Embracing the new era of remote work: Finding your balance
Remote work has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for work life balance. You get to choose where and when you work. It's like having your own superpower of flexibility!
But let's be honest: with great power comes great responsibility.. Staying focused, keeping a routine, and juggling work with everyday life can be tricky. Luckily for you, we’ve done this for a while and have some insights for you.
Let's dive into the tips that’ll help you rock remote work without feeling like you're on a roller coaster!
Designing your cozy workspace
Creating a space where you can work peacefully is the first step to creating your get stuff done zone. Find a quiet spot, set up your desk, and you’re ready to go! While remote work gives you the opportunity to work from your bed sometimes, having a dedicated workspace helps your mind and body focus.
Just like designing a personalized office is important for staying productive, setting up your digital workspace can help keep you focused too. Think of your computer as your digital room. Use calendars, lists, and apps to keep things tidy and easy to find.
As a mom of two little ones, my secret to productivity is having a dedicated workspace with impeccable sound isolation. It's the key to achieving that perfect harmony between family life and focused work, allowing me to give my best in both worlds.
Set up a routine
Having a regular routine is like having a daily beat to dance to. Wake up and sleep at the same time, and plan your work, breaks, food and fun time. It's like your own secret recipe for feeling organized and making the most of your time.
Try different types of routines until you find the one you feel comfortable with! Some people prefer to work during the day, while some work best during the night.
Regular physical activity has been a game-changer for me. When I start my day with exercise I feel a noticeable surge in my energy levels. It wakes me up, gets my blood flowing, and prepares me to tackle the day's tasks with alertness and motivation.
Your work compass
Imagine your work goals as a treasure map. Break them into smaller tasks, so you're not overwhelmed. Each task you finish is like finding a piece of treasure!
Managing time well is like being a time wizard. Try things like the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method where 25-minute stretches of focused work are broken up by five-minute breaks, or block out parts of your day to give specific tasks your full attention.
When you work remotely, it’s easy to lose track of time and leave tasks unfinished. Being self-disciplined and setting up clear goals that you can follow will make a huge difference to your ability to finish projects on time.
I have discovered that the best way for me to stay focused and clear-minded during the workday is to step away and take active breaks. Go to the gym or for a walk in the neighborhood during lunchtime, and I have noticed that afterwards I feel recharged and concentrated. The key is, to move and be away from the screen for some time and try not to spend the whole day at home if it's possible.
Beating sneaky distractions
Distractions are like those mischievous friends who always show up at the wrong time. Minimize them by turning off phone notifications, telling your family when you need quiet, and trying noise-canceling headphones—they're like magic earmuffs!
Headphones are a must - whether you are working from home, the office or a cafe, I always have them with me.
Also, sometimes the best way to beat a distraction is to...surrender to it. If you want to watch that Youtube video, chat with a friend, or order "that thing" from a shop - do it.
Just agree with yourself - once you satisfy your need, you will come back and finish the work you have planned.
Talking and listening
When you're remote, talking with your team can be challenging. Use video calls, messages, and online tools to stay connected, share ideas, and make sure everyone's on the same page.
And even though you're not in the same office, being remote doesn't mean being alone. Join online meetings, brainstorm together, and join virtual hangouts to keep the team spirit alive. Schedule online coffee chats, play games with your team, or just have a friendly chat. It's like your virtual water cooler!
At MailerLite we have Slack channels that help us stay connected.These include #questionaday to learn about each other, #moment-of-the-week to share happy moments, #kudos to appreciate each other, and others like #memes, #random and #travel-advice to simply have fun.
Asking for help and offering help, throwing in a joke or two or even sharing life stories. Being engaged with my team helped me build up relationships that not only developed amazing work communication but full legit friendships all over the world.
Recharge, and avoid burn out
Taking breaks is like recharging your superhero powers. Stretch, get a drink, or just chill for a bit. When you come back, you'll be ready to conquer the world again!
Remember, taking care of yourself is a key to work-life balance and general well-being. Exercise, eat well, sleep enough, take some time away from screens or social media and do things that make you smile.
Take care of yourself, set boundaries, and mix in things you enjoy throughout your day to find the perfect balance.
MailerLite offers company benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, special budgets and Creative Days to promote rest and well-being, as well as encouraging everyone to take at least 2 weeks in a row every year. Learn more about MailerLite perks here!
Taking a walk with my dog, listening to some music, or doing yoga stretches are activities I enjoy during my time off because they help me change my posture, clear my mind, and enhance my productivity and creativity.
Tech friends to the rescue
There are cool tools that make remote work easier. Check out apps for tracking tasks, managing projects, and working together with your team. In a world where remote work is on the rise, stay up to date with the latest tools and news about how to make your life easier with technology!
Even though we're all distributed around the globe, technology makes it so simple to feel your peers working right next to you!
Why not jump on a quick huddle on Slack or create a meeting in Zoom? You'll be able to see your friends, hear them out and work together as time goes by!
Speaking of technology to the rescue, why not a bit of gaming?
We asked team members for their favorite apps! Here are some recommendations from them:
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That’s a Wrap!
Every now and then, take a moment to see how things are going. What's working? What could be better? Adjust your approach as you go to keep rocking remote work!
Becoming a remote work wizard takes practice, flexibility, and a touch of fun. By creating your special workspace, building routines, and using these tips for harmony, you'll be working like a pro while keeping the balance in check. Don't forget to stay connected, ask for help, and keep learning from your remote adventures. You've got this! 🚀
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One last thought for handling remote work challenges:
Take a breather or go for a walk, reach out to your team for support, and be ready to adjust your approach as you go along. You've got the power to overcome anything and the flexibility to have the perfect work life you’ve always dreamed of.
