Remote work is already a reality in some professions. For business owners or solo entrepreneurs, it can also be a possibility - or even a necessity. But how can you take advantage of the benefits of this way of working - like saving time on commuting - without letting productivity suffer (after all, the TV is always nearby, asking to be turned on)? In this article, we'll give you some tips to be more productive at work.

After working in managerial roles in the printing industry for some time, American Jeff Haden began working as a ghost writer - someone who writes texts or books for well-known brands or individuals to publish.

The evolution of this line of work required him to make a choice, as he couldn't do it all. He pursued a career as a writer, started his own company, and his new office became his own home - something that, decades ago, was seen with a lot of skepticism.

"When I left my corporate job to start my own business, there was a stigma about home offices. Virtual receptionists, virtual offices, anyone who worked this way did everything to make it seem like they had a 'real' office, and not that they worked from home," says Haden.

Today, that impression no longer exists. But there is, on the other hand, the problem of time management. So, for those who still struggle to be productive while working from home, the writer, who has now published dozens of books and also works as a speaker, listed some tips. Check them out:

1. Have a schedule - and share it with everyone
According to Haden, constant interruptions are the true enemies of working from home. "When you work from home, family and friends can be the main sources of distraction," he reminds us.

Therefore, he says, the first step should be to create a schedule that defines your work hours and inform people when you do not wish to be interrupted. "Don't assume that people will automatically respect the fact that you are working from home. They won't. So help them understand."

2. Invest in your work environment
Working from home probably means spending a lot of time sitting in front of a computer. Therefore, the expert advises entrepreneurs to invest in the materials that surround them - having an ergonomic and comfortable chair, as well as a good computer, is fundamental. "When you're uncomfortable, it's very difficult to be productive."

In other aspects, money can be saved. Maybe you work well at the dining table and don't need to set up a dedicated office. The important thing is to see essential materials as an investment, not just an expense.

3. Divide your day into chunks
Spending too much time on the same activity can lead to distraction and fatigue. Therefore, Jeff Haden says he divides his day into blocks of one and a half to two hours, followed by a 15 to 20-minute rest period.

If you can accomplish an important task in each of these blocks, you'll have completed at least four important activities each workday.

4. Schedule breaks
The short 15-minute breaks, however, are not enough when working from home. Just like in "regular" work, it is not healthy to work continuously for eight or ten hours. "Arrange a lunch break. Schedule breaks. Otherwise, you will see your day slip away from you, as well as your opportunities to recharge," he explains.

It is also important to plan these breaks. A walk, a small snack, some time with your pets. It's not productive to stop working just to plan the next tasks. "The best recovery is active recovery," the writer reminds us.

5. Turn off your phone notifications
It is illusory to think that you can stay away from your smartphone while working. But you can, at least, prevent many distractions from appearing through it. "If you need to take care of things, turn off any digital elements that can interrupt you. Then, when you're done, check what you missed during that time," Haden recommends.

6. Create a routine
Working from home can be