Over my 7+ years of remote work experience, I’ve honed these strategies to create boundaries, stay productive, and maintain balance. They’ve worked exceptionally well for me, and I hope they do for you too!
🤫 Silence the Noise
Turn off work notifications on your phone. It’s fine to have some apps installed for when you need them, but notifications can blur the lines between work and personal time. Stay in control by choosing when to check in.
✂️ Keep Work Separate
Put work apps in a folder on the last page of your phone’s home screen. This keeps them “out of sight, out of mind” and prevents you from instinctively checking work emails or messages.
📧 Separate Email Apps
Use a different app for personal and work emails. I use Gmail for work and Fastmail for personal accounts. Keeping them separate reduces the temptation to check work email during off-hours.
➗ Divide Your Space
Create a clear physical boundary between work and personal life. If you have a home office, great. If not, try a room divider—even in a small apartment. When your laptop is closed, your workspace should disappear from view.
🗓️ Plan Tomorrow, Today
At the end of each workday, schedule the next day. Knowing what’s on your agenda reduces the urge to check your to-dos late at night. A little preparation goes a long way in reclaiming your evenings.
📵 Protect Your Phone Number
Keep your personal phone number private. Your employer already has plenty of ways to contact you. There’s no reason for your boss to call on a Saturday night.
🛏️ No Working in Bed
Your bed is for sleep, not work. Working in bed can harm your posture, productivity, and—most importantly—your sleep quality. Poor sleep makes you less effective at your job. Protect your rest and work elsewhere.
🗝️ Sync Your Calendars
Combine your personal and work calendars into one view. Tools like to-do apps or calendar integrations help you see everything in one place, avoiding double bookings or missed commitments.
📕 Bookend Your Day
Establish routines to mark the start and end of your workday. Whether it’s morning coffee before work or a walk after, these rituals set mental boundaries and protect your personal time from intrusive work thoughts.
🎤 Communicate Clearly
Share your work hours with your team and use tools like Clockwise to manage your calendar. Block time for personal events and let colleagues know your availability. Transparency sets expectations and ensures everyone’s on the same page.
These strategies help me maintain a sustainable work-life balance while staying productive. Give them a try and adapt as needed to fit your style!
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