I have been working a hybrid schedule since graduating from college, and though I love being able to skip the morning commute to work from my couch, I have faced some new, unexpected challenges while working remotely. I have had to rewire my brain in certain ways, and find hacks to overcome some barriers that have risen since taking on this type of work schedule.
Below are some unexpected challenges that I have encountered, along with hacks and solutions that I have learned along the way.
Don’t confuse your “workspace” with your “leisure” space.
Remote work is awesome because you don’t have to get gussied up every morning, you don’t have to commute, and you have the option to work from your couch, cuddled up with a pet-friend, perhaps. However, I have learned that the ‘Couch Method’ of work does not work for me.
Maybe the ‘Couch Method’ works for some people, but it certainly doesn’t for me (and I’m sure it doesn’t for others).
Easy fixes:
Simply moving to the kitchen table to work, or setting up my workspace at the kitchen counter, so I can stand for a bit, has helped mitigate lulls in my workflow. Mostly it has helped deter me from spiraling down hyperfixated rabbit holes on the internet instead of writing a simple, quick email. I quickly found out that if I work in the same space I relax, I can’t get work done while ‘at work’ and I can’t relax fully when I’m not at ‘work.’
I’ve found that the farther I can get from ‘liesure spaces’ the better. This doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable though! Find your favorite pair of pants, a comfy sweater, and embark on an adventure to find interesting places to work.
Visiting cafes to work for an afternoon can make a work day feel like a special occasion, rather than a chore.
I also have no shame in motivating myself with treats, so if I have to buy myself the expensive latte at Starbucks to get excited for work, I’m going to spend those six dollars.
Utilizing public spaces, like libraries, can also vary up your workspaces, making things feel less monotonous. (These spaces are also free to use . . . so why not?)
Don’t forget to incorporate breaks during your work day.
I either work until I drop, or I have to pull teeth to get a single task done. I can never seem to find a perfect middle ground. I almost have to get lost in my work to get anything done at the end of the day. However, according to some experts, this mentality can lead to burnout.
I am currently feeling that burnout is creeping up behind me, and perhaps I’m already burned out and I don’t necessarily notice it quite yet. (Maybe that is why laundry is piling up in the corner of my room—oops.)
Easy fixes:
I’ve been trying to take steps away from my work more frequently, whether that means getting up to make a cup of coffee, or putting on my headphones to pace around the apartment/office for a bit. Usually, once I get up and do a small task, it makes the larger tasks feel a little less daunting—because I’ve already accomplished something. I’ve found that my brain craves dopamine hits, so I just have to find ways throughout my day to get them.
A North Carolina University study found that taking microbreaks throughout the workday can help maintain energy levels, especially if you begin work already tired.
The Pomodoro Method is rather popular, though some experts have debated its efficacy, if it is not used intentionally. Personally, timers keep me accountable. (Check out this article if you want to read more about the Pomodoro Method and its benefits.)
I used StudyTogether in college to join virtual spaces to work with other students. It has cool features like task lists, timers, and ‘ambience’ settings. Sometimes if I’m feeling exceptionally unmotivated, I’ll join a focus room and leech off the motivation of others.
The perfect music playlist makes a difference.
Just like with working out, the right music playlist can make a difference at how much you get done in a day. A few years ago I stumbled across the “Slowed Reverb” community on YouTube and it has been a game changer for my workflow.
Music taste varies from person to person, so Slowed Reverb remixes may not work for you. However, I am the person that can lock-in and get hyper-focused by listening to the same song over and over again. And for some reason, Slowed Reverb mixes tickle that part in my brain that allows me to get stuff done.
When music isn’t quite hitting right, sometimes I’ll listen to an audiobook or a podcast. This can be difficult if I am writing, as I find the two things too distracting. However, if I’m doing things like designing social media posts, or organizing documents, audiobooks/podcasts are a good alternative to music.
Below are some of my go to playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks that help me ‘lock-in’ and get work done:
Current Favorite YouTube Playlist: slowed and reverb rap by Texting Uchiha
Current Audiobook: House of Shadows by Darcy Coats
Current Favorite Podcast Series: Grim & Mild Presents
Taking time to eat.
If you work in roles like I do—which is project based work—in which you don’t have designated lunch breaks, it is important that you carve out time yourself to eat. I can tell immediately when I’m getting grumpy or extremely ‘foggy,’ that I need to eat. Usually, within just a few bits of food—whether that is a snack or a full meal—I feel better and more motivated to continue work.
Easy fixes:
I eat breakfast early in the morning (usually around 6:30 am) so by 10:30 am I try to take a few moments to eat something substantial so that I have some brain fuel to accomplish tasks.
I often carry some kind of snack, as well, seeing that sometimes my lunch isn’t enough to keep me sustained through the day.
Of course I always have an iced coffee on hand, as well as my water, because I can’t get anything done if I’m not at least semi-caffeinated and adequately hydrated.
I’ve also been making adult lunchables, which makes me feel excited about eating each day.
Incorporating movement and physical activity into your day.
Because my job requires me to be sitting at a computer, I find it important to get physical activity into my day, no matter where/when/how.
Easy fixes:
For a while this year, I’ve been waking up at 6:00 am to do a quick yoga flow before getting ready for the day. This helped to get my blood flowing, and also increased my mood in the morning. (There is nothing worse than waking up late and having to rush to catch the bus.)
After work, I will usually ride the bus half-way to my apartment and then walk the rest of the way to get in steps for the day. Then I will go to the gym for forty-five minutes to an hour. These routines keep me physically healthy, while also increasing my endorphins (ultimately improving my mood), and makes me tired by the time I have to go to bed.
I use my Apple Watch to monitor my activity, because it helps remind/motivate me to move when I’ve been sedentary for too long. Apple Watches are not going to automatically improve your relationship with remote/hybrid work, but if you are able to afford a comparable pedometer, it may help you increase your activity levels.
Below are some videos/playlists/creators that I reference to keep motivated and to stay active:
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