Do you have a friend or relative making remote work look like the best thing since drive-through coffee shops? Maybe you’ve seen an author working from your local cafe, or you follow a travel blogger who routinely works from exotic beaches.
It’s only natural to think, “Hey, I want some of that!”
If you’re considering joining the ranks of remote workers, you might wonder, “So, is there a downside? It seems fantastic!”
While not necessarily a downside, working from home is a bit more complex than it appears at first glance.
Before submitting your request to HR, consider some of the daily struggles remote workers face.
The Ins and Outs of Daily Success as a Remote Worker
The following covers what working from home really looks like and habits to adopt (and avoid) in order to be a successful remote worker.
Daily Rituals Can Determine Your Level of Success
The life of a remote worker begins similarly to that of in-office workers: wake up and get ready for the day. Even though you’re not going into an office, starting your day with some basic self-care rituals, like showering and getting dressed, is essential.
That’s because one of the most significant decisions you’ll face as a remote worker is, “Should I make a habit of sleeping in and sliding right into my desk chair with a quick stop by the coffee machine?” Ideally, the answer is no.
You might wonder why that is. Wouldn’t most professionals feel like kids skipping school when they attend virtual meetings wearing their pajamas and eating ice cream for lunch? Probably.
But one of the most significant aspects of a healthy remote work environment is maintaining your mental and physical health.
Initially, you’ll rejoice in the time you’re saving by not commuting. But soon, that saved time may blur into the time you used to spend getting ready. After all, none of your coworkers see you regularly.
Before long, you might find yourself going days without getting out of your “comfy” clothes … or even out of the house, for that matter.
Thriving Requires Daily Focus
To build the best habits from the beginning, you’ll need to ensure that you fight the tendency to hibernate.
Start by intentionally scheduling the time you’re saving in the mornings. Instead of sleeping in until the very last minute, try to keep a consistent work schedule.
You should devote your morning time to a healthy routine that includes getting ready for the day and wearing your “out-of-the-house clothes” most of the time.
And you’ll want to be intentional about taking breaks. Get up and move around regularly, take your dog for a walk, or chat with a friend on the phone.
Breaks are essential for mental and physical health, so don’t skip them just because you’re at home.
Distractions Attack All Day Long
Of course, one of the great things about working remotely is that you can design your day however you want — in theory. In reality, there are a lot of potential distractions that come along when you’re at home all day.
From the never-ending list of house chores to getting caught up in social media rabbit holes, it’s easy to lose focus on work when you’re at home. That’s why it’s essential to set boundaries.
You’ll need to set boundaries for your chatty neighbor, your kids, your partner, and — most importantly — boundaries for yourself.
Just like your in-office self, you won’t maintain perfect attention every day. And that’s OK. But stick to your boundaries as best you can and you’ll be more productive.
Your Couch Is Inviting, but It’s Not a Great Office
You’ll probably need to reconsider your remote work setup if you envision yourself working on your comfy, oversized couch while the latest HGTV show plays in the background.
Beyond avoiding the aches and pains you’ll get from daily hunching and lounging on a couch, having an area reserved for work will help you mentally transition into and out of work mode.
And designated office space also serves as a visual barrier while trying to set boundaries with those aforementioned chatty officemates and family members.
Sedentary Health Concerns Hit Fast
When you work from home, you might be amazed at how little you have to move and how easy it is to indulge in uninhibited snacking throughout the day. After all, there’s no more walking from the parking lot to the office and back.
Your desk is closer to the restroom, and the fridge is suddenly a no-judgment free-for-all. When considered individually, those things might not seem concerning, but combine all of those factors and you’ll quickly impact your health
When you transition to your home office, you can do a few things to create healthy habits:
- Set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move around every hour or so. Regular movement will help your body stay healthy. And try to get some outside time at least once daily, even if you’re just popping out to get the mail.
- Consider investing in a standing desk or an under-desk treadmill to help you maintain movement while working.
- Take advantage of any fitness benefits your company might offer. Many employers now provide stipends for home gym equipment or reimbursements for gym memberships and fitness events.
The Big Picture: You Can Do It!
Working remotely can be a great way to have more control over your schedule and create a healthier work-life balance. But that’s not to say it’s not without its challenges.
To be successful, you’ll need to make structured choices for your schedule, set boundaries and stick to them, and find ways to stay active and healthy.
But if you can do all of that, you’ve mastered the basics of successful remote work.