These days, it’s quite usual to feel like work never really ends. This seems to be especially true for those who work from home. Emails pop up at all hours, notifications demand attention, and before you know it, another evening has slipped away in front of a screen. We push ourselves to be productive, but sometimes all we end up with is exhaustion. This is the first entry in a new series on productivity. Every first week of the month, we’ll be talking about different strategies that help with focus, efficiency, and avoiding burnout. And what better way to start than by talking about the importance of taking a break and taking control of your time?

I’ve had days when I kept telling myself, “Just five more minutes” or “I’ll stop after this one last task,” only to realize it was already late and I was running on fumes. I’ve also had days when I spent more time looking up productivity hacks than actually practicing them to be uhm productive! It was like I was stuck in a loop. Too overwhelmed to start but too obsessed with “hacking” my workflow to make real progress.

Taking Control of Your Time

Productivity isn’t about squeezing in tons and tons of to-dos into your day. It’s about working smarter. The problem is that constant notifications, endless scrolling, and late-night screen time make it harder to stay focused. This I am definitely guilty of. Studies have shown that too much screen exposure messes with sleep, attention span, and even creativity.

A digital detox doesn’t mean giving up technology entirely. It means setting limits. Maybe that’s turning off work notifications after hours, setting screen-free times, or using Focus modes on your phone. The goal isn’t just to work better; it’s to actually feel better, too. 

For me, the biggest shift came when I realized that being busy doesn’t mean being productive. Sounds cliche, I know.  I had to stop overwhelming myself with endless to-do lists while also avoiding work by over-researching ways to be “more efficient.” 

A Simple Trick to Avoid Overwhelm

One method that has really helped me is the Pomodoro Technique:

1. Pick a task.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus only on that task.
3. Take a 5-minute break.
4. Repeat four times, then take a longer break.

It’s simple, but it works. The timer keeps me on track, and the short breaks help prevent burnout. There was one day when my to-do list felt impossible. Instead of shutting down completely, I set a timer for just 25 minutes. By the time it went off, I had already made progress, and that small win gave me enough momentum to keep going. It took a number of “practices” to eventually get used to using the Pomodoro technique. 

How I Use My Phone to Stay Focused

Another thing that’s helped is customizing my iPhone’s Focus modes. I use different profiles for different parts of my day:

1. Personal Mode for non-work hours, where only essential notifications come through.
2. Focus Mode when I’m reading or spending time with my cats, with most apps silenced.
3. Work Mode during office hours, so I only see work-related apps and messages.

Each mode has its own notification settings, and it helps me stay present. Since setting this up, I check my phone less out of habit, and it’s made a real difference in my focus. With this, I am able to take a break as needed and take control of I spend my time and energy.

Work-Life Balance Starts with Boundaries

With remote work and endless online distractions, it’s easy for work and personal life to blur together. But being available 24/7 isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a fast track to burnout. Taking breaks, setting clear work hours, and making time for things outside of work aren’t just good for your well-being. They also make you more productive in the long run.

Some of the most successful people I know aren’t the ones who work non-stop. They’re the ones who know when to step away, recharge, and come back with more energy. Incorporate time to do the activities that you love outside work. For me, it’s doing digital art in Procreate and drafting blog posts for this website.

Small Changes, Big Impact

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with small shifts. Try the Pomodoro Technique for a few tasks, set aside an hour of screen-free time each day, or adjust your phone settings to reduce distractions.

Of course, these things sound great in theory, but they take time to get used to. No one builds perfect habits overnight. The key is to experiment, find what works for you, and enjoy the process of figuring it out. At the end of the day, productivity isn’t about following strict rules; it’s about making intentional choices that help you work and live better. Take a break and take back control of your time.