If you somehow stay super-productive when working from home, you deserve some sort of medal. When you’re in your own space, it’s hard to stay focused. Just think of all the distractions, from the TV to your roommate on conference calls in the other room. If you’ve been struggling, there are some tools that can help. From noise-canceling headphones to productivity timers, staying focused will no longer be a problem.
The Best Tools for Being More Productive While WFH
Noise-Canceling Headphones
It’s hard to get anything done when you’re constantly hearing the sounds of your significant other’s work calls or construction going on outside. According to reviewers, these headphones ($40, amazon.com) are soft, comfortable, and keep the distractions out with noise-canceling capabilities that are on-par with headphones that cost upward of $350.
A Workout Break
If you have pent-up energy that’s making you ancy and keeping you from staying productive, take a midday workout break. Fitspot has live and on-demand classes, all of which are led by a fitness instructor. You can try yoga, HIIT, stretching—whatever you’re into.
Adjustable Standing Desk Surface
Sitting for long periods of time can leave you feeling sluggish and low on energy. With an adjustable desk surface that can be raised and lowered as you please ($90, amazon.com), you’re able to move around more during the day, beating the sleepiness and increasing your productivity.
Fidget Cube
The Fidget Cube ($10, antsylab.com) is designed to help you focus and stay productive during the day. If you tend to get a little restless, utilize its many sides to keep your mind on track. Each side has something different: something to click, roll, spin, flip, and more. Once you stop fidgeting, you’ll be able to jump back into work-mode.
Productivity Timer
Anyone who has trouble staying on track needs to get a productivity timer ASAP. This one ($19, amazon.com) is really simple to use. When you’re ready to devote a period of time to work—and nothing else!—you just rotate it to the timer of your choice, whether it’s 5, 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Then, do your thing. Once the time is up, take a break and repeat.
Productivity Planner
This isn’t your typical planner. Unlike other options, the productivity planner ($25, amazon.com) uses the Pomodoro Technique to help you stay focused and reach your goals. You start by doing the most important task of the day first, then continue working on your other tasks in 25-minute periods without distraction.
