Productivity Hacks Specifically for People Who Work From Home

13. Try a “Fake Commute” Ritual

One of the most underrated productivity tricks? Simulating a commute. It might sound odd, but creating a short walk or “transition” before and after work helps signal to your brain when to shift gears. This fake commute can be a podcast walk, coffee stroll, or 10 minutes of journaling—anything that mimics the mental separation of leaving and returning home. It sets boundaries, clears residual stress, and helps remote workers start the day with intention and end it with closure. Without this buffer, it’s all too easy for work to seep into every corner of your personal life.

14. Use Visual Cues for Task Switching

When you work and relax in the same space, your brain can blur boundaries fast. Visual cues help retrain focus. Try switching lighting (desk lamp on = work mode), changing your seating position, or using a specific mug only during work hours. These environmental triggers subtly condition your brain to switch contexts, making it easier to focus when needed—and disengage when the day ends. Bonus tip: Color-code your to-do list with sticky notes on the wall for a glanceable, motivating visual that keeps your goals front and center.