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Remote Working

Staying focused and engaged while working remotely might be a challenge to some. Others find remote work the best advantage of navigating a global pandemic. Read on for easy habits to make remote working manageable and encourage a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. 

Be Mindful

Being mindful is a simple concept, and basically you need to be in the moment. Easier said than done sometimes, especially if you are also homeschooling or have other responsibilities. You need to complete one commitment or task at a time. Be mindful of priorities throughout your day. In addition, turn off your brain at night. Being mindful and doing a “brain dump” at night is essential. I’m talking about emptying your negative thoughts each night before bed. This will go a long way for a healthy mind and body for the next day.

Find a Passion

Is your job your passion?  You are not alone; many people say, no, not really! If you need a passion or purpose to wake up in the morning, find one. Many workers at home are finding other outlets to offset the lack of a passionate connection to their work. Think about art, a pet, or some even work two jobs.  This sounds incredible, but many have success at two jobs to help with remote work engagement and financial security. I am not asking you to go find another remote job. I am advocating that you need another outlet for happiness other than your work. Go out there and find it.

Set Boundaries

Going into an office, your work hours, business tasks, and lunch breaks are dictated. Depending upon your company, you are the one to decide when tasks and emails get done. Setting healthy boundaries for your work hours, answering emails, and taking time for yourself is crucial. No one at home will tell you when to eat, take a break, or get off email. You need to decide a sound schedule and stick to it. Self-care is so important as we have less socialization with remote working during the pandemic.

Be Flexible

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that remaining flexible and open to new opportunities is beneficial. Having clear expectations from your employer is needed. However, resilient workers who are positive, and see problems as challenges are happier. You make more sound decisions, and you can handle difficult situations better when you’re flexible.

Take some time and find new ways to help grow in your remote job and let me know how it’s going.

By Kathy Husser (Tempe)

Kathy Husser is a Tempe librarian and educator who enjoys travel and learning about our global cultures. With post pandemic traveling open up more and more, Kathy wants to share resources for family friendly getaways and fun trips to meet your vacation needs. She enjoys gardening, the outdoors and cooking too!