I’ve shared some of my top remote working tips since I’ve worked from home for many years. I also know many of you are out of reach, too, so please share your top production tips or hacks in the comments!
Hi, friends! I hope you are all well and enjoy the day. I did a podcast interview this morning and today we have the usual homeschool/dance/basketball fun.
Today, I want to talk about working from home and have some tips with you.
OG reader friends are familiar with this story, but when we lived in Valdosta, Georgia, I started blogging. I just started working as a personal trainer and left the retail management world and eventually grew into something I never thought of. I love being able to connect with everyone and every day, I am very grateful for the freedom to be here for working and making money for the kids.
I know many of my friends there, Aslo, runs a company from home, or works remotely. It kind of became the “new normal” and I like it’s an option. Our perspective on work has shifted completely since the pandemic: Home offices replaced cubicles, video chats replaced conference rooms, and coffee shops became a new joint hub. To be honest? It brings many benefits: Convenience, flexibility, less commute, and generally better shots the actual work-life balance.
But here’s the truth: working remotely or working from home isn’t always that easy. Without the right strategy, it can feel isolated, overwhelming, or even ineffective.
Today, I want to share some of my favorite remote working tips that will help you live the best work life, whether you are at home, in the office or in a coffee shop.
Remote Work Tips
I think understanding the real meaning of remote work is key. It’s not just about wearing pajamas or answering calls from the couch. It’s about designing systems, routines, and habits that keep you production, connections and implementations.
These remote working tips are designed to help you “pass”, actually succeed, grow and enjoy your work from your home setup. I also want to provide my friends with almost working for the company, because working for myself is another beast. (If you wish I would do more behind the scenes blog posts, I would be happy to do that too!)
What does remote work mean?
Essentially, working remotely means performing your work outside of a traditional office. This could mean building a home office, working in a coffee shop, or even doing your job while traveling. Unlike traditional jobs, there is no water cooler chat, no morning commute, and no boss passing the table every 20 minutes.
The biggest difference? Freedom and responsibility. You have more say in your work hours, workspaces, and daily rhythms, but you also need discipline and creativity to stay focused.
Remote working is more than just a revitalization; it is a whole new way to build work and life.
How to make remote work successful
How to stay productive while working remotely
Tip: Create a “commuting ceremony” (even if it’s fake)
One of the most difficult parts of working remotely is switching from “home mode” to “work mode”. Spoof your brain with mini rituals: stroll around the block, make special coffee, or listen to a 5-minute pumped playlist while sitting at your desk. It signals your brain that your working hours have begun.
Tip: Invade your workspace
Skip the chaos. Add plants, salt lamps, and even candles to your home office settings. Research shows that environmental cues can affect productivity – thus making your space inspiring.
Bonus: No one stops you from hanging flashing lights or setting up a treadmill table. I love my walking mat and use it all day long.
Tip: Time block work
Because I’m easily distracted, I’ll stop myself from time so that I focus on a specific task in that period.
How to ask for a salary increase when working remotely
Tip: Collect “receipts”
Remote contributions are easily overlooked. Keep the winning run file: Project completion, glowing customer feedback, deadline crushed. When the time for improvement comes, you will have data backing up your request (it’s hard to say no to the boss in front of them).
How to build relationships while working remotely
Tip: Arrange a non-work phone number
Not everything has to do with deliverables. Put “virtual coffee chat” on your calendar. A 15-minute casual phone with colleagues mimics an office water cooler and helps you keep in touch with loose messages.
How to communicate effectively when working remotely
Tip: Hug Voice Notes
I haaaaate type any sentence more than just a few sentences. Fast voice notes (via Slack, Voxer, or WhatsApp) clears items faster and adds warmth. This way, they can actually say what you mean from the tone of the voice, rather than being confused by emojis.
How to dress for remote work
Tip: Use “Zoom Mullet”
Business is the most important thing, the bottom is comfortable. Invest in some “power tops” (vibrant colors, sharp collars) to make you look polished during video calls – while leggings or joggers hide under the table. I’ve always done this.
How to feel connected when working remotely
Tip: Start the “Third Space” ceremony
When you are not in the office, life can feel like an endless cycle of family and family. Home. Work once a week from a coffee shop or library to break it down. This creates a “third space” that stimulates your brain and makes work fresh. I also found that I was more productive in coffee shops.
How to submit taxes as a remote worker
Tip: Create a digital “shoebox”
Set up a cloud folder marked “Tax”. Every time you buy something related to your job. – Whether it’s new table chairs, software or coffee shop Wi-Fi – Put down the receipt. When it comes to tax season, your deductions are organized and you won’t panic searching for old emails. We use Bookkeeper to track everything – I send them my statements every month – which makes it easier.
Bonus: Protect your energy
Remote works make blurring boundaries easy. Protect your energy by setting a hard “close ritual” at the end of work hours: turn off your laptop, light a candle, take a walk or go straight into the workout.
Need some ideas? Check out my list of workout hacks that can help you reset between tasks.
Remote work is more than just a different environment: it is a lifestyle change. With the right routines, boundaries and creative adjustments, you can design remote work life to support your productivity, relationships and overall wellness.
So, tell me, my friend: How many of you work from home with an office environment? Are you using a co-working space or a coffee shop?
Please hack all your productivity!
XO
Gina
