Starting your remote work journey can feel like a dream come true—no commute, more flexibility, and the freedom to create your own schedule.
But as you’ve probably already realized, it can also come with its own set of challenges.
Staying focused, productive, and motivated without the structure of an office environment can be harder than expected.
If you’re finding it tough to adjust, I’ve got you.
I’ve learned that people who thrive while working remotely have discovered key daily habits that help them stay on track, feel accomplished, and even enjoy the process.
By adopting these eight simple yet powerful habits, you too can turn your remote work experience into a productive, balanced, and enjoyable lifestyle.
1) Early risers
There’s something about the early morning that boosts productivity, and remote workers who thrive have tapped into this.
Rising early creates a quiet, distraction-free environment ideal for focused work. It’s a golden opportunity to get ahead of the day, before emails start flowing in and meetings begin.
Having this quiet time can increase your productivity and efficiency throughout the day. It also gives you a sense of control over your schedule, which can reduce stress.
But remember, it’s not about waking up at the crack of dawn if that doesn’t suit your internal clock. It’s about finding your sweet spot when you’re most alert and productive.
So consider setting your alarm a little earlier tomorrow and see how it boosts your remote work experience.
2) Scheduled breaks
When working remotely, it can be easy to fall into the trap of sitting at your desk for hours on end. I’ve been there, and it’s not a good place to be.
I once found myself working non-stop from morning to late evening, thinking I was being super productive. But, as days passed, I realized my energy levels were dropping, and my productivity was declining.
That’s when I decided to implement scheduled breaks into my daily routine.
Now, I make sure that for every hour of focused work, I take a short 10-minute break. It could be:
- A quick stroll around my house
- A cup of coffee in the garden
- Some stretching exercises
This new habit not only made me more productive but also kept me energetic and less stressed throughout the day.
It’s something that highly effective remote workers often do – they understand the importance of giving their brain some rest and their body some movement.
Because the truth is, it’s not about how long you work; it’s about how smart you work.
3) Dedicated workspace
We often associate certain environments with specific activities. For instance, the kitchen for cooking, the bedroom for sleeping.
The same applies to work.
Successful remote workers usually have a dedicated workspace. This could be:
- A home office
- A specific corner in your living room
- A local coffee shop
The key is to have an area that your brain associates with ‘work mode’.
Having a dedicated workspace also helps to minimize distractions. It’s much easier to focus when you’re not surrounded by household chores that need doing or a TV that’s tempting you.
In a study by the Journal of Environmental Psychology, they found that personalized workspaces can improve job satisfaction and performance. So, feel free to make your workspace your own — add some plants, pictures, or anything that makes you feel comfortable and motivated.
4) Mindful practices
Buddhism teaches us the power of mindfulness, something that has been embraced by successful remote workers.
By being mindful, we stay present and focused on the task at hand, rather than getting lost in distractions or stress.
Practicing mindfulness can take many forms. Some people meditate, others do yoga or deep breathing exercises. It’s all about finding a method that resonates with you and helps you stay present.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into these practices. I provide useful insights into how you can make mindfulness a part of your everyday life, even when working remotely.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can have a profound effect on your work productivity and overall well-being. You’ll find your stress levels reducing and your focus improving.
5) Prioritize health
When I first started working remotely, I thought I had all the time in the world. However, I quickly realized that without a proper structure, my work-life balance was falling apart.
I was neglecting my health, skipping meals, and exercise was a distant memory. My energy levels were dropping, and it was affecting both my work and my overall wellbeing.
That’s when I decided to make health a priority.
Now, I make sure to allocate time for regular meals, lots of water and daily exercise, no matter how busy my schedule gets.
Making this shift not only improved my physical health but also boosted my mental clarity and focus on work. It’s like the old saying goes, “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”
6) Embrace distractions
Yes, you read that right. While most productivity advice revolves around minimizing distractions, there’s a case to be made for embracing them.
Now, I’m not talking about getting lost in a YouTube rabbit hole or scrolling mindlessly on social media. I’m referring to the spontaneous and unexpected distractions that can sometimes spark creativity and innovation.
Remember that not all distractions are bad. Sometimes, a random video, a curious article or an unplanned conversation can lead to new ideas and insights.
It’s about finding the balance between focused work and open-minded exploration.
7) Set boundaries
When your home is your office, it can be difficult to separate work time from personal time. However, successful remote workers understand the importance of setting boundaries.
This means having a clear start and end to your workday and communicating these boundaries to others. It could be as simple as telling your family or housemates not to disturb you during certain hours.
Setting boundaries also extends to not checking work emails or messages during your off-hours. It’s easy to fall into the trap of being ‘always available’ when working remotely, but remember that you need time to recharge and relax.
Having clear boundaries helps manage expectations, both for yourself and for others, and ensures that your work doesn’t encroach on your personal life.
8) Stay connected
Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to be isolated. Successful remote workers understand the value of staying connected with their team.
Regular check-ins, virtual team meetings, or even a casual chat over a digital coffee break can go a long way in building relationships and maintaining a sense of team spirit.
Staying connected also ensures you’re in the loop with work updates and can collaborate effectively with your team.
So make it a habit to reach out, communicate, and stay engaged with your colleagues.
The crux of it all
Mastering remote work is all about creating the right structure and mindset to support your productivity and well-being.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I talk about the importance of self-awareness in shaping our lives. This concept applies to remote work as well.
By understanding what works best for you and consciously integrating these habits into your routine, you can navigate the challenges of remote work with grace and efficiency.
So, take a moment to reflect on these habits. Which ones resonate with you? Which ones could you incorporate into your routine?
