More companies are implementing work-from-home policies due to the spread of COVID-19, employees are now tasked with trying to be just as productive without their normal resources and routines. While working from home sounds like a luxury in theory, it’s certainly no vacation and being productive is easier said than done.

Every job is different and the amount you’re able to achieve will vary between career types, employers, and internal policies, but there are some key strategies to working from home when it comes to getting your tasks done efficiently Here are the some tips to working from home.

1. Stick with your routine.

Just because you’re not commuting and going into an office doesn’t mean you should skip your weekday morning preparations. Wake up at your normal time, shower, and get dressed in real clothes (not pajamas!). It may sound trivial, but this helps you mentally prepare for the day ahead and get into the “I’m going to work” mindset.

It’s also helpful to keep a set schedule. If you typical work nine-to-five hours, keep doing it at home. It’s easy to lose track of time and if you can’t stick to a typical work-life balance, you may find yourself getting easily burnt out.

2. Create a work space.

Although it’s tempting to stay in bed or head to your sofa, those who successfully work from home agree that you’re best off setting up a station. If you don’t have a desk, use your dining room table. Besides making you feel like you are at the office, this helps you maintain good posture all day, avoid distractions, and leave your work behind at the end of the day.

3. Don’t sit all day.

Sitting all day isn’t healthy even if you’re at the office, but working from home means you skip your commute and have fewer reasons to get up from your chair throughout the day. make sure to stand up regularly to stretch or move around.

If by not commuting, you have gained an extra time, that is a good opportunity to exercise, either by working out at home or going for a walk down your street while social distancing. A lunchtime walk can also do you much good.

4. Get some fresh air.

Since you are going to be working from home you will be spending a lot of time indoors. Open your windows to let in as much natural daylight and fresh air as possible, and take short walks if you live in an unpopulated area, and be sure to wash your hands as soon as you return home.

5. Stay connected with your colleagues.

If you work on a team, make sure to check in regularly just like you would in the office. Create to-do lists to keep yourself organized and focused, and share the status of your lists with your supervisor so they know you’re on top of your work. Besides email and messaging programs like Slack, it’s a good idea to set up regular check-ins via phone or video conferencing like Skype, or Zoom.

6. Fight the urge to multitask.

This may seem like a convenient time to catch up on house chores, but it’s easier than you’d expect to get distracted. Don’t let chores distract you from being productive during the time you have dedicated to working from home. You wouldn’t be doing them if you were at work, its better to delegate time you save from your daily commute to chores around the house.

The same goes for other at-home distractions. If you prepare meals or pack snacks ahead of time for the office, do the same at home so you don’t get preoccupied in the kitchen. Chances are you don’t watch TV at work either, so try not to leave it on, even if it’s just background noise.

7. If you have kids, prepare for disruptions.

It’s difficult enough to get work done if you have children at home, but even harder with younger kids like babies and toddlers. Still, it’s not impossible if you have plan ahead and have some flexibility.

Fun toys and games that kids haven’t played with before & time-consuming projects, like crafts, stickers, puzzles, and legos, are sure to buy you some time.