Many people struggle while working remotely. Although working from home might seem like an ideal situation, especially for introverts, it has its advantages and challenges.
Working remotely provides freedom and flexibility that being chained to an office desk prevents. For example, you can take that extended trip to Aruba and work beneath the warmth of the Caribbean sun.
Or you can simply enjoy the freedom of working in your pyjamas, without worrying about nosy coworkers interrupting you every ten minutes.
And say goodbye to that lengthy commute, including all the traffic and hefty gas bills. Instead, you can fill up your energy tanks with solitude as you work in the peace and comfort of your own home.
Sounds great—in theory, anyway.
What many introverts have discovered is that working alone at home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. You probably already know that working remotely can increase feelings of stress and isolation.
Without the connection that comes with in-person interactions, you feel like a monkey at a typewriter. Working away in your little room without anyone to talk to. You even miss the gentle click-clack of another human typing next to you.
It makes sense. We humans are social creatures who innately crave connection—yes, even if we’re introverted.
No one understands this more than me! As an introvert author and confidence coach I have been working from home for over a decade. Over the years, I’ve appreciated the ability to travel, make my own schedule and work in my pjs.
But I do have mixed feelings about the lack of face-to-face human interaction. In fact, that’s the main reason why I started doing standup comedy years ago (but that’s a whole other story). I wanted that live energy exchange that email and Zoom just doesn’t provide.
I have to be mindful about how I structure my work day and my time off so that I don’t feel isolated. If I don’t socialize enough, my motivation levels can drop quickly. Sometimes, just going for a walk and being seen by other humans can make a huge difference. We all need a witness to our lives.
Because I’m so well-acquainted with the challenges of working remotely, I wanted to share some tips for success.
8 Tips to Thrive While Working Remotely
Start the day right
When your commute to work is just a few steps, it’s easy to skip your morning routine. Instead of showering, getting ready and having a nice breakfast, you wake up at the last minute and head straight to your computer.
Having a morning routine is a form of self-care that sets the tone for your entire day. As an introvert, it’s especially important to make time for solitude in the morning. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these morning routines of famous people.
Know your work rhythm
There are certain times of day when you’re more productive. For most people, this is in the morning. Structure your day so that you do your creative or problem solving tasks when you’re at your most productive.
For me, this means writing newsletters and blogs first. I save easy tasks, like replying to emails and sending invoices, for later in the day.
Make lists when you’re feeling good
We all know the power of a to-do list. Checking things off the list gives you that little hit of dopamine that you need to stay motivated.
The tricky part is knowing what to put on the list. Some things are a no-brainer because there’s a deadline and they must be done. But other tasks may be up to your discretion, especially if you’re self-employed.
Choosing the right tasks can mean the difference between reaching your goals, versus spinning your wheels. That’s why I like making my to-do lists when I’m in the right frame of mind, like after meditating, writing a gratitude list or going for a walk.
Keep a routine
When you have more control over your schedule, you also have more decisions to make about how to approach your day. This can quickly lead to decision fatigue.
As you know, mental exhaustion is not a productivity booster. To prevent some of that mental overwhelm, be sure to put a few predictable routines in place. Here are some ideas:
- Start at the same time everyday
- Shower and get ready before starting work
- Have the same breakfast
- Go to the gym at the same time of day
- Arrange your desk in the same way
- Wear the same outfits
Master your environment
One of the most challenging aspects of working remotely is that there is no separation between work and home life.
If you’re lucky enough to have a home office, you do have a little bit of separation. But when it comes down to it, you’re still at home most of the day. That’s why it’s so important to create a pleasant work environment.
Whether you have an office, or you work at the kitchen table or couch—make it nice. Get rid of clutter, buy some plants, get the essential oil vaporizer going. It will help you to feel more motivated.
Leave the house
No matter how nice your house is, sometimes leaving it is the only thing that will keep you sane. Use your breaks to make a break for it and go for a walk. Or spend some time working in a nearby cafe.
Schedule in social time
You may find that working remotely leads to weekend loneliness. During the week, you get just enough social interaction from Zoom meetings, but by the time Saturday rolls around, you’re desperate for human contact.
Or it could be the opposite. Your weekends provide enough social interaction, but you struggle with weekday loneliness because you work alone.
Whichever it is for you, making social plans ahead of time is essential. Don’t wait until you’re already lonely, because then you won’t have the motivation or energy to reach out. Take a moment today to message friends and family and schedule in some time together.
Know when to clock out
The beauty of working in an office is that you get to leave it at the end of the day. This tells your brain that the workday is done.
When you work from home it’s way too easy to keep working well into the evening. Instead, work like a boss and have strong boundaries around your clock-out time.
I hope you found these tips helpful! For more introvert goodies, be sure to signup for my newsletter. You’ll get a free Introvert Conversation Cheat Sheet.
And please do share your thoughts on working remotely in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
Xo,
Michaela
