20 Productivity Hacks for Working From Home That Don't Involve Your Screen

3. Use Paper Planners to Time-Block Your Day

Analog planning isn’t just a throwback—it’s a proven way to organize your day and reduce digital overwhelm. Grab a paper planner (or even a notebook) and try time-blocking: divide your workday into sections, each assigned to specific tasks or types of work. Write these blocks down in ink. This physical act helps clarify your intentions and gives your mind a visual map to follow. Unlike digital calendars, paper planners don’t tempt you with notifications or side-tracks.

4. Try the 1-Minute Reset Rule

If clutter keeps creeping into your workspace, commit to a one-minute “reset” at the start or end of every workday. This isn’t a deep clean—it’s about quickly organizing your desktop, tossing empty cups, straightening your chair, or closing an overflowing file folder. These tiny, consistent resets fend off the mental snowball effect of mess and help signal closure. Research shows even minimal tidying can refresh your mood and lower anxiety, priming you for a productive next day.