Hero Tips to Thrive in Remote Work
23/07/2024

Struggling with Remote Work? Here’s What You Can Do to Thrive

Have you ever been judged for working from home? Ever had someone assume that remote work means lounging around all day, doing absolutely nothing? I’ve been there. Let me tell you a story about how those perceptions changed overnight and how you can thrive in this new world of remote work.

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A few years back, working from home wasn’t taken seriously. People often thought that if you weren’t going to an office, you weren’t really working. I remember one time, the mom of an ex kindly offered me a job. She genuinely thought I was unemployed, having no clue that I was, in fact, working almost 24/7 as an independent digital marketer, managing multiple projects right from my home office.

Then, everything changed. The pandemic hit, and suddenly, remote work became the norm. People who once questioned its legitimacy were now turning to me for advice on how to navigate this new reality. It was fascinating to watch the world wake up to the possibilities and challenges of remote work.

But this shift wasn’t easy for everyone. Many people struggled to adapt to working outside the traditional office environment. So, how do you survive and win at working remotely? Here are some tips from someone who’s been doing it long before it became the trend.

Tips for Thriving While Working Remotely

1. Set a Routine

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the lack of structure. Set a daily routine to create a sense of normalcy. Wake up at the same time, have your coffee, and start your workday just like you would if you were going to an office.

For me, I found that waking up at 9 AM every day and starting with a cup of tea while reading emails really sets the tone for a productive day. Then, I wait for my partner to wake up so we can have breakfast together. It's almost like arriving at the office early and waiting for my favourite workmate to show up so we can finally gossip over breakfast together!

breakfast in the jungle
my view in the morning when im in the jungle

2. Create a Dedicated Workspace

It's crucial to have a designated area for work. This helps you separate work from home life. Whether it's a spare room or just a corner of your living room, make it your own.

I travel a lot and have a few home bases, and in each of them, I usually dedicate a workspace that’s tucked away in a corner, safe from any foot traffic. This is where I set up my second screen, surround myself with books, notebooks, and all my office gear. It’s like my own little productivity fortress. If anyone dares to walk around me, they’d probably trip over my maze of power cords and land in a pile of sticky notes and tea cups.

office in europe
my office space when im in europe
mutzii's dedicated workspace
my office space when i'm in latin america.

3. Take Breaks

It's easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks. Schedule short breaks throughout the day to rest your mind and body. A quick walk or a few minutes of stretching can make a big difference.

This is something I kind of struggled with, but luckily, I have a partner who also works remotely and doubles as my personal, human timer. Every couple of hours, like clockwork, he waddles over to my office door, rubbing his belly in the most adorable way, like a hungry toddler, signaling it's time to eat. It's the perfect reminder to take a break. Honestly, without him, I'd probably be glued to my screen until I turned into a desk plant! Plus, we make time to read a book or walk to the beach together to soak up some sun – a routine only possible when we're in the jungle.

untrain your mind
reading, enjoying nature
surfing in the jungle
and watching my partner surf

4. Stay Connected

Remote work can be isolating. Make an effort to stay connected with your colleagues through regular video calls, chats, and virtual coffee breaks. This helps maintain a sense of camaraderie and team spirit.

My very first team member’s reason for resigning from his previous companies was the lack of human connection within their teams. Determined not to be "that boss," I implemented a weekly catch-up day where we chat about non-work-related topics. It’s amazing how discussing my love for munggo dish can make us feel more connected despite the distance. Plus, it lets my team know I'm not some typical boss hiding behind a closed door. Instead, I'm the approachable boss who might even show up to meetings in pajama bottoms.

munggo
my fave ginisang munggo (filipino mung bean soup)

5. Set Boundaries

When your home is your office, it's essential to set boundaries. Let your family or housemates know your work hours and ask for their support in minimising distractions. Also, set boundaries for yourself to avoid overworking.

This is something I find challenging sometimes, but to make it work for me, I made it crystal clear to my family, especially my partner, that I'm fully booked during weekdays. I even joked that they need to schedule an appointment just to talk to me. I also set a rule for myself to shut down my computer and avoid checking work-related apps on my phone during our personal time.

set boundaries
simple abundance - > highly recommended book for daily readings
my plants
my beloved plant babies, a birthday gift from my partner

6. Use Productivity Tools

Leveraging the right tools can make a significant difference in your efficiency and organisation. Find what works best for you and integrate it into your workflow.

ClickUp has been a lifesaver for me. It's an all-in-one productivity platform where I manage my tasks, projects, and deadlines. It keeps me so organised that nothing slips through the cracks—not even that reminder to water my plants! I love it so much that even though my team might not be as enthusiastic, I’m pushing them to embrace it. It’s like trying to convince a cat to take a bath, but I’m determined to make them see the light!

clickup productivity tool
can't work without clickup.

7. Keep Learning

The remote work landscape is always evolving. Stay up to date with new tools, techniques, and trends to keep your skills sharp and stay ahead of the game.

I joined groups on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay on top of the latest trends in digital marketing, especially anything involving business and technology. It's like my version of social media stalking, but for work. I also recently bought a book called "Pillar-Based Marketing" by Ryan Brock and Christopher "Toph" Day, recommended by my business partner. I figured if it was good enough for him, it's good enough to be my new bedside reading material. Now, my nights are filled with dreams of SEO strategies instead of the usual "did I leave the stove on?" anxieties.

pillar based marketing
i bought a kindle version for my team, too.

8. Prioritise Self-care

Working remotely can blur the lines between work and personal time. Make self-care a priority. Whether it's exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones, make sure you take time for yourself.

I start my mornings with a hearty breakfast with my partner before diving into work. For years, I was not a breakfast person, but lately, I've become a convert to the morning meal club. Who knew that eating actual food in the morning could be so delightful? In the evenings, I unwind by reading a book, watching silly stuff online that makes me laugh, or drooling over recipes that inevitably lead to midnight snacking. Now that I'm in Germany, I make sure to meet up with friends a few times a month and have dinner with my partner's family. It’s all about balancing work, play, and preventing my waistline from expanding too quickly from all the vegan schnitzel and pretzels!

ice cream after dentist
enjoying ice cream after my dentist visit lol
going out
one super hot afternoon, on my way to meet a friend

9. Embrace Flexibility

One of the perks of remote work is flexibility. Embrace it! If you're more productive at night or prefer a mid-day workout, adjust your schedule to fit your needs, as long as you meet your work commitments.

I discovered that I'm more productive in the afternoon and late at night. So, I adjust my schedule to work during these peak productivity times and take a longer break in the mornings to recharge. Basically, I’ve become a productivity vampire, thriving in the dark hours while everyone else is asleep. My mornings are now dedicated to leisurely activities like sipping tea, romanticising life, and pretending I'm in a breakfast cereal commercial. 

productivity
i even squeeze in some online shopping – because nothing says productivity like adding things to my cart!

Remote work isn’t just a temporary solution; it’s a new way of life for many. While it comes with its challenges, it also offers incredible opportunities for growth, productivity, and work-life balance. So, if you’re navigating this new world of work, remember – with the right mindset and strategies, you can not only survive but truly thrive.

Embrace the Future

The world of work has changed forever. What was once seen as an unconventional way to earn a living is now as mainstream as binge-watching your favourite Netflix series. Whether you’ve been thrust into remote work by circumstance or you’ve chosen this path, know that with determination and a few strategic adjustments, you can excel. So, here’s to breaking stereotypes and proving that remote work is not just real work, but some of the most rewarding work you can do. Plus, who doesn’t love the freedom to attend meetings in pyjama bottoms and make a mid-day snack run without anyone judging?