Working from home is an ever-growing necessity, but it shouldn't feel like a burden. While working from home can bring great benefits, like increased productivity and comfort, staying focused with family or roommates around isn't always easy. It's time to tackle these challenges head-on - let’s make working from home work for you. Here are some tips to work from home and maximize your time.

Set Up a Comfortable Work-From-Home Workspace

You don't need to worry about trying to squeeze in work at the kitchen table or spread out on a too-tiny living room couch. Create your own oasis of productivity and comfort with these essential tips for crafting the perfect home office. You'll be able to excel during your work hours, giving you more time for restful relaxation afterward. So, get ready - it's worth taking that extra step for an optimized workspace.

• Wouldn't it be great to have a dedicated workspace where you can focus and work undisturbed? If that's not an option, try carving out your own corner of the world - like creating a little office nook in one section of any room. It'll make tackling those tasks so much easier!

• Make sure your workspace is as comfortable and ergonomically sound as possible - from a supportive chair to the perfect desk height. A well-configured office can make all the difference in workplace productivity.

• To ensure a bright and productive workspace, take advantage of natural lighting from your window—pair this with an additional desk lamp or overhead light for optimal illumination. It's important to have the right environment when getting things done, and lighting can make the difference between feeling like you’re in a dungeon or a C-suite skyrise office.

• Create a refuge from the hustle and bustle of life by sprucing up your space with plants, artwork, and handmade home décor. Make it yours so you love to be there.

Designing a home office is critical to making you feel at work–at home, so don’t skip this step or skimp on effort when you create your home office setup.

Make Sure You Have the Work-From-Home Technology You Need

If you're new to the work-from-home routine and want to keep productivity up, it might be time for an upgrade. Keep your tech game strong with a better computer setup, headset, and printer, as well as any other hardware that can help make digital life simpler. Don't forget those all-important apps either - whether they come preloaded or not.

Working for a company almost always means being equipped with the tools essential to completing your work. While the company may provide you with software, collaboration apps, and more – if there’s something tech-wise missing from the equation don’t hesitate to ask. Many companies will expense the equipment, hardware, and software to ensure a proper home office setup for their employees.

Work Regular Hours

As you fine-tune your work-from-home productivity, it's important to keep a distinction between your home and business life. That way you won't feel like all of your time is taken up by one or the other. Set regular hours based on what you're used to when going into an office; but, if that isn’t possible for whatever reason, then make sure you have enough self-discipline to carry out those tasks effectively. This contributes drastically towards achieving balance from day to day - something we could all use more of.

Set Boundaries While Working Remotely

Take control of your life and set clear boundaries with the people you live with, as well as yourself. Remind them that just because you work from home, doesn't mean they can take advantage of your not-so-free time. When it's work hours for you, let those who may cross the lines know: you’re on business. Respect everyone around you by observing the same professionalism during home hours as if we’re at an office or workplace.

You have to be disciplined and set boundaries for yourself. It's not always easy, but ignore the endless calls from your laundry pile and sink full of dishes until your planned breaks or when that clock strikes quitting time. And avoid scrolling those social media feeds; don't let it pull you away from putting more effort into what needs doing during work hours. Consistency is key. Lay down some solid foundations now before rewards come later on. You got this.

Take Breaks from Work

Planning and taking regular breaks throughout your workday is just as important - if not more so - than when you're at an office. Set a timer for 15 minutes and get up, stretch those legs of yours with a walk around the neighborhood to clear your head, and refocus afterward. Resist the urge to do household chores outside break time, leveraging that planned free time instead.

Dress for Work

We know it's tempting to stay in your pajamas all day when you're working from home, but it can be a disadvantage to be too comfortable. Put yourself together and get ready for the workday. You can still look put-together without having a suit or gown on - just keep it workplace casual with something comfortable yet classy. Dressing up gives off an air of professionalism; plus, you'll feel much better about tackling that 9 AM virtual meeting after taking some steps towards getting dressed each morning.

Make the Most of Working From Home

Embrace the opportunities that come with working from home. Forget about battling through commutes and noisy distractions. Take advantage of a real office mentality right in your own space. Set up an environment where you can be productive but also enjoy some peace and comfort.

Explore one of Centex’s affordable new home communities today to discover stunning designs with flexible floor plans that enable you to plan your office setup easily.