Each year, the CDC reports that around 22 million workers are exposed to noise levels that can damage health. While hearing loss is the most familiar risk, the effects go far deeper. Persistent noise exposure has been linked to heart disease, disrupted sleep, elevated stress, and trouble with memory and focus. In other words, workplace noise isn’t just a daily distraction—it’s a long-term threat to both productivity and overall well-being.

Time-blocking—dividing your day into dedicated chunks for specific tasks—is more than just a scheduling strategy. It's a mindset shift. Instead of reacting to your to-do list, you're curating your time with intention. And autumn, with its built-in sense of structure, is the perfect backdrop for this approach.

Feeling blue? Remote work can lead to burnout and feelings of isolation and loneliness, but there are things you can do to feel – and work – better. Read on for some of the common causes of work-at-home depression as well as some coping strategies that can help you feel more productive and connected.