Surviving Remote Work: A Guide to Keeping Your Sanity (and Maybe Your Pajamas On)

So, you’ve landed that sweet remote job (thanks to those awesome job boards we mentioned earlier), and now you’re ready to live your best “I’m-working-but-not-really” life. But as you quickly realize, remote work isn’t always just a breeze of comfy sweatpants and mid-day Netflix binges.

It’s more like a rollercoaster, with some loops, free falls, and a few moments where you’re screaming, “Is this thing even safe?” But don’t worry, Love Remoting got you covered with some tips and tricks to keep you sane while working from home.

Step 1: Create a “Workspace” (That Isn’t Just Your Bed)

Sure, working from bed sounds like a dream, but it quickly turns into a nap-fest. Here’s how to set up a real workspace:

• Find a dedicated spot: Even if it’s just a corner of your living room or a space at the kitchen table, create a designated “office” area. Bonus points if it’s far from your fridge.

• Decorate it: Add some plants, motivational posters, or that weird mug your aunt gave you last Christmas. Make it a space you actually want to be in (and maybe one that doesn’t scream, “I’ll be napping shortly”).

• Invest in a good chair: Your back will thank you, and so will your chiropractor when you stop visiting him.

Step 2: Embrace the Art of the “Video Call Shirt”

We’ve all been there: it’s five minutes until your Zoom meeting, and you’re still in your oversized hoodie that has seen better days. Here’s the trick:

• Keep a “video call shirt” nearby: This is a shirt that looks professional but doesn’t actually have to match whatever’s going on below your waist. Bonus points if you can keep it on a hanger right next to your desk for a quick swap.

• Remember to check your background: Unless you want your colleagues to see your pile of laundry or that poster of your favorite boy band from the 90s, make sure your camera isn’t picking up any embarrassing details.

• Perfect your “I’m definitely paying attention” face: Master the nod and occasional “Hmm, that’s a great point” for when your boss asks if you have any thoughts. (Pro tip: practice this in front of a mirror.)

Step 3: Become a Master of the Kitchen (Or At Least the Microwave)

The best part of working from home? Access to your kitchen 24/7. The worst part? Access to your kitchen 24/7. Here’s how to strike a balance:

• Schedule your snack breaks: Instead of munching every time you pass the fridge, try to stick to designated snack times. Or at least keep the snacks out of sight—out of sight, out of mind, right?

• Learn a few quick recipes: You don’t have to become a gourmet chef, but knowing how to whip up a quick sandwich or smoothie can save you from relying on cereal three times a day.

• Avoid the “second breakfast” trap: Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you need to eat like a hobbit. (Yes, I see you heading back for that second bowl of oatmeal.)

Step 4: Deal with Loneliness (Yes, Even Your Dog Gets Tired of You)

One of the downsides of remote work is that you don’t have the usual office banter or the occasional birthday cake in the break room. Here’s how to combat the isolation:

• Schedule virtual coffee breaks: Invite a colleague or friend to chat over coffee on Zoom, no work talk required. It’s like office gossip, but with a mute button.

• Join online communities: There are tons of Slack channels, Facebook groups, and forums where remote workers gather to share tips, stories, and the occasional meme about the struggles of working from home.

• Talk to your plants: Okay, this one is a bit extreme, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Step 5: Draw the Line Between Work and “Home”

When your office is five steps away from your bed, it’s easy to blur the line between work time and downtime. Here’s how to set boundaries:

• Create a fake commute: No, I’m not saying drive around the block, but maybe go for a walk or stretch before and after your workday to create that “transition” time.

• Stick to a schedule: Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you need to be “on” all the time. Set work hours and stick to them. Your email can wait until tomorrow (unless it’s on fire, in which case… address that first).

• Close the laptop: When your day is done, close the laptop and put it away. Literally. Out of sight, out of mind. And yes, that Netflix show you’ve been binging is waiting for you.

Step 6: Accept That Some Days Will Be Weird (And That’s Okay)

Not every day will be productive, and that’s just part of the remote work life. Some days you’ll be in full focus mode, and others… you’ll end up watching cat videos for 45 minutes.

• Embrace the weirdness: You’re not alone in feeling a little off sometimes—after all, who actually knows what day it is anymore?

• Give yourself grace: It’s okay if some days don’t go according to plan. The important thing is to get back on track and not be too hard on yourself. Remember, you’re working in a pandemic/pajama paradise, so cut yourself some slack.

Step 7: Enjoy the Perks (Yes, There Are Perks)

Remote work has its upsides, and you deserve to enjoy them!

• Work from wherever you want: Whether it’s your favorite local café, the backyard, or under a cozy blanket, you have the freedom to mix things up.

• No more office small talk: No more pretending to care about your coworker’s endless stories about their cat. You can enjoy the silence—or your favorite podcast—in peace.

• Sweatpants, sweatpants, sweatpants: Need I say more?

Remote work isn’t all sunshine and endless productivity, but with a few strategies (and a little humor), you can make it work for you. Just remember: a good chair is an investment, coffee breaks are sacred, and it’s okay if your “work-life balance” leans a little more toward “life” some days. Happy remote working, and may your Wi-Fi be forever strong!

Feel free to tweak this blog post to fit your style and audience, and let the laughter (and the remote work tips) flow!

For additional resources visit our website Loveremoting.com