For many, working from home has introduced new challenges in maintaining a proper work-life balance. Unlike in a traditional office, there are no clear markers, like lunch breaks or commuting time, to signal when work should stop. It’s all too easy to find yourself continuing to work late into the evening, trying to finish one more task or respond to that final email.

While technology is often blamed for encouraging overwork, the truth is that it’s not the tool itself, but how you use it, that makes the difference. With the right approach, technology can actually be a valuable asset in helping you protect your work-life balance. Here are a few simple strategies to get started:

Adjust Your Notification Settings

One of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy balance is by managing your notifications. Both your devices and applications allow you to customize these settings to limit unwanted interruptions.

For Apple users, the “Do Not Disturb” feature is a game-changer. It lets you decide which apps can send notifications at certain times. For example, you can mute text messages during work hours and stop work email alerts when you’re winding down for the evening. You can also fine-tune your notification settings further by navigating to “Notifications” under “System Settings.”

Windows users can use the “Focus Assist” feature to manage notifications. This tool lets you control which notifications come through depending on what task you’re working on. For instance, you can turn off personal email alerts while presenting at work, and then later check a summary of the missed notifications once you’re done with Focus Assist.

Stick to a Daily Agenda

It’s easy to keep working beyond normal hours when you’re at home, especially when tasks seem to stretch longer than expected or new ones keep piling up. However, unless it’s urgent, try to leave tasks for the next day. This helps ensure that you have time to mentally recharge, which is essential for long-term productivity.

Using task management apps can help you stay on track. For example, Asana is a useful tool for managing your to-do list. You can set reminders, prioritize tasks, and sync your calendar, so you’re never caught off guard by an overlooked deadline. By laying out your day in advance, you can better allocate time for work and relaxation.

Make Your Availability Clear

When you work remotely, it can be hard for others to know when you’re available, especially without the usual physical cues you’d have in the office. This is where syncing your calendar with communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams comes in handy.

By linking your Google or Outlook Calendar with these platforms, you can make your availability visible to colleagues. This way, your team will know when you’re in a meeting or focused on a specific task. In addition, Slack can send you calendar notifications so that you don’t have to constantly check your schedule manually.

Minimize Distractions

When working from home, distractions can easily derail your focus. Personal devices often have a wealth of time-wasting websites or apps at your fingertips—Netflix, social media, or online shopping alerts, to name a few.

Luckily, there are tech tools specifically designed to help you focus. Apps like Zenware block out distractions by hiding everything on your screen except for the task at hand. If you’re a Mac user, SelfControl can prevent you from accessing non-work sites during designated work hours, keeping you focused on what really matters.

Know When to Step Away

While technology can assist with productivity, time management, and eliminating distractions, the most important aspect of maintaining a work-life balance is knowing when to disconnect. Taking regular breaks and setting boundaries between work and personal time are essential for preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy balance.