Over the past two years, working from home has become the new normal for many. Whether you’re living alone or surrounded by rambunctious pets and children, it gets hard to concentrate on your tasks. No boss or colleague is looking over your shoulder to keep you in check, after all.

Distractions abound when you’re working remotely, starting with the television, the refrigerator, and especially social media. Chances are that you’re also working longer hours without realising it. With increasing work hours, your stress levels rise, which may lead to physical repercussions on your health and relationships.

All of these factors combined make it difficult to remain productive. Fortunately, the strategies in this post will help you stay motivated in the midst of the chaos that comes with remote work.

Learn why you’re unmotivated

To boost your motivation, you must first understand why you feel unmotivated. The reasons will vary according to the individual and the situation so don’t think you have to suffer alone. It may sound cliche but you’re going to have to think deeply and do some soul-searching.

Possible reasons behind your lack of motivation:

• You have a hard time saying no to your employers or clients
• You struggle with working together with your colleagues
• You have to juggle work with your family and social life
• You feel pessimistic towards your job, your boss, or your peers
• You find it difficult to manage your time when at home
• You compare yourself to others on social networks
• You have too much stuff on your task list
• You feel out of touch with your managers or coworkers
• You have no idea about the vision or goals of the company
• You spend most of your time working and none for leisure
• You set unrealistic goals for your career or your future
• You lack the confidence to do well in your job

Strategies to stay motivated as a virtual worker

You might be suffering from one or all of the above but once you know what’s causing you mental and physical drain, you’ll know what approach to take in staying motivated when working from home. Make a list with the biggest reason at the top and fix one item at a time.

1 – Have a dedicated workspace

It’s tempting to work from your bed or couch, being that those are the most comfortable spaces in your home. As much as you might want to snuggle in front of your television or in your sheets, having an office space is crucial for staying motivated.

• Choose a spot that is well-lit, preferably near a window for natural lighting
• Pick a place with optimal noise levels, be it with total silence or with some ambient noise
• Set up an ergonomic desk and chair so you’ll be comfortable while handling your tasks
• Make sure you have the necessary technology to get things done, including headsets and printers
• Go for an area that’s not too cold but not too hot either so you won’t feel unsettled

2 – Establish your boundaries

Some people think remote workers and freelancers are always available because they are at home. Make it clear to your loved ones and employers regarding the times when you are unreachable unless there is an emergency. This is the best way for you to remain sane and productive.

It’s fine to hang out and have a break occasionally, but never make it a habit else people think you have more flexibility than you actually do. This only leads to you working overtime to make up for the hours that you were helping out at home or relaxing.

3 – Set your working hours

This won’t work for everyone as some may not like having a defined schedule. Even so, it’s important that you don’t get too immersed in your tasks that you forget to take breaks or eat something. Take care of yourself is essential as a virtual worker.

Since you know the average time required to finish your duties, divide your peak hours with a 30-minute break after certain intervals. Avoid spanning your hours throughout the whole day though. Doing so ensures that you have time to focus on your life outside of work.

4 – Change up the environment

Working alone may suit some people but it also has its downsides. For instance, having no one around you brings your motivation levels down. If you feel the need for a fresh atmosphere, consider changing the location of where you do your job.

There are plenty of shared offices or co-working spaces in the city. There, you’ll find fellow freelancers and remote workers who are on business calls or are immersed in their laptops. Most places give you a spot for a monthly fee while others let you pay a daily or hourly rate.

5 – Build healthy relationships

It’s hard to connect with people when you’re working from home. There is no water cooler where you may have small talk with your teammates nor a pantry where you might run into your coworkers to share a snack. Invest more effort in contacting your manager or peers through communication tools then.

Professional relationships aren’t the only things you must build; you also need to work on your personal connections. Go on a walk and meet new people so you won’t lose track of the outside world. Retreat into your home to recharge but always dedicate time for socialising.

Finding a job for remote work

Most people struggle to work from home, especially when you’re used to an onsite setup. You might feel that virtual work lacks the stimulation you need to be productive. Following the above tips will help you stay energised as you work online.

Do you think you’re ready to work remotely? We at Remote Workmate will help you find a role that you’ll enjoy doing. From bookkeeping to digital marketing, there’s sure to be an employer looking for a virtual professional like you somewhere.