When you’re working from home, sneaking in a load of laundry may not seem like a big deal. But without boundaries, your day is likely to feel chaotic and fragmented. Give yourself structure by pretending you’re at the office. Set up “office hours” (9 AM to 6 PM, for example), and decide what is and isn’t acceptable to do during that time. Ask yourself, “If I was in the office, would I do this task during the day?” If the answer is no, do the activity before or after your set hours. Household chores, errands, and spending time with friends should all happen outside of work. Sure, it’s probably fine to take a call from a friend during your lunch break, or handle an urgent task like an emergency car repair. But these should be exceptions, not the rule.

Source: Adapted from “How to Stay Focused When You’re Working from Home,” by Elizabeth Grace Saunders