Working from home has transformed how millions of Brits approach their professional lives. Whether you’re managing teams from your spare room or coding from your kitchen table, establishing the right daily habits can dramatically boost your output and wellbeing.
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace That Works
Your physical environment shapes your mental state. Setting up a proper workspace isn’t just about having a desk—it’s about creating boundaries between work and home life.
Invest in quality office furniture that supports your body through long working hours. An ergonomic chair from brands like Sihoo UK can prevent the back pain and fatigue that derail productivity. Position your monitor at eye level, keep essential items within arm’s reach, and ensure adequate lighting to reduce eye strain.
The Morning Setup Ritual
Start each day by preparing your workspace as if you’re expecting a colleague to visit. Clear yesterday’s tea mugs, arrange your documents, and open the blinds. This five-minute ritual signals to your brain that work mode has begun.
Keep personal distractions out of sight during work hours. That pile of laundry can wait until lunch.
2. Establish Non-Negotiable Working Hours
Remote work’s flexibility is brilliant, but without structure, you’ll find yourself answering emails at 10pm whilst missing important morning meetings.
Set clear start and finish times, then communicate these to your household and colleagues. Use your calendar to block out focused work periods, and treat them as seriously as you would in-office meetings. When your workday ends, close your laptop and physically step away from your workspace.
Managing Time Zone Challenges
If you’re collaborating with international teams, designate specific days for early or late calls rather than constantly shifting your schedule. Your body clock will thank you.
Use tools like World Clock or Slack’s time zone features to avoid scheduling mishaps that disrupt your routine.
3. Take Proper Breaks Away From Your Screen
The temptation to power through without breaks is strong when your commute is ten seconds. However, regular breaks actually increase productivity and creativity.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Stand up hourly, even if it’s just to make a cuppa or water your plants. These micro-breaks prevent the mental fog that builds from prolonged screen time.
The Lunch Hour Revolution
Actually take your lunch hour. Step outside for fresh air, prepare a proper meal, or do a quick workout. Eating at your desk whilst scrolling through spreadsheets isn’t a break—it’s a recipe for afternoon burnout.
Consider using your lunch break for a walk around the block or a quick yoga session to reset your energy levels.
4. Master the Art of Deep Work
Distractions at home are everywhere—from delivery notifications to the washing machine’s finished cycle beep. Creating periods of deep, focused work requires intentional planning.
Block out 90-minute chunks for your most important tasks. Put your phone in another room, close unnecessary browser tabs, and use tools like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites. Inform your household that you’re in deep work mode and shouldn’t be interrupted unless it’s urgent.
Beating the Notification Trap
Turn off all non-essential notifications during focused work periods. Slack, email, and social media can wait. Set specific times to check messages rather than responding reactively throughout the day.
Your colleagues will adapt to your response patterns, and you’ll find most “urgent” messages weren’t actually urgent at all.
5. Prioritise Movement Throughout Your Day
Sitting in the same position for hours wreaks havoc on your body and mind. Your ergonomic chair helps, but movement is equally crucial.
Set hourly reminders to stand and stretch. Do desk exercises like shoulder rolls and neck stretches. Consider a standing desk converter for variety, or take calls whilst walking around your garden. Physical movement boosts circulation, improving both energy levels and cognitive function.
Building Exercise Into Your Routine
Replace your commute time with exercise. A morning jog or evening yoga session creates natural boundaries between work and personal time whilst keeping you fit.
Even ten minutes of movement makes a difference. Try bodyweight exercises between meetings or dance to your favourite song during breaks.
6. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time
Your energy levels fluctuate throughout the day. Identifying and working with these patterns transforms your productivity.
Track when you feel most alert and schedule demanding tasks for these peak periods. Save routine admin for energy dips. If you’re sharpest in the morning, tackle complex projects then rather than starting with emails. Protect these high-energy windows fiercely—they’re your productivity goldmine.
The Afternoon Slump Solution
Most people experience an energy dip around 2-3pm. Instead of fighting through with caffeine, try a 10-minute power nap or meditation session. Natural light exposure and light exercise work better than that fourth coffee.
Adjust your task list to match your energy, scheduling creative work for high-energy periods and administrative tasks for lower-energy times.
7. Create Clear Work-Life Boundaries
When your office is your home, work can seep into every corner of your life. Establishing firm boundaries protects both your productivity and personal wellbeing.
Develop an end-of-day ritual that signals work is finished. Close all work tabs, write tomorrow’s priorities, and physically shut your laptop. Change clothes if it helps create psychological distance. Resist checking work messages after hours unless genuinely necessary—most things can wait until morning.
Digital Boundaries That Stick
Use separate browser profiles or devices for work and personal activities. Set up automatic email replies outside working hours. Remove work apps from your personal phone, or use focus modes to silence them after hours.
Your evening recovery time directly impacts tomorrow’s productivity. Protect it as carefully as you would any important meeting.
Making These Habits Stick
Implementing all seven habits at once is overwhelming. Start with one or two that address your biggest challenges. Once these become automatic, add another.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Some days will be more productive than others, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is consistency over time, building a sustainable routine that supports both your professional success and personal wellbeing.
Your home office setup, from your ergonomic chair to your daily habits, forms the foundation of remote work success. Invest in both the physical tools and daily practices that support your long-term productivity and health.
