Okay, let’s be real for a second. When I first started working remotely, I thought it was going to be all cozy pajamas, endless coffee breaks, and zero commute stress. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. 🙃 Sure, there were perks, but I quickly realized that balancing work and life when your home is your office is harder than it looks. Like, way harder.
At first, I was all over the place. My work hours bled into my personal time, my kitchen table became my desk, and I swear I started talking to my plants like they were coworkers. (Don’t judge me, we’ve all been there.) But over time, I figured out a few things that actually worked—and no, it’s not just “set boundaries” or “create a routine.” Those are great, but let’s dig deeper.
First, let’s talk about the myth of “being productive all the time.” Social media loves to show us these perfect, hyper-organized remote workers who seem to have it all together. But here’s the truth: nobody is productive 24/7. I used to feel guilty if I wasn’t working every single second of the day, but then I realized that’s not sustainable—or healthy. I started giving myself permission to take breaks, and guess what? My productivity actually improved. Studies show that taking regular breaks can boost focus and creativity, so now I schedule them like meetings. A 10-minute walk, a quick stretch, or even just staring out the window (yes, really) helps me reset.
Another game-changer for me was creating a dedicated workspace. I know, I know, this sounds obvious, but hear me out. At first, I was working from my couch, my bed, even my balcony (hello, Wi-Fi extender). But I noticed that my brain never fully switched off because my work was literally everywhere. So, I carved out a small corner in my apartment just for work. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a desk, a chair, and some good lighting. Now, when I sit there, my brain knows it’s work time, and when I leave that space, I can actually relax.
One thing I didn’t expect was how isolating remote work could feel. I’m an extrovert, so not seeing people every day was tough. I started scheduling virtual coffee chats with colleagues or friends just to feel connected. It’s not the same as in-person interaction, but it helps. Plus, it’s a great excuse to show off my cute mugs.
Now, let’s talk about the biggest challenge: boundaries. When your home is your office, it’s easy to let work take over your life. I used to check emails at midnight “just in case,” but I realized that was a one-way ticket to burnout. I started setting clear work hours and sticking to them. If a deadline is looming, I’ll adjust, but I try not to make it a habit. And here’s a pro tip: turn off notifications after hours. Trust me, the world won’t end if you don’t reply to that email at 9 PM.
Another thing that’s helped me is embracing flexibility. One of the best parts of remote work is being able to design your own schedule. If I’m more productive in the morning, I’ll start early and finish early. If I need a midday yoga session to clear my head, I’ll do it. The key is to find what works for you and own it.
But let’s not forget about self-care. When you’re working from home, it’s easy to let things like exercise, healthy eating, and sleep fall by the wayside. I started treating self-care like a non-negotiable part of my routine. Whether it’s a morning workout, a healthy lunch, or a bedtime ritual, these small habits make a big difference in how I feel—and how I work.
Finally, I’ve learned to be kind to myself. Remote work isn’t always easy, and there are days when I feel like I’m failing at everything. But I remind myself that it’s a learning process, and I’m doing the best I can. And honestly, that’s enough.
So, if you’re struggling with remote work, know that you’re not alone. It’s a journey, and it’s okay to figure things out as you go. Just remember to take breaks, set boundaries, and prioritize your well-being. And maybe talk to your plants—they’re great listeners. 😉