3 ESSENTIAL work from home boundaries

Boundaries are important in all walks of life but boundaries for a remote worker are VITAL.⁠

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It’s easy to fall into the habit of, “Just one more task today” or “Sure, let’s have a meeting this Saturday, my schedule is free” but that kind of thinking will put you on the fast track to frustration, and that remote life you thought sounded so great will turn into an endless hamster wheel of 24/7 work… which is NO BUENO.⁠

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Try out these ideas to practice drawing a line between work and life:⁠

Set physical boundaries⁠

Create a dedicated workspace. Whether it’s a corner of your closet or a certain part of the kitchen counter, designate one area as “work only.” When it’s time to call it quits, close your laptop and step away from this space and try not to come back until it’s time for work again.⁠

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Set time boundaries⁠

Designate “work time” and “non-work time” hours. Set an alarm to help you transition from one to the other. I like to have a wind-down routine for the end of the workday, where I stretch, change into comfortable clothes and slippers, and have a snack.⁠

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Set emotional boundaries⁠

One of the hardest things about being so digitally connected is that sometimes we think we need to be available to everyone, all the time. But it’s important to consider what boundaries are best for you and your loved ones when it comes to work.

Perhaps you stop checking your work phone and email after work hours. Or perhaps let your loved ones know that you’re “offline” and won’t respond to calls and texts until work hours are done. These changes can help you keep your focus while also not getting frustrated with people for trying to reach you all the time.⁠

These adjustments are small but they make a world of difference when it comes to wellness and avoiding burnout. Remember, just because you CAN work more or do more, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.⁠

For more tips on how to take care of your mental health when you’re working from home, check out my post on 5 tips to stay mentally healthy as a remote worker.

Please take care of you... you are more than your work, your productivity levels, or your job title.