Master the art of working from home—boost productivity, reclaim your time, and thrive in a new era of remote work!
Who This Is For
Anybody participating in the long-term work-from-home (WFH) experiment and seeing the value in it. This series is designed to help you find a balance between working productively, making time for yourself, and spending quality time with loved ones in a sustainable way. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to life or work, but we’ll explore basic principles that apply to all ages and different types of remote workers.
My Experience and Why I Wrote This
When COVID-19 took hold in Australia, I was fortunate to be classified as an ‘essential worker’ in the public infrastructure sector. Since early 2020, I have been working remotely. Fast forward to 2025, I am still in the same field, working in a different state, all made possible by the introduction of new remote work policies.
As the title suggests, I’m still holding down a six-figure income while working 15% fewer hours than before. I’m not sharing this to brag, but to illustrate what’s possible and to help others in similar situations find success in remote work.
A Good Day Starts the Night Before: Sleep Routine 💤
You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s true—a good day starts with a good night’s sleep. Think about how different your day feels after a rough night with a sick child, compared to a well-rested 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. The contrast is huge.
When I first started working from home, I felt like I had more freedom to adjust my sleep and bedtime routine. But without structure—like knowing I had to be up at a specific time to commute to the office—things felt chaotic.
Tip 1: Stick to Your Typical Bedtime Routine 🕒
Maintain a bedtime routine as if you were still commuting. For me, that means going to bed between 8:30 and 9:00 PM 🛌 and waking up between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. Everyone’s schedule will differ, but the key is finding a routine that works for you. A 30-minute flexibility window makes it more sustainable. Be kind to yourself and set realistic goals.
Why Sleep Matters for Productivity 🧠
- The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep for adults to support memory, cognitive function, and emotional regulation.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that sleep deprivation can impair focus, decision-making, and even lead to chronic health conditions.
- Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep, highlights that proper sleep improves learning, problem-solving, and stress management.
Movement Is Power: Get Moving 🏃♂️
One of the best things you can do first thing in the morning—besides resisting the snooze button ⏰—is to get your blood flowing. Movement boosts circulation, wakes up your mind, and helps set the tone for a productive day.
Tip 2: Start Small
You don’t need to dive into a full workout routine. A few simple stretches 🙆♀️, a short walk 🚶♂️, or even shaking out your limbs can make a big difference. The key is consistency.
Dress for Success: The Psychology of Getting Ready 👔
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Dress for success.” At first, I understood it only from a visual perspective—wearing professional attire. But over time, I realized it’s about more than just appearances; it’s about how you feel and how it impacts your productivity.
Get Changed 🧥
Wearing something similar to what I’d wear to the office or on-site gives me a boost of confidence and helps me feel ready for the day. The simple act of getting dressed transitions your mind into “work mode.”
That said, I’ll admit—I rarely wear shoes while working from home 👟, and summer days often mean wearing shorts. But the key is getting out of pajamas and into something that signals a shift into work mode.
Tip 3: Plan Your Outfits and Have Fun 🎨
Try planning your weekly outfits in advance. Maybe you have a “Casual Friday,” “Shorts Monday,” or even a fun theme. Whatever works for you, just make sure to get changed into something intentional.
This is just the beginning of the Work From Home Experiment blog series. I’ll continue adding new insights and practical tips as I write more chapters. Stay tuned!
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