10 Productivity Hacks for Working from Home During the Holidays
The holiday season brings joy, excitement, and—let’s face it—a ton of distractions. Between family gatherings, shopping lists, and the urge to curl up by the fire, staying productive while working from home can feel like a monumental task. As someone who works from home, trust me, I get it. But with a few strategic hacks, it’s possible to stay focused and keep holiday stress at bay. Here are my ten tips to help you stay on track without missing out on the festive season.
1. Set Holiday-Specific Goals
Define clear, short-term goals specifically for the holiday season. Instead of aiming for your usual targets, think about what’s realistic for December. Whether it’s finishing projects early or simply keeping up with essential tasks, having holiday-specific goals keeps you focused on what matters.
2. Create a Seasonal Work Routine
The holidays can disrupt routines, so embrace the season with a flexible schedule. Start a bit earlier to free up evenings for festive activities or break your day into smaller segments to accommodate shopping, decorating, or other holiday tasks. Also, don’t forget about sun light lamps to combat that sneaky seasonal depression.
3. Prioritize Your To-Do List
With increased personal and work demands, a prioritized to-do list is essential. Identify the most crucial tasks each day and focus on those first. This way, if holiday activities call, you’ve already handled the essentials.
4. Take Advantage of Early Mornings
The holiday hustle tends to get busier as the day goes on. Set aside early mornings as your dedicated work time when the house is quiet. A couple of hours in the morning can often feel as productive as an entire afternoon with fewer distractions. Plus, no one wants to work when it gets dark at 5 p.m.
5. Communicate Your Availability Clearly
Let family, friends, and colleagues know your work schedule during the holidays. This avoids unnecessary interruptions and allows loved ones to plan around your availability. I am a chronic over- scheduler and frequent anxiety induced hot mess. This year, I definitely need to be more communicative and remember to carve out some time for myself! Plus, it helps keep work-life boundaries clear when both realms are at their busiest.
6. Use Time-Blocking Techniques
Try blocking your time for specific tasks, especially during the holidays. Designate focused work sessions and schedule break times for holiday-related activities. As a Microsoft Teams girl, I love putting work blocks on my calendars. Using time blocks keeps your day structured, ensuring you’re productive without neglecting the holiday cheer.
7. Stay Organized with Digital Tools
Utilize project management tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of deadlines and goals. Tools like Google Calendar can help balance personal and work commitments, while apps like Evernote keep important holiday and work notes accessible and organized.
8. Set a Festive Workspace
Decorate your workspace with a touch of holiday flair. A small tree, twinkle lights, or even a holiday-scented candle can bring a cozy vibe to your workspace and keep you motivated. Just make sure not to go overboard—keep the decorations inspiring, not distracting.
9. Take Short, Refreshing Breaks
Working from home often means fewer built-in breaks. Use the holiday season as an excuse to take quick, rejuvenating breaks. Step outside to get fresh air or do something festive for a few minutes, like enjoying a peppermint mocha or putting up a holiday decoration.
10. Celebrate Your Wins
Holiday or not, working from home can be challenging. Acknowledge small victories—finishing that challenging report, organizing your workspace, or staying on task through a busy day. Recognizing your accomplishments keeps you motivated to push through this hectic time of year.
Productivity Hacks for Working from Home During the Holidays
With these productivity hacks, you can enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing your work goals. By setting boundaries, creating a routine, and sprinkling in a little holiday cheer, you’ll find a rhythm that keeps you on track. So grab a hot cocoa, dive into your to-do list, and make the most of working from home this holiday season!
