L & L #25: How to Set Boundaries and Stay Balanced While Working Remotely

[Reading time: 4 minutes]

I’m truly excited about the amount of time I save everyday thanks to working remotely.

I can avoid the daily commute and manage my schedule in a way that best suits my needs. 

But let’s admit it.

For most of us, the shift to remote work has blurred the lines between personal and professional life.

Recently, I've focused on refining how I set boundaries to make sure that my work doesn’t overwhelm my personal life.

1. Why Boundaries Matter

86% of people who work from home full-time experience burnout. [source: zippia.com]

Boundaries matter more than you think.

Without them, we're at risk of:

⇢ burnout, 

⇢ plummeting productivity, and 

⇢ a teetering mental state.

It's not just about clocking in and out.

It's about creating a sanctuary for focus and a separate space for relaxation within the same four walls.

To help you navigate this journey with confidence, I've compiled a comprehensive cheat sheet on "How to Set Boundaries and Stay Balanced While Working Remotely". Click on the visual below for a high-res PDF version.

But how do we build these invisible walls effectively?

Let's dive deep, beyond the surface with the steps to set boundaries

2. Craft a Workspace That Works for You

Choosing a dedicated work area is more than just a logistical choice.

It's a statement of intent. 

➤ The Steps:

   - create a specific area at home solely for work.

   - Keep it organised and conducive to productivity.

➤ The Tips:

- Avoid working from bed or couch.

- Personalise your workspace to make it inviting.

A well-organised, distraction-free zone signals to your brain that it's time to work,

↳ boosting focus and efficiency.

Personal touches can transform this space into a place you want to be,

↳ not just where you have to be.

3. Set Clear Working Hours

Setting clearly your workday's start and end times in the vast world of remote working is a sign of sanity.  This is empowering. 

➤ The Steps:

   - Set a consistent daily schedule for work.

   - Communicate these hours to your team and family members.

➤ The Tips:

- Stick to your schedule as closely as possible

- Avoid overextending your work hours

- Use calendar tools to block work time and breaks

Communicating your schedule avoids the 'always-on' expectation.

This isn't about rigidity.

It's about carving out time for life beyond the screen.

4. Prioritise Communication

When it comes to remote work, communication is both a lifeline and potential leash. 

➤ The Steps:

   - Define preferred channels for communication (email, chat, video calls).

   - Set expectations for response times and availability.

➤ The Tips:

- Use status updates (e.g., 'Do Not Disturb') to signal availability

- Over Communicate rather than under communicate

Setting clear channels and guidelines frees you from the tyranny of the urgent and the constant ping of notifications.

It’s about quality, not quantity, of interactions.

5. Take Regular Breaks

Ironically, the secret to enduring productivity is knowing when to take a step back. 

➤ The Steps:

   - Schedule short breaks throughout the day to recharge.

   - Step away from your workspace during breaks to refresh your mind.

➤ The Tips:

- Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to manage break times

- During breaks, engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you

It's not wasted time.

It's an investment in your mental and physical stamina.

6. Separate Work and Personal Life

In a world where your office is just steps from your living room, the act of 'logging off' becomes a powerful ritual.

➤ The Steps:

   - Log off from work-related devices after hours.

   - Engage in hobbies and activities outside of work to rejuvenate.

➤ The Tips:

- Have a ritual to signify the end of your workday (e.g., a walk, exercise)

- Use separate devices for work and personal use if possible

It's about physically and psychologically detaching from work,

↳ reaffirming that your personal life deserves undivided attention too.

7. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

Managing your energy, not just your clock, is the real game changer.

➤ The Steps:

   - Identify peak productivity hours and schedule tasks accordingly.

   - Incorporate activities that boost your energy levels and focus.

➤ The Tips:

- Practise mindfulness or meditation to maintain focus and reduce stress

- Regularly assess and adjust your schedule based on energy levels

Aligning tasks with your natural rhythms can skyrocket productivity and satisfaction. It’s about working smarter, not longer.

8. Foster Social Connections

Isolation can be a silent thief in remote work. 

➤ The Steps:

   - Schedule virtual coffee breaks or informal chats with colleagues.

   - Stay connected with your team and peers through regular check-ins.

➤ The Tips:

- Balance work interactions with personal ones to maintain relationships

- Plan occasional in-person meetups if possible

These aren't just check-boxes on our well-being list.

They're the stitches that keep our work community united.

9. Practice Self-care

In the relentless pursuit of deadlines, don’t forget the engine driving it all: you. 

➤ The Steps:

   - Set daily routines that prioritise physical and mental well-being.

   - Take breaks when needed to prevent burnout and maintain motivation.

➤ The Tips:

- Take time off when needed to recharge, prevent burnout and maintain motivation.

- Practise gratitude and positive self-talk

Self-care is the soil from which productivity blossoms. 

Sleep, nutrition, physical activity - these aren't just good habits.

They're non-negotiables for sustained performance.

10. Take advantage of Technology Wisely

Leveraging technology can be a game-changer for remote productivity and work-life balance.

➤ The Steps:

   - Use productivity tools to manage tasks and deadlines effectively.

   - Set boundaries with notifications to maintain focus during off-hours.

➤ The Tips:

- Regularly review and optimise your tech usage for better efficiency

These boundaries aren't just about managing interruptions.

They're essential for maintaining your mental clarity and preventing burnout.

Closing Thoughts

At the end of the day, it's about:

• Finding harmony in the flexibility that remote work provides.

• Crafting a life that accommodates work, not the other way around.

Your Next Steps

Explore the practical strategies outlined in this newsletter. 

Adapt them to fit your unique circumstances and share them with your team and peers. 

Together, let's redefine success by prioritising balance, purpose, and clarity in our work and lives.

Until next time,

Véronique.

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