It has become, for many of us, commonplace to work remotely at least a few days a week. Whether you’ve been doing it for years or are new to the experience your focus must be set on maintaining productivity. And if you’ve just emptied your vacation suitcase onto your workspace, it can be hard to get back into that mindset.

Working remotely has many benefits and a unique set of challenges. It often allows for a flexible schedule which gives you the opportunity to create a positive work life balance. But as Eleanor Roosevelt said, “With freedom comes responsibility.” The freedom to choose how and where you want to work is firmly partnered with the responsibility of setting your own productivity parameters.

Set your intention to start your day like you’re going to work, because you are. Preparation is paramount so do things that will get you physically and mentally ready: workout, have a nutritious breakfast, journal, meditate. Sure, it’s fun to work in your jammies but getting dressed will make you feel much more professional.

Designate a place that’s for work only so you’ll know when you’re there, it’s work time. It should be comfortable and well-lit with a chair/desk combination that supports your posture. Commandeering a place at home can be problematic if space is limited or family and roommates abound. Have a conversation with others living with you before you set up shop to make sure you’re not impinging on their rights. You can also consider a coworking site or a low-key local coffee shop. If a place with peace and quiet is more your style, working at the local library may do the trick.

Setting strong boundaries is the gateway to productivity. Working remotely requires defining where your work life ends and your personal life begins. Keeping in contact with coworkers as part of your daily routine will let them know when you’ve logged on, when you’re available, and when you’ve ended for the day. Make it clear to your family and social group that just because you work out of office doesn’t mean you can get together at a moment’s notice. Gentle reminders that you’re only able to chat during breaks or when your work day has completed should help to keep the interruptions to a minimum.

Think of taking breaks as a mandatory part of your job. Working on your own means there’s no natural flow of those little office interruptions that seamlessly provided down time. Research shows taking breaks improves focus and spending extended amounts of time in that chair can result in you becoming stagnant, exhausted and cramped. Schedule a 5-10 minute break about every hour to get some air, have a stretch, anything that lets you wind down and recharge.

If you’re susceptible to distractions or procrastination both can be managed by being prepared. When you’re ready to wind up your day, create a checklist of everything that’s on your plate for tomorrow to organize priorities. Breaking assignments down into small steps will make them seem more manageable. Turning off news and social media alerts will spare you from constant distractions. If you continue to have trouble focusing, having a friend or a coach as an accountability partner for check-ins and encouragement will help keep you on track.

Working remotely is, as they say, the new normal. If you have the opportunity to do it, enjoy the benefits and take the responsibilities seriously. Having a plan in place so that your work and personal time are balanced and your productivity soars is the perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Does this sound like you? Someone you know or someone you work with? Maintaining productivity while working on your own can be a challenge. The RCNY teams of Accountability and Behavioral Health Coaches are here to help. Whatever level of support you need, our coaches work with you to provide the coping skills and tools and techniques you need to get and stay on track. For more information have a confidential conversation with Cindy via phone at 631-921-4085 or reach her directly via email here.

Whatever stage of mental health recovery you are in, whatever level of support you need, a member of The Recovery Coach NY team can guide you through assessing your strengths and developing goals for next steps. The Recovery Coach NY honors all paths of recovery with years of experience and a vast array of resources that can support those in need find the way to the life of joy and purpose they deserve. We come with an empathetic ear and solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the relief you or your loved one seek.

We provide Recovery Coaching, Mental Health Support & Coaching, Sobriety & Mental Health Companionship, Executive Function & Accountability Coaching, Academic Coaching & Scholastic Support, Safe Transport, Case Management, Psychedelic Integration Coaching, Intervention and Emergency Services. For more information about our services, visit our website.

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