Why We Love a Work-Life Balance Job: 6 Tips to Achieve Remote Work Bliss

In recent years, the way we approach our professional work remotely has evolved from a temporary solution to a permanent shift. Working from home has its benefits—no commute, more flexibility, and the comfort of our own space. Also, not having to get up as early or stressing about what to wear is great, of course. However, it also presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Without the clear boundaries of an office environment, it can be difficult to separate personal time from work responsibilities. Fortunately, with some mindful practices, it’s possible to create a balance that promotes both productivity and well-being, allowing for a happier, more productive day in both your personal and professional spheres. 

Remote Tip 1

Set Clear Boundaries

One of the most important things you can do when working from home is establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. When the lines blur, it’s easy to feel like you’re “always on,” which can contribute to stress. Not being able to fully relax or switch off can lead to burnout!

Start by first designating a specific area in your home for work (this is crucial to the process). Whether it’s a spare room, a corner of your living room, or dining room, having a dedicated workspace helps create a mental separation between work and personal time. If possible, I recommend not working in your bedroom or bed. A place for comfort and rest will turn into an environment of work and stress. That’s not going to benefit you when trying to relax or rest in your downtime.

In addition, set consistent work hours and stick to them. While remote work offers more flexibility, having a routine helps maintain structure. The structure can contribute to more productivity and a healthier outlook. At the end of your workday, be deliberate about shutting down your computer. Turn off work-related notifications, and physically leave your workspace to transition into personal time. Just like you would if you were at an office.

Work-life Tip 2

Prioritise a Daily Schedule

When working remotely, it’s easy for the day to feel unstructured or chaotic without the normal cues you’d get in an office environment. One way to combat this is by creating a daily schedule and to-do list (I am a sucker for a good to-do list, I swear by them!). Break your day into blocks dedicated to specific tasks, meetings, and breaks.

Prioritise the most important tasks early in the day when your energy levels are highest. This ensures that you’re making progress on key projects before distractions arise.

Equally important is building in time for breaks and ensuring you eat a healthy snack or meal. Missing meals because you would rather get work done as soon as possible or due to a lack of routine can lead to an unproductive and tiring day. Regular breaks throughout the day, especially one break in the morning and one in the afternoon, are key in helping you recharge and stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Remote Tip 3

Establish a Routine

Working remotely can sometimes feel monotonous, as the line between when your workday starts and ends becomes blurred. A simple way to restore structure is to create a morning and evening routine. A morning routine, for example, might include waking up at the same time each day, exercising and stretching, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, matcha, or hot tea before logging on. This sets a positive tone for the day ahead and helps you ease into work with a clear mind.

An evening routine is also just as essential. At the end of the workday, resist the temptation to continue working late into the night (I know that can be hard at times, especially if a big project is looming). However, it’s important to instead set a time to officially “clock out” and engage in relaxing activities. This might involve taking a walk, reading a book, or catching up with loved ones.

Establishing a routine for the start and end of your day can create a clear division between work time and personal time, ensuring you don’t feel like you’re constantly in “work mode”. It will allow for a more fulfilling, productive, and more enjoyable day.

Work-life Tip 4

 Communicate Openly

Effective communication is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance while working remotely. Be transparent with your employer and colleagues about your availability, and don’t hesitate to set boundaries when necessary. If your workload is becoming unmanageable, have an honest conversation with your manager about how to prioritise tasks or delegating responsibilities.

It’s also helpful to establish clear expectations regarding communication with your team. For instance, you can agree on times when you’re available for meetings and times when you need focused, uninterrupted work. Setting these expectations early on can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the pressure to be constantly available.

Also, when working from home, it can be easy to not communicate unless absolutely necessary. However, asking for help when needed, asking that question, or just staying in the loop is very beneficial for you (remember that saying “making a mountain out of a molehill”, which when not communicating effectively is very easy to do). This is not just for your work but also for your well-being, as working from home can be isolating at times, and ensuring that you are not isolating yourself is key. 

Work-life Tip 5

Prioritise Physical and Mental Health

When working remotely, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of spending long hours in front of your computer, hunched over, without moving. However, prioritising your physical and mental health is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Incorporate movement into your day, whether it’s through short stretching sessions, walking during breaks, or scheduling regular workouts. Also, the walking machines that some people use while working for a period of time look like an effective way to get moving while working. Honestly, they look like fun (the pink one is calling my name!). Physical activity not only boosts your energy levels but also helps clear your mind and reduce stress. 

Additionally, take time for mental health practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, or journaling. These can be powerful tools for managing stress and staying grounded. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness exercises can help you reset during a busy workday.

Work-life Tip 6

Disconnect to Recharge

One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is the temptation to stay connected to work 24/7. To maintain balance, it’s so important to disconnect from work-related activities during your off-hours. Turn off email notifications, resist the urge to check your messages after hours, and give yourself permission to truly unplug, and remember… practice makes perfect! This allows you to recharge and return to work refreshed and ready to be productive.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance in the remote work era requires intention and effort. By setting boundaries, creating routines, prioritising self-care, and communicating openly, you can thrive professionally and personally while working from home and have a far more enjoyable time. The key is to find what works best for you and make adjustments as needed to maintain a sense of balance and well-being.