Balancing Act: How to Set Boundaries with Work for a Healthier, Happier Life

Creating Work-Life Balance in a Remote Environment

A major benefit of remote work is the time it frees up in our schedules compared to working in an office. Without the regular commute and obligation to be in the office, we have more flexibility to run errands, do chores during breaks, spend time with our pets and/or kids, take walks during meetings, and more.

I was thrilled about these benefits when I started my remote job. However, I soon realized that setting boundaries with work became much harder when my "office" became my laptop. I felt pressured to work longer hours, sometimes not even logging them to avoid complaints from my boss. I skipped lunches and breaks on busy days and found myself constantly thinking about work even after I logged off for the day.

If your experience resonates with mine, continue reading. I've compiled a list of helpful tips I've used to establish stronger work boundaries and achieve a better work-life balance.

1. Set specific hours and stick to them: One of the lessons that took me the longest to implement was staying within my set working hours. I would take longer breaks so that I could stay on and help when work came in later in the day. Technically, I was still working an 8-hour shift, except it was spread out across a 13-hour time frame. When I set boundaries with my manager and coworkers about my schedule, I saw a drastic difference in how much more time and focus I was able to give to my health, my hobbies and my family. Just as your work expects you to give them your undivided attention during working hours, make sure to give your personal life that same undivided attention when you're off. No more accepting calls at 5:29 p.m. when you're set to log off at 5:30 p.m.

2. Create a separate space for work: In a perfect world, you have an at-home office where you can keep all your work equipment to keep your professional and personal life separate. If you don't have this luxury, you can choose a small corner of your apartment where you put your desk/table and even set up a room divider. Taking it a step further, locate a public library or see if your company covers the cost of going to WeWork a few times per week. Most libraries will also have separate conference spaces that are cheap to rent or free if they aren't otherwise being used. Even if it's only one day a week, getting out of your space can really create a mental separation between work and life even without access to a physical barrier.

If you have limited resources for the recommendations above, that's okay! At the end of your workday, make sure your laptop gets shut and put away in a drawer or cabinet. Our computer = our office. Out of sight, out of mind!

3. Get dressed for work: It may sound silly, but getting ready for work, even if no one will be seeing you, can help create a much-needed boundary. At my lowest point, I would roll out of bed, brush my teeth and then get right back in bed to work on my laptop. At first, it seemed convenient, but I soon realized that blurring the lines between my personal space and workspace only added to my feelings of burnout and stress. By establishing a simple ritual of getting dressed for work, I was able to create a healthier separation for myself.

4. Use your PTO: Depending on your company's policy, you should hopefully have access to paid time off, sick days, floating holidays, and/or maybe even "wellness days". I always thought I had to save my PTO for a big vacation or in case of an emergency. Now, I take regular time off to avoid burnout instead of being forced to take it after I'm already mentally exhausted.

5. Disconnect & Unwind: Most people's first instinct after work is to decompress by watching TV, scrolling on their phone, playing video games, etc. Unlike working in an office, every aspect of a telecommuter's job is done through technology. By swapping one electronic device for another, our brain isn't given the time it needs to really disconnect and unwind. Drawing a bath, reading a book, taking a nap, going for a walk, or playing with your kids or pets are all enjoyable activities that allow you to connect back to your environment and yourself after a long workday.

6. Know when to ask for help: As a professional, it's essential to recognize that you can't do everything on your own. If your workload is constantly bogging you down and putting you in a position of working longer hours, ask for help! Advocate for yourself and make sure the isolation of remote work isn't interfering with your ability to speak up for yourself.

Achieving work-life balance as a telecommuter is a learning process that requires conscious effort and commitment. By making these small adjustments, you can create a more balanced lifestyle for yourself that will ultimately lead to increased happiness, well-being, and even productivity!

In need of more hands-on support? Check out my health coaching programs - I look forward to helping you on your journey!