Working from home became the new normal for many developers in 2020. For some, it was a smooth transition. For others, it brought new challenges: distractions, isolation, and the need for better time management.

This post shares some practical tips, tools, and habits that help developers stay productive and sane when working remotely.

Workspace Setup

A good setup makes a huge difference. It doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy.

• Use a dedicated space if possible – avoid working from the couch or bed.
• Invest in a decent chair and desk.
• Use an external monitor and keyboard if you're on a laptop.
• Good lighting helps with video calls and eye strain.
• Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for focus.

Tools for Communication

Keeping in sync with your team is essential. Use tools that help communicate clearly and often.

• Slack or Microsoft Teams – for real-time messaging and quick updates.
• Zoom or Google Meet – for stand-ups, pair programming, and one-on-ones.
• Notion, Confluence, or Docs – to write and share long-form updates or decisions.
• Trello, Jira, or Linear – for task tracking and project visibility.

Time and Task Management

Without the office routine, structure matters even more.

• Block your day with clear work hours and breaks.
• Use a simple task list – pen and paper, Todoist, or your favorite app.
• Turn off non-essential notifications during deep work.
• Use the Pomodoro technique or timeboxing to stay focused.

Healthy Habits

Remote work can blur the line between personal and work time.

• Set a start and end time to your day.
• Get dressed like you’re going to the office – it signals your brain to switch to work mode.
• Move regularly – stretch, walk, or do a short workout.
• Eat away from your desk.
• Talk to people – isolation is real. Schedule casual calls if needed.

Mental Health Matters

Remote work can get lonely. Stay connected.

• Join online communities or developer meetups.
• Have non-work chats with teammates.
• Take mental health breaks. It’s fine to pause when needed.

Remote work is here to stay in some form. Learning how to thrive in it is worth the effort.