When working remotely, it can be easy to want to extend your work day beyond your normal hours to try to finish up a project. The problem with that is projects are almost never as simple as finishing “one quick thing”. In order to make sure you get proper rest, relaxation, and are able to head into the next work day at 100%, keep your end-of-day boundary strong and stable. If a project has to wait overnight, chances are everything will still be just fine.

Begin each day by taking a look at which things are pertinent and what can wait. This creates better efficiency and keeps those feelings of task overwhelment to a bare minimum. You should also decide which tasks are really worth your time right this second, or if others should own the spotlight. Most importantly, learn to say “no”! Being a “yes man” almost never works out for anyone. Managing your daily list will also help ensure you stick to your end-time.

A good starting standard is the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a 20 second break to look at things at least 20 feet away from you. This will give your brain a break away from the screen and will prevent overexertion on your eyes as well. Use your break time to take a walk, have a quick chat with co-workers, family, or friends, and give your mind and body a break from being in intense “work mode” all day long.

It can be tempting to answer a work email from your phone in your off time, but doing so disrupts your ability to decompress and recharge from the work day. If you are corresponding after hours, chances are you’re missing out on quality personal time and you’re pulling the other person out of their relaxation time as well. We’ve been trained to operate with time being of the essence, but prioritizing everyone’s down time is just as important for everyone’s mental health.

Even if you don’t have paid time off, take time off! There are no awards for perfect attendance anymore. Working culture is often a bad influence on presenting what a “good” work ethic looks like. It’s okay to go on vacation, take a mental health day, or step away from work once in a while. Regardless of whether your workplace offers PTO, make time to take care of yourself. Remember, work should be a tool to allow you to enjoy your life, not the other way around.

Took a break and realized you could use an upgrade? Relax for a bit, and once you’re back, give us a shout or request a quote for volume orders here for affordable tech options! We should all try our best to operate in tip-top shape, including our technology.