Remote Working: Blessing or Curse?
As a fully remote worker, I have firsthand experience with the challenges, benefits, and realities of this new way of working...
Firstly, I love working remotely for many reasons, but a key one is that it allowed me to move to a rural country location in Australia where I am able to live the lifestyle I want while still building and maintaining a global online business analysis community and business.
Another big benefit of this type of working is that it allows me to travel for work or leisure and still keep on top of my business and responsibilities.
However, this has not come without its challenges—both physical and mental—and this is what I want to tell you about in this post:
Isolation and Loneliness
Causes and Impact of Isolation
Remote work can be isolating due to the lack of in-person interactions with colleagues. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which can negatively impact mental health.
Solutions for Staying Connected
To combat isolation, I recommend:
Virtual Coffee Breaks: Schedule informal video calls with colleagues to chat about non-work-related topics.
Online Communities: Join remote work communities and forums where you can interact with other remote workers.
Regular Video Calls: Use video conferencing tools for team meetings to foster a sense of connection.
Personal Story
One other personal remedy I have implemented for this is to find people to connect with in person. In my case, I am living in a new small rural town which (lucky for me) is full of very friendly people. So I take a walk a couple of times a week into town to have small chats (similar to coffee breaks in the traditional office world I come from) with locals whom I've formed connections with. It makes a big difference to how "connected" I feel to the world.
Managing Work-Life Balance
Challenges in Separating Work from Personal Life
When your home is also your office, it can be challenging to draw the line between work and personal life. This blurring of boundaries can lead to overwork and burnout.
Strategies for Achieving Balance
To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I suggest:
Setting Strict Work Hours: Define your work hours and stick to them. Let your team know when you are available and when you are offline.
Creating a Dedicated Workspace: Set up a specific area in your home where you work, separate from where you relax.
Taking Regular Breaks: Schedule breaks throughout the day to step away from your work and recharge.
Personal Story
I have the fortunate (or not so fortunate on cold mornings) routine where I have to look after my horses twice a day at set times. This forces me to not only take two solid breaks every day but it grounds me to nature and recharges my battery. I also make sure not to work beyond a certain hour at night. I am still working to perfect that routine for the mornings…
Building a Support System
Importance of Support Networks
Having a support system is crucial for mental well-being. It provides a sense of belonging and a safety net during challenging times.
Creating and Maintaining Support Networks
To build a strong support network:
Connect with Peers: Engage with other remote workers through social media groups and professional networks.
Find a Mentor: Seek out a mentor who can provide guidance and support.
Participate in Team-Building Activities: Join virtual team-building exercises to strengthen relationships with your colleagues.
Personal Story
My work requires me to connect with others on social media platforms and other virtual forums. This in itself might not be the strongest support system, but over time I have built a network of online connections that I can rely on and with whom I share a virtual bond of sorts. So don't overlook this one, it does make a difference too.
Mindfulness and Mental Health
Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Routine
Mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve focus. Simple practices can make a big difference.
Practical Mindfulness Techniques
To integrate mindfulness into your day:
Meditation: Start your day with a short meditation session to set a positive tone, whatever form that takes for you.
Breathing Exercises: Take deep breaths during breaks to clear your mind and reduce tension.
Mindful Breaks: Use break times to practice mindfulness, such as a short walk or stretching exercises.
Personal Story
Coming back to my routine of looking after the horses - this is my way of getting physical exercise twice a day whilst also becoming mindful at the same time. With horses, you have to be mostly in the present moment because they are not only energetically very present and therefore command you to be present but they are half-ton moving creatures, so you cannot really not focus on them whilst being around them! Really good for my mental state and being in the present moment…
Physical Health and Its Impact on Mental Health
Importance of Physical Activity
Physical health directly affects mental well-being. Regular exercise can reduce stress and improve mood.
Tips for Maintaining Physical Health
To stay physically healthy:
Exercise Regularly: Incorporate activities like walking, jogging, or yoga into your routine.
Healthy Eating: Maintain a balanced diet to fuel your body and mind.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Creating a Positive Remote Work Environment
Setting Up an Ergonomic Workspace
An ergonomic workspace can prevent physical strain and promote well-being.
Personalising Your Space
To create a positive work environment:
Ergonomic Furniture: Invest in a good chair and desk setup.
Proper Lighting: Ensure your workspace is well-lit to reduce eye strain.
Personal Touches: Add personal items like plants or photos to make your workspace enjoyable.
Personal Story
Currently, we live in a modest rental house while waiting to build a house on the land where we keep the horses. This means my workspace is also modest and compact. It has however evolved into a specific dedicated space which I don't deviate from and it helps to demarcate work life from personal life nicely. I keep it uncluttered and comfortable with lots of light.
Final thoughts..
Maintaining mental health while working remotely is crucial for long-term success and well-being. By implementing these strategies, you can create a balanced, productive, and fulfilling remote work experience.
Remember, your mental health is just as important as your professional achievements.
Prioritise it, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.
I hope you find these strategies helpful. Feel free to share your experiences and any additional tips in the comments.
Let’s support each other in maintaining our mental well-being while enjoying the benefits of remote work.
Thank you so much for reading. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, please do a minute to leave a comment, it means a lot to me.
Until next time, keep pushing forward and stay inspired!
Thank you for being part of the BAE Community!
Esta Lessing CBAP®
You can find my more of my work here:
Hi Esta, I agree that remote working is both a blessing and a challenge. I appreciate the valuable input you provided to help mitigate some of the issues. One of the best things about remote working for me is not having to endure hours of heavy traffic, which can be physically and emotionally draining. This allows for more productivity. However, the challenge is that when working from home, there's a tendency to work harder and it's important to have a daily task plan to avoid burnout. But I agree, it can be lonely, and one can find oneself isolated at times