How to Separate Work and Life When Working Remotely

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Working remotely offers unparalleled flexibility and freedom, allowing us to escape the traditional office setting and embrace a location-independent lifestyle. However, this newfound freedom can also blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to reduced productivity.

So, how can we strike the perfect balance?

In this guide, I’ll share practical tips on how to separate work and life effectively while working remotely, ensuring you maintain your sanity and optimize your productivity.

1.?????Create a Dedicated Workspace:

If you work from home, designating a specific area as your workspace is crucial. It not only helps you mentally switch into work mode but also creates a physical separation between work and personal life. Choose a quiet corner or a spare room and equip it with the essentials, such as a comfortable chair, a clutter-free desk, and good lighting. When you enter this workspace, it signals to your brain that it's time to focus and get things done.

I work from various locations but I also have a dedicated home office when I work from home. It’s a separate and quiet room, with a tidy desk and some handy equipment. When I’m on a call or running a webinar it’s important to make sure there are no disturbances. When I finish work, I leave the room and try not to use it during my free time. This helps with the separation of work and life.

2. Establish a Routine:

Maintaining a routine is key to separating work and personal life. Set specific working hours that align with your most productive times and stick to them. Start your day with a morning routine that includes activities like exercise, meditation, or journaling, to help you transition from personal to work mode. Likewise, have a clear end time for work and use it as an opportunity to switch off and unwind.

I like to settle into the day with a longer morning routine. I have a long breakfast with my husband and then a cup of coffee and a morning chat. Then I have a home Pilates or yoga session and after that, I get ready for work. I’m most productive between 10 and 11 am so that’s when I start working. I also have a rule that I don’t work after 6 pm, my evenings are for relaxing and unwinding.

3. Dress the Part:

While the allure of working in pyjamas is real, getting dressed as if you were going to an office can help create a psychological boundary between work and leisure time. It doesn't mean you have to wear formal attire, but changing out of your sleepwear into casual, comfortable clothing can signal that you're ready to tackle the day.

In fairness, I never work in my pyjamas because it makes me feel sleepy and lazy, thus not productive. Comfortable casual clothes are the best choice for my usual workday and I always dress up for meetings or live webinars.

4. Set Boundaries:

One of the greatest challenges of remote work is managing interruptions from family members, friends, or roommates. Communicate your working hours and boundaries clearly to those around you, so they understand when you're available and when you need uninterrupted focus. Consider using physical cues, like a closed door or headphones, to indicate your availability or need for privacy.

When I work from my home office I usually keep the door open with the exception of meetings with clients or live webinars, for which I need to make sure there are no interruptions. Then I clearly communicate it to family members and close the office door. When I work on the go, from cafes, hotels or campsites, I don’t plan any important meetings or live events.

5. Schedule Breaks and Downtime:

Just as you would take breaks and lunchtime in a traditional office, it's important to do the same while working remotely. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge, stretch, or grab a healthy snack. Stepping away from your workspace and engaging in non-work activities helps maintain balance and prevents burnout. Additionally, make sure to dedicate time for leisure activities, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones, as this will enhance your overall well-being.

Apart from regular breaks during the day, I also have a start-up and shut-down routine. In the morning I take about 30 min to plan my day, go through the to-do list and respond to messages. Then at the end of the day, I do a similar exercise, reviewing the work done, planning for the next day and answering emails. This helps me close the day with a sense of achievement and transition to leisure time.

Conclusion:

Working remotely offers incredible flexibility and freedom, but it also requires some effort to separate work and personal life. By creating a dedicated workspace, establishing routines, and setting boundaries, you can strike a healthy balance between your professional and personal spheres. Remember, it's not about working more but about working smarter and prioritizing your well-being. With these practical tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the best of both worlds as a remote practice owner.

P.S. If you are an accountant or bookkeeper fed up with constant stress and pressure in your job, here are some useful resources for you:

1. Download my FREE guide which will help you reclaim your freedom by starting a remote practice and working from anywhere on your own terms. In this guide?First Steps To Start Your Remote Practice?I share?my own?experience and give advice to help you get started.

2. Join my?Remote Accountants Mentorship Training. These are FREE live interactive sessions, recurring monthly. We will be focusing on practical solutions to help you get started. I will answer your burning questions and give you useful tips based on my experience.?

3. If you are considering launching your own online practice but don’t know where to start, check out my quick online course?REMOTE ACCOUNTANTS STARTER KIT.?You will learn about the exact first steps you need to make, even if you don't have any practice experience.??