My Home Office Hacks

My Home Office Hacks serves as a comprehensive guide and community for remote workers, offering practical advice on work-from-home strategies, productivity hacks, technical solutions, and personal well-being. It explores optimizing home office setups, integrating technology for efficiency, managing work-life balance, and fostering professional growth in a remote work environment.

Work-From-Home Strategies Productivity Hacks Technology Integration Work-Life Balance Remote Work Community Professional Growth

The hottest Substack posts of My Home Office Hacks

And their main takeaways

Social media malaise

2 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Remote work Productivity Social media Workplace culture Subscription services
  1. Many people are feeling bored or less interested in social media lately. It's not just you if you find yourself using it less.
  2. A good read for those working from home is about improving feelings of belonging in the workplace. It's essential for your mental health and work vibe.
  3. If you want access to home office tips, there's a subscription deal ending soon. You can save money if you sign up before the price goes up.

A few nuggets from last week

5 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Home Office Productivity Digital Tools
  1. Ideogram is a cool tool that creates images based on your descriptions. There's a free version available, so you can try it without spending money.
  2. You can save money easily by putting a penny in a jar on January 1 and adding an extra penny each day. By the end of the year, you'll have a nice amount saved up for gifts.
  3. The Rocketbook Core is a reusable notebook that lets you write and save your notes to the cloud. It's a great way to stay organized and reduce waste.

ChatGPT or CheatGPT?

5 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Workplace Productivity Home Office Gadgets
  1. Using AI tools like ChatGPT for invoicing is useful and doesn't feel like cheating. It can save a lot of time and effort.
  2. You can create a personalized invoice template just by asking ChatGPT for specific details about your company and billing needs.
  3. If you have back pain, using adjustable workstations like Altwork can help you work comfortably, even while lying down.

Intentional disruptions

2 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Relationships Leisure Community Personal Growth
  1. Taking scheduled breaks, like playing catch, can boost your productivity and improve your mood during the workday. Connecting with others during these breaks makes work more enjoyable.
  2. Playing catch can be a way to honor someone you've lost, creating meaningful moments that can help with healing and connection.
  3. Using versatile items, like a folding step stool, can improve your workspace by providing better stability for your computer and helping with tasks around the home office.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why Festivus is special

12 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Family Entertainment Lifestyle
  1. Festivus is a fun alternative to Christmas, especially for those who want a break from holiday stress and family obligations.
  2. The tradition serves as a way to bond with loved ones while celebrating everything that makes Festivus unique, like the 'Airing of grievances'.
  3. Using internet search shortcuts, like Ctrl F, can help find information quickly, making life a bit easier.

Start your day with Snoopy

5 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Home Lifestyle Entertainment Creativity
  1. Drawing fun characters like Snoopy can brighten your day while working from home. It only takes a few minutes and can bring a smile to your face.
  2. Using short breaks to clean up small parts of your house can make a big difference. Many tasks take five minutes or less, so why not tidy up a bit?
  3. Things like cleaning your showerhead can be easily overlooked. Tackling these small chores can lead to a much cleaner home overall.

Best HOHs of 2024

5 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
💼 Business Remote work Productivity Home Office Work-life balance Self-Improvement
  1. Home office improvements can make a big difference for productivity in 2024. Simple changes can help create a more focused and efficient workspace.
  2. Choosing the right home office tools is important. Picking items that suit your work style can enhance comfort and efficiency.
  3. It's helpful to share experiences and hacks with others. Learning from different home office setups can inspire new ideas and improve your own space.

The voice

5 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Home Office Media Production
  1. Voice-over work can mostly be done from home, as shown by Jen Antkowiak who does 99% of her projects in her home studio.
  2. There are many different kinds of voice-over jobs, including commercials, e-learning, and video games, which create a variety of opportunities.
  3. You can improve your home office experience with helpful tips from a newsletter that focuses on making work from home more enjoyable and productive.

Making some Headway

2 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Apps Productivity AI Tools Self-help Remote work
  1. The Headway app offers useful book summaries that help you learn key points quickly. It’s a great way to stay informed without having to read full books.
  2. Using tools like TinyWow's FAQ Generator can simplify content creation for websites. It helps you answer common questions easily, even if you're not a professional writer.
  3. Listening to book summaries can be a good alternative to traditional media. It can fill the time you would spend on the news and provide valuable insights instead.

My 2025 WFH prediction

5 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Workplace Hardware Software Trends
  1. By 2025, there are expected to be fewer people working from home, especially among federal employees. This might set an example for the private sector to follow.
  2. To effectively use AI on your laptop, you'll need powerful hardware like a great CPU, dedicated AI graphics, and plenty of RAM. It might be a good time to think about upgrading your device.
  3. It's important to keep an eye on how tariffs on imported goods could affect tech products, including laptops. Investing in the right tools now could help you stay ahead.

Why it matters

5 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Remote work Productivity Workplace culture Employee Wellbeing
  1. Using a clear writing style like Smart Brevity helps people get the main point quickly. It's good to know the main idea within the first couple of sentences.
  2. This writing style allows for more information after stating the main point, giving readers a chance to dive deeper into the topic. You can also include calls to action for more interaction.
  3. It's important to keep movement in your daily routine, especially when working from home. Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.

"I’m leaving the country"

5 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏝 Travel Digital Nomads Remote work Cultural Insights Travel tips
  1. Many people consider leaving the country after elections, but now remote work makes it easier to actually do it. There are 66 countries with digital nomad visas for those who want to work abroad.
  2. Cleaning your Yeti or similar drinkware can be tough with just soap and water. A mix of white vinegar, dish soap, and hot water works wonders to clean them up.
  3. It's a good time to explore working from anywhere since that's more possible than ever before. When options change, it opens up new opportunities.

Don’t forget to eat

5 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Home Office Fitness Recipes Lifestyle
  1. It's important to remember to eat when working from home. Eating healthy can help prevent weight gain and keep you energized.
  2. A quick and healthy lunch option includes mixing tuna, cucumber, avocado, and balsamic vinegar. This meal is not only tasty but also packed with protein.
  3. There are free website builders available, but remember you'll still need to buy a domain name. You can build a simple landing page for under $20 a year.

I got goosed!

2 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Kindness Community Personal Stories Social Issues Emotional Health
  1. Acts of kindness can create a ripple effect. One good deed can inspire another, leading to more positive moments.
  2. Sometimes, unexpected conversations can lead to meaningful connections. Sharing personal experiences can help both parties heal and find comfort.
  3. Be cautious with emails about payments, especially around holidays. Always check your accounts directly to avoid scams.

Forget afternoon coffee

2 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise Productivity Workplace Mental health Self-care
  1. Doing a one-minute exercise can help wake you up more than coffee. It boosts your focus and helps you avoid stress eating or procrastinating.
  2. This quick exercise can improve muscle coordination and circulation, making you feel better without a gym visit.
  3. Downloading your social media data, like from Facebook, can give you peace of mind about your online presence and what you've shared over the years.

Right in front of my face

2 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Productivity Remote work Tools Innovation
  1. Using the Dictate function in Microsoft Word can save time when transcribing interviews or reading books. Just speak into the microphone to convert your speech into text quickly.
  2. Keeping your home office kitchen clean is important since there's no janitor to help. A fun hack is using a special cleaner to make the microwave spotless.
  3. Transcribing used to be a major hassle, but these new tools can really help make the process easier and less tedious. Everyone should give them a try!

Are we losers?

12 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Remote work Entrepreneurship Self-Improvement Marketing
  1. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made humorous comments about remote workers being 'losers,' sparking a debate and humor online.
  2. Working from home has its perks, such as saving time on commuting, needing a smaller work wardrobe, and avoiding bad office coffee.
  3. The discussion around being a 'loser' for working from home has led to a special offer for readers related to copywriting.

FAQ you

27 implied HN points • 08 May 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Productivity Technology Innovation
  1. Interview yourself using ChatGPT by posing questions and answers related to your expertise.
  2. Utilize your FAQ page on your website for social media post ideas by transforming questions into posts with links.
  3. Set up Google Alerts to notify you when your name or business is mentioned online, a useful tool for small businesses.

🕛Lunch, 12pm EDT

10 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes
  1. The next My Home Office Hacks virtual lunch is on Wednesday at 12pm EDT
  2. Joe D'Eramo will be joined by Jamie Northrup of The Minimalist Hustler Daily
  3. Click RSVP to attend the virtual lunch event

30-plus years of working from home—together

22 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Work-life balance Consulting
  1. Michael and Judy Yublosky have successfully worked from home together for over 30 years
  2. Setting up signals and communicating effectively are key to maintaining a work-life balance while working from home as a couple
  3. Recognizing each other's strengths and weaknesses and finding a formula that separates duties contributes to successful collaboration in a work-from-home setup

I can hack it. Can you?

12 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Productivity Community Webinar Gadgets
  1. A community celebrates its evolution with a paid membership model.
  2. Options include monthly or annual subscriptions, with a special lifetime membership for founding supporters.
  3. Content offerings include free subscription and access to various home office hacks.

Arborist or proctologist?

5 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Plants Productivity Wellness Home Office Survey
  1. Readers in the 18-30 age bracket are less likely to participate in surveys, showing the importance of understanding audience preferences.
  2. There was a diverse mix of respondents in terms of age and occupation, with a clear preference for more productivity articles and wellness content.
  3. Having plants like Golden Pothos, Jade plants, and Snake plants in the home office can boost productivity and happiness, as shown by research. These plants require minimal care.

I’m not supposed to like Microsoft, right?

17 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Hardware Product Review Home Office Cleaning Newsletter
  1. Feeling guilty for liking Microsoft is common, but their ergonomic keyboard can be a game-changer for typing comfort.
  2. Regularly cleaning your coffee machine, with a simple vinegar-water solution, can greatly improve the taste of your coffee.
  3. Consider subscribing to the My First Million Newsletter for insightful articles and a recap of The MFM Podcast.

Who are you

5 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💼 Business Social media Music Quotes Personal Development
  1. Including links in LinkedIn posts can lead to 40-50% fewer impressions, so consider avoiding them for better engagement.
  2. Understanding that changing one's awareness of themselves is crucial in bringing about personal change - Abraham Maslow's quote.
  3. Consider listening to Belle Chen's music on Spotify for a relaxing and enjoyable work environment.

A Brave IT guy

5 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🕹 Technology IT Cybersecurity Remote work
  1. Consider trying the Brave browser for enhanced security and speed, recommended by an IT professional.
  2. Utilize voice-to-text technology to save time when typing a lot of content, but remember to review and edit due to accuracy issues.
  3. Get featured in My Home Office Hacks by sharing your work-from-home profile and business details.

Real and spectacular

5 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🪑 Design Organization
  1. Professional organizer tip: Spend a few minutes daily organizing your desk and workspace for better efficiency.
  2. Consider top-of-the-line headphones like Sony WH-1000XM5 for quality and features, or more budget-friendly options like Soundcore Space One Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.
  3. Inspirational quote: 'The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.' - Plutarch

Putting the digital in nomad

10 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Remote work Quote
  1. Invest in a portable wifi router for reliable internet connection while working remotely.
  2. Consider a WiFi extender to improve internet signal strength in different areas of your home.
  3. Explore networking opportunities with groups like Digital Power Team for business growth.

Smartwatches aren't stupid after all

10 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Product Review Wearable Tech Tech accessories
  1. Smartwatches are more than just a fashion statement and actually offer practical features like heart rate monitoring and step tracking.
  2. Investing a bit more for a smartwatch with additional features like customizable watch faces and comfortable design can be worth it.
  3. Utilize focus hacks like the 'Focus' feature in Microsoft Word to improve concentration and minimize distractions.

My Dan Rather

0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Consumer Rights
  1. Frank Lobb's work highlights how consumers shouldn't have to pay for healthcare costs that insurance doesn't cover. He argues that agreements between providers and insurers protect consumers from paying unexpected bills.
  2. If you receive a healthcare bill, you can ask for an explanation within 30 days, and you don't have to pay until you get that explanation in writing. This helps ensure fairness in healthcare billing.
  3. Starting a morning routine can be beneficial. Trying out the 5 AM Club, which includes exercise, meditation, and learning, can help you wake up refreshed and focused.