychology today article, he suggests to stop waiting for motivation and instead build habits. He believes that many people think they lack motivation but what they really lack is clarity, actually having a plan to work with. To tackle this, he suggests making small, consistent changes that gradually turn into habits. These tiny adjustments may seem minor at first, but over time they lead to significant results. The idea is simple: change your habits, and you'll change your life.

Lacking motivation? Or just no game plan!