5 Habits That Helped Me Stay Focused While Working Remotely

Working remotely sounds great, until it isn’t. Between distractions, burnout, and weird hours, focus can slip fast. After months of trial and error, I’ve found a handful of habits that actually help me lock in and stay productive without overhauling my life. Here are 5 simple habits that have made a real difference in my day-to-day work.

1. I Prep My Space Before I Open My Laptop

It’s tempting to roll out of bed and log on—but I start every work session by setting up my space first.
Even if I’m working from a hotel, café, or co-working spot, I take 2 minutes to unpack my essentials and get settled.

Linked in Toolkit: cable pouch, mouse, stand, and headphones.

2. I Work in Bursts, Not Marathons

Focus isn’t about hours—it’s about rhythm. I use 50–60 minute focus blocks with short breaks.
Sometimes I set a timer. Sometimes I just trust my energy.
Either way, working in bursts gives my brain clarity and my work more intention.

3. I Keep Distractions Physically Out of Reach

Out of sight = out of mind.
Phone goes in a drawer. Notifications go off.
Sometimes I’ll even put on headphones with ambient music—even if I’m not listening—just to signal "heads-down mode."

My go-to: Sennheiser Momentum 4 — linked in Toolkit.

4. I Reset My Energy, Not Just My Calendar

Instead of packing back-to-back calls, I leave buffer time and physically move.
That might mean stretching, walking around the block, or switching chairs.
It’s not about being perfect—just staying recharged.

5. I End the Day with a 3-Minute Reset

At the end of the day, I put my tools away—yes, even if I’m working at home.
It’s a micro-habit that signals: “Work’s done. You’re off.”
Helps avoid burnout, keeps my space cleaner, and makes starting the next day easier.

Want to see the gear I use to stay focused?
I’ve linked everything in my Toolkit here — simple, durable gear that actually helps me do better work.