For many Americans, work from home opportunities sound like a dream situation. There are a lot of benefits to working from home, including a lack of commute, more freedom, potentially flexible schedules, and more. However, for many workers who are new to remote work, it can be difficult to stay focused. So, here are some helpful tips that will make it easier to make working from home work for you.

If you struggle to stay on task and you are suddenly presented the opportunity to make your own schedule, it can be crucial to maintain regular hours. Constantly changing the hours that you work can make it difficult for your employer and peers to communicate with you and it can be more challenging for you to stay on task and get your work done. Instead, it’s recommended that you stick as closely to your traditional work schedule as possible or choose a new schedule and stick with it.

Additionally, it’s strongly recommended that you create a workspace in your home. Setting up a home office for remote work will make it easier for you to separate your professional and personal life. One advantage of working from home is that you optimize your work station for the tasks you need to perform. Not only will doing so increase your productivity and make it easier to focus, but you can make your office more comfortable. For example, you may be able to increase your comfort and reduce aches and pains by purchasing the right equipment for your home office, such as a more comfortable chair, headset, or other equipment.

If you work from home as an independent contractor or freelancer, you may even be able to deduct your home office costs and office supplies from your taxes. However, it is essential that you keep copies of your receipts for any home office purchases that you make. Additionally, you may be able to deduct costs for any software or services that are essential to the tasks you perform, such as writing software like Grammarly.

If you have family or roommates living in your home, it’s a good idea to set boundaries, so that your housemates know not to disturb you while you’re working. Doing so can help keep you on task and reduce distractions that may make it more difficult for you to get your work done.When you work from home, communication with your coworkers and managers is key. Don’t be afraid to reach out with any questions you have and provide as much detail as possible so that everyone on your team is on the same page. Don’t hesitate to speak up about any concerns or issues that you run into throughout your day. Additionally, it’s important to take advantage of any breaks your employer provides. Doing so will help you maintain your energy level and productivity and reduce the likelihood of becoming burnt out.