Let’s be real for a second: remote work sounded like a dream until it became your daily reality. Suddenly, your “office” is a kitchen table, your “commute” is a stumble from bed, and your “colleagues” are your dog, the postie, and maybe a houseplant you keep forgetting to water. If you’re anything like me, you’ve realised that working from home is less about freedom and more about fighting distractions, blurred boundaries, and the constant temptation of the fridge.
Back in the day, I thought remote work would mean more time for myself-maybe even a chance to start journaling every day or work on my mental health. But what actually happened? My days blurred together, my to-do list multiplied like rabbits, and I found myself asking some deep questions about what “productivity” really means in this new world.
Here’s what I’ve learned-sometimes the hard way-about building real productivity, resilience, and even a bit of joy in the age of remote work.
If you’re working from your bed, I get it. But trust me, your back (and your brain) will thank you for carving out a workspace-even if it’s just a corner of the living room. It’s not about fancy gear; it’s about telling your mind, “This is where the work happens.” When you leave that space, actually leave it.
Quick tip: Keep your work stuff in one spot. When you’re done, shut the laptop and walk away. Even a tiny ritual-like lighting a candle or making a cup of tea-can help you switch gears.
Remote work loves to blur the lines between “work” and “life.” Suddenly, you’re answering emails at midnight or taking calls while making dinner. Here’s the truth: nobody else will set your boundaries for you. You have to do it yourself.
Set a finish time and stick to it.
Say “no” to after-hours requests.
Don’t apologise for needing space.
Boundaries aren’t selfish-they’re survival. Your mental health depends on them
I used to let my day drift along, hoping I’d get everything done. Spoiler: I didn’t. Now, I block out time for deep work, admin, breaks-even lunch. It’s not about being a robot; it’s about paying attention to how you actually work best.
Try this:
Block your most focused hours for your hardest tasks.
Save emails and admin for when your brain is mush.
Protect your breaks as fiercely as your meetings.
Some days, my focus is shot. That’s when I use the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off. After four rounds, take a longer break. It’s not magic, but it makes big tasks feel less overwhelming.
Bonus: Use your breaks to move, stretch, or just breathe. Scrolling your phone doesn’t count as a real break-sorry.
Too many open tabs, a messy desktop, and endless notifications are productivity killers. Every Friday, I close what I’m not using, clear my downloads, and set my phone to “Do Not Disturb” during focus time.
You’d be amazed how much clearer your mind feels when your digital space isn’t a disaster zone.
Notifications are like toddlers-always demanding attention at the worst possible time. Turn off anything non-essential. Schedule times to check emails and messages, and stick to them.
Your brain will thank you for every ping you silence.
When you’re working from home, it’s easy to forget to take breaks. But your brain isn’t built to focus for hours on end. Short, regular breaks help you reset, avoid burnout, and come back sharper.
My rule? A proper lunch away from my desk, and at least one walk outside-even if it’s just around the block. Sometimes I use breaks to journal, meditate, or just breathe for a minute.
Productivity isn’t just about what you do at your desk. It’s about how you care for your body. I used to think I could power through the day without moving, but all that got me was a stiff neck and a foggy brain.
Now, I set reminders to stretch, do a few squats, or walk around the house. Movement clears stress hormones and helps you reset. If you’re feeling stuck, move-your mind will follow.
It’s easy to snack your way through the day when the kitchen’s just a few steps away. But what you eat (and drink) affects your focus, mood, and energy.
Keep water at your desk.
Prep healthy snacks in advance.
Don’t skip meals-your brain needs fuel.
Mindfulness isn’t just meditation. It’s about being present, even in the chaos. When you feel overwhelmed, pause. Notice your breath, your body, your thoughts.
Sometimes I journal for five minutes when I’m feeling scattered, or just close my eyes and breathe. Mindfulness helps you catch yourself before you spiral-and brings you back to what matters.
Remote work can feel isolating. Journaling is a way to process your thoughts, track your wins, and notice what’s working (and what isn’t). Some days, it’s a brain dump of worries. Other days, it’s a gratitude list or a quick check-in: “How am I, really?”
Prompt to try:
What’s draining my energy today?
What’s one thing I did well?
What boundary do I need to protect tomorrow?
Journaling isn’t about being eloquent-it’s about being real. Honest. Unfiltered. It’s a way to ask yourself the deep questions to life, to practise gratitude, and to keep your mind in the present moment.
Some days, you’ll be a productivity machine. Other days, you’ll struggle to get out of your pyjamas. That’s normal. The goal isn’t to be perfect-it’s to keep showing up, trying new things, and being honest about what works for you.
Remote work is a marathon, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself.
Don’t let remote work turn you into a hermit. Schedule virtual coffee breaks, check in with colleagues, or join online communities. Human connection is a huge part of motivation and resilience.
Even a quick message to a friend or a silly meme can remind you that you’re not alone in this.
In a traditional office, you might get a pat on the back or a high-five from a coworker. At home, you have to celebrate yourself. Finished a project? Take a victory lap around the kitchen. Got through a tough call? Treat yourself to something small.
Tracking your wins-big or small-keeps you motivated and reminds you that you’re making progress, even on the tough days.
Remote work isn’t going anywhere. The key isn’t to copy someone else’s routine-it’s to find what works for you. Maybe that’s time-blocking, journaling, or dancing in your kitchen between Zoom calls. Maybe it’s all of the above.
Start small. Experiment. Adjust as you go. And remember: productivity isn’t about doing more-it’s about doing what matters, with energy left over for the rest of your life.
If you need prompts, tools, or just a bit of real talk, Combat Journal is here for you. Because you deserve to thrive-not just survive-in the age of remote work.
