12 Ways to Be More Productive at Home (Including How Your Space Affects Focus) | Bobby Berk

Have trouble getting (and staying) focused? You’re definitely not alone. Even the best of us get stumped when it comes to how to really be productive amidst everything that’s going on around us. But there are fool-proof ways to be more productive -12 of them in fact- to get you back on track and fully focused.

Unfortunately, there’s no magic wand for instant improvement. Embracing productivity and a renewed sense of focus will require some commitment. But it all starts with making simple changes to your routine and focusing on the areas that YOU can control. Once you’ve made those adjustments, you’ll be well on your way to a more productive (and empowered) you. Also, keep in mind that your space – and its design – can help you be more productive too. Keep scrolling to learn how your space affects your focus, and see 12 ways to be more productive!

For even more ways to be productive, check out: The 8 Things You Didn’t Know Your iPhone Could Do and Mindful Productivity: 6 Ways To Maintain Your Mental Health.

Ways to Be More Productive

How Your Space Affects Focus

Your physical environment has a direct impact on how well you can concentrate. A cluttered desk or a room full of distractions forces your brain to constantly filter out irrelevant information, which drains mental energy before you even start working. Something as simple as facing your desk toward a wall instead of a busy hallway can make a noticeable difference. Lighting matters too — dim or harsh overhead lights cause eye strain and fatigue, while natural light has been shown to improve mood and alertness. Taking even fifteen minutes to organize your workspace and remove unnecessary items can set the tone for a more focused, productive day.

3. Schedule Your To-Do List

A standard to-do list is all well and good, but to get the most out of your day, try scheduling your tasks. Assigning a time period to tasks (20 minutes for responding to e-mails, 15 minutes for a project update) will make better use of a busy day and keep you on track. You can even use an app to help remind you when you’ve reached a time period – and when to keep things moving.

6. Focus On One Task At A Time

Multi-tasking may be the norm in the modern workplace, but more tasks often mean less productivity. Yep, single-tasking is proven to be a more effective method for actually getting things done – and done well.  And when you really focus on the one thing you’re doing (and eliminate even 3-second distractions), you’ll be more efficient, accurate, and well on the way to increased productivity.

Ways to Be More Productive

Your Home Office Checklist

What should every home office have to ensure a productive and ergonomic setup? Use this checklist.

• A desk with enough surface area for your monitor, keyboard, and some breathing room.

• An ergonomic chair with lumbar support and adjustable height

• A good desk lamp with adjustable brightness to reduce eye strain.

• Natural light from a window, if possible, with blinds or curtains to control glare on your screen.

• Noise-cancelling headphones for focusing during deep work

• A monitor riser or laptop stand to keep your screen at eye level.

• A water bottle to stay hydrated.

• A small plant or two — they improve air quality and just make the space feel better

9. Deal With Something Just Once

We’ve all found ourselves saying “I’ll take care of that later”… only to then find it buried in our in-box. But a more productive approach is to deal with it once and be done. For appointments, meetings, or requests from co-workers, take the time to make an immediate plan of action instead of putting it off – and you’ll never have to go digging through your in-box again.

12. Integrate A “Shutdown” Routine

The lines between work and home have definitely gotten blurrier. That’s why creating a practice of “shutting down” for the day is so essential. Powering down your computer, turning on music, or dimming the lights are all actions you can take to make it clear that the workday is winding down (and that e-mail CAN wait until tomorrow). Creating this separation will prevent feelings of fatigue and keep you sharp for the next day.

Ways to Be More Productive

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be More Productive Working from Home?

Start by establishing a consistent routine that mirrors a real workday — wake up at the same time, get dressed, and set clear start and stop times. Designate a specific area in your home as your workspace so your brain associates that spot with focus. Minimize digital distractions by silencing non-essential notifications and keeping your phone in another room during deep work sessions. Finally, plan your most demanding tasks for whenever your energy naturally peaks, whether that’s first thing in the morning or mid-afternoon.

Does your Desk Setup affect Productivity?

Absolutely. A poorly set up desk can quietly sabotage your output in ways you might not immediately notice. If your monitor is too low, you’ll hunch forward and end up with neck pain that pulls your attention away from your work. If your chair doesn’t support your back, you’ll shift around constantly and take more breaks than necessary. An organized desk with everything you need within arm’s reach reduces the micro-interruptions that come from searching for a pen, untangling a charger, or shuffling through papers. Ergonomics and tidiness aren’t just about comfort — they directly influence how long you can sustain focused work before fatigue sets in.

What Color helps you focus?

Blue is consistently the top recommendation for focus and productivity. Research in color psychology suggests that blue tones promote calm concentration without making you feel drowsy. Green is another strong choice — it’s easy on the eyes, reduces anxiety, and works especially well if you spend a lot of time staring at screens. Softer, muted shades of both colors tend to work better than bold or saturated versions, which can become overstimulating over time. If your workspace feels flat or uninspiring, warm accents like a soft yellow or orange in small doses can boost creativity and energy without undermining your focus. Avoid painting an entire room red — while it can increase urgency, it also raises stress levels, which isn’t ideal for sustained work.

How can you be Productive with kids at Home?

This is one of the hardest parts of working from home, and the key is realistic expectations. Build your schedule around your kids’ natural rhythms — nap times, school hours, or screen time blocks become your windows for deep focus work. Communicate boundaries clearly, even with young children. A simple visual cue, like a closed door or a sign that says “Dad/Mom is working,” helps them understand when you’re available and when you’re not. Prep easy activities or quiet bins with coloring books, puzzles, or building toys that can keep them occupied during short stretches. For older kids, try syncing your work blocks with their homework or reading time so everyone is in focus mode together. Most importantly, let go of the idea that your workday will look the same as it did in an office — working in shorter, more intense bursts with breaks for the kids in between is a perfectly valid approach.