By 
Working remotely for the past few years has taught me a lot about productivity—especially how easy it is to lose it. Without the structure of a traditional office, distractions are everywhere: the laundry, the dog, and that tempting Netflix tab just a click away.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that staying on top of things isn’t about working harder or longer—it’s about working smarter. The key lies in adopting effective time management hacks and productivity tricks that help you stay focused and get productive, even in the face of distractions.
Whether you’re a fellow remote worker or just someone looking to make the most of your time, these seven essential habits are true game-changers for a productive day.
1) Embracing a morning routine
One of the most transformative habits I’ve adopted is embracing a morning routine.
Working remotely means I have the freedom to set my own schedule, but without discipline, that freedom can quickly become a recipe for chaos. For years, I’d heard about the benefits of having a routine, but it wasn’t until I read The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma and listened to successful entrepreneurs like Tim Ferriss preach the importance of a solid morning start that I decided to try it for myself.
For me, it’s not just about waking up early or sticking to a rigid plan. It’s about creating a consistent start to my day that aligns with my goals and sets the tone for productivity.
Most mornings, I kick things off with 10 minutes of stretching or yoga, followed by a cup of coffee while journaling or reviewing my top priorities. After that, I dive into focused work for an hour before checking emails or tackling distractions.
Your ideal morning routine might look completely different—and that’s the beauty of it. The key isn’t the specific tasks but the structure, consistency, and sense of purpose you build into those first waking hours.
Since incorporating this habit, I’ve noticed a profound shift in how I approach my day. Tasks feel more manageable, procrastination takes a backseat, and my productivity has skyrocketed. It’s a small adjustment that pays off in big ways.
2) Incorporating daily physical activity
As a kid, I was always on the move—playing games, riding bikes, and staying active without even thinking about it. But as adulthood crept in, that naturally energetic lifestyle faded, replaced by long hours at a desk and a growing list of excuses to skip exercise.
One day, I realized—I was neglecting my physical health, and it was taking a toll on my mental well-being too. That wake-up call pushed me to make a change.
Determined to reintroduce physical activity into my life, I started small by working out with dumbbells at home. I’d carve out just 20 to 30 minutes a day, focusing on simple but effective exercises like bicep curls, squats, and shoulder presses. Over time, I began to notice the benefits—not just in my strength and stamina but also in my mood and focus.
What surprised me most was how empowering it felt to lift weights. The act of challenging my body, feeling it grow stronger with each session, and achieving small milestones reignited a sense of discipline and self-confidence that had been missing.
For me, these workouts became more than a way to stay fit—they became a refuge. They gave me structure, helped me decompress, and ultimately made me more productive in all areas of my life.
Daily physical activity doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether it’s lifting dumbbells, going for a run, or stretching on a yoga mat, the important thing is to find what works for you and make it part of your routine. The results are worth every rep.
3) Prioritizing regular breaks
Here’s a fact for you: research has shown that taking regular breaks can actually increase productivity. It might seem counterintuitive, but the science backs it up.
I used to be one of those people who thought powering through work without breaks was the way to accomplish more. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Incorporating regular pauses into my day wasn’t an easy shift, but the impact was undeniable. Whether it was a quick walk around the block, a few minutes of meditation, or simply stepping away from my desk to stretch, these small moments of respite refreshed my mind and re-energized my body.
This habit is not just about taking a breather; it’s about understanding that our brains need time to recharge. It’s about respecting our cognitive limits and using breaks as a tool to sustain high levels of productivity.
By integrating this habit into my workday, I’ve witnessed a considerable improvement in my focus and output.
You might too.
4) Practicing daily planning
If there’s one habit that has made a world of difference in my productivity, it’s daily planning. Taking just a few minutes to map out my day not only keeps me on track but also gives me a sense of clarity and control over my workload.
This habit isn’t just backed by personal experience—it’s grounded in research. As experts have noted ”
Over 1,000 studies have consistently shown that setting high and specific goals is linked to increased task performance, persistence, and motivation, compared to vague or easy goals.”
Every evening, I take 10 minutes to jot down the key tasks I want to tackle the next day. I prioritize them, breaking down larger projects into manageable chunks and assigning time blocks for each activity. This process transforms what could feel like an overwhelming mountain of work into a clear and achievable plan.
What I love most about daily planning is that it eliminates the guesswork from my mornings. Instead of scrambling to figure out where to start, I hit the ground running, knowing exactly what needs my attention.
Of course, plans don’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay. Flexibility is part of the process. But having a roadmap ensures I stay focused and make steady progress toward my goals, even when unexpected curveballs come my way.
If you’re looking for a habit that can immediately boost your productivity, give daily planning a try. It’s simple, effective, and, as the research shows, a proven way to perform at your best.
5) Maintaining a clean workspace
Have you ever noticed how a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind?
This was a revelation I stumbled upon a few years ago. I noticed that when my workspace was messy, my productivity took a hit.
Deciding to test this theory, I began making an effort to keep my workspace clean and organized. The impact was immediate and profound.
Maintaining a clean workspace isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that fosters focus and minimizes distractions.
By decluttering my physical space, I found that my mental space followed suit. Tasks became easier to tackle, ideas flowed more freely, and my overall productivity soared.
Through this simple habit, I’ve managed to create an environment conducive to efficiency and creativity.
6) Embracing digital tools
In our hyper-connected world, technology often gets a bad rap as a source of distractions. But when used intentionally, it can be one of the most powerful allies in boosting productivity.
For years, I clung to the simplicity of pen and paper to manage my tasks and plan my day. It felt familiar, tangible, and effective—until it wasn’t. As my responsibilities grew, I found myself struggling to keep track of everything, and I knew it was time to adapt.
That’s when I turned to digital tools, and I haven’t looked back since. Apps like Trello have revolutionized the way I organize projects, allowing me to visually map out tasks and deadlines. Google Calendar, with its seamless integration across devices, ensures I never miss a meeting or forget a commitment.
These tools didn’t just help me stay organized; they streamlined my workflow and freed up mental space I didn’t even realize I was using to “remember” things.
Embracing digital tools isn’t about being trendy—it’s about working smarter, not harder. By integrating these resources into my daily routine, I’ve gained more time, focus, and control over my schedule.
If you’re hesitant about making the switch, I get it. But trust me, even small changes, like using a task management app or setting automated reminders, can make a world of difference. It’s a simple yet impactful way to maximize productivity.
7) Single-tasking
In a world that glorifies multitasking, it might seem counterintuitive to focus on just one thing at a time.
But here’s the truth: multitasking isn’t the productivity hack it’s often made out to be. In fact, experts say multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%.
I used to pride myself on juggling multiple tasks at once—replying to emails while on a call, brainstorming ideas in the middle of a meeting, and trying to keep a dozen tabs open (both on my browser and in my brain). But over time, I realized this approach left me feeling scattered and stretched thin, with little to show for my efforts.
Shifting to single-tasking changed everything. Now, I focus on one task at a time, giving it my full attention before moving on to the next. I silence notifications, set clear time blocks for deep work, and resist the urge to “just quickly check” my phone or email.
This approach not only improves the quality of my work but also helps me finish tasks more efficiently. I feel less stressed and more accomplished at the end of the day, knowing I’ve given my best to each project instead of dividing my energy across multiple distractions.
Single-tasking isn’t always easy in a fast-paced world, but it’s a powerful way to reclaim your focus and maximize your productivity. Try it—you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, productivity is not just about doing more; it’s about doing what matters, efficiently and joyfully. Try these 7 habits, and you might just find your days becoming more productive and fulfilling. Happy hustling!