The Remote Work Struggle: Finding My Flow

When I first started working remotely, I had this vision of a cozy, perfectly organized home office, a cup of tea always within reach, and endless hours of uninterrupted focus. I imagined the flexibility of working in sweatpants, lounging on my couch, and listening to my favorite music while cranking out work with ease. But reality? Reality hit a lot harder than I expected.

I’ve been working remotely for over three years now, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster. I’ve had days where I felt completely in control, knocking out tasks left and right, and others where I stared at my screen for hours, wondering why I couldn’t focus. The transition was messy. The first few months? A blur of impromptu Zoom meetings, terrible Wi-Fi, and constant battles with distractions. I was always too close to my bed, too close to the kitchen, and too close to my phone. It was exhausting, and I felt like I was spinning my wheels more than I was actually getting anything done.

But, like everything in life, I learned. Slowly, painfully at times, but I learned. Remote work is a beast with its own set of challenges, but also, its own set of rewards. It’s not about striving for perfection or replicating an office environment. It’s about finding your rhythm. And I’ve picked up a few lessons along the way that I want to share, not as some guru or expert, but as someone who’s been there—and is still figuring it out.

1. Create a Workspace That Feels Like Your Own (But Not Too Much Like Your Own)

When I first started, I thought I could work anywhere—bed, kitchen table, even on the couch. But that quickly turned into a disaster. My brain couldn’t switch into “work mode” when I was in the same space I relaxed in. So, I carved out a little corner of my apartment, just enough to feel like a dedicated workspace. It’s nothing fancy—just a small desk by the window—but it’s mine.

I’ve realized that having a designated work area isn’t about being fancy; it’s about setting boundaries. I don’t bring my laptop into the bedroom anymore (unless it’s an absolute emergency). I avoid the couch because, well, Netflix and I have a bit of a problem. Keeping my work in one space allows me to mentally separate “work me” from “home me.” It’s a simple shift, but it’s made a huge difference in my ability to focus.

2. Time Management: The Power of the Pomodoro Technique

I used to think that a “full day’s work” meant sitting at my desk for hours on end. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. What actually happened was a lot of mindless scrolling and procrastination, mixed in with a dash of guilt. That’s when I stumbled across the Pomodoro Technique. The concept is simple: 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, you take a longer break (about 15-30 minutes).

At first, I was skeptical. “25 minutes? That’s nothing!” I thought. But here’s the thing: it works. The timer makes me feel like I’m racing against the clock, which ironically helps me focus more. I’ve found that the short bursts of intense focus allow me to stay on task without feeling overwhelmed. And when I take those breaks? I actually feel recharged, instead of drained. Plus, it helps with the guilt-free breaks—I don’t feel like I’m wasting time because I’m officially “off the clock” for a few minutes.

3. Setting Boundaries with Family and Roommates (Without Becoming a Jerk)

I love my family. I really do. But when I first started working from home, I thought that setting boundaries would be as simple as saying, “Hey, I’m working, leave me alone.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. When everyone’s at home, it’s easy to get interrupted by a random question, a request to walk the dog, or an unsolicited “just checking in” chat. At first, I felt like I had to apologize for being busy. But I quickly realized that if I didn’t set clear boundaries, I’d end up resenting my family—and my work.

I had to learn how to be firm but kind. I started using a simple “Do Not Disturb” sign on my door. When that’s up, everyone knows I’m in the zone. If I’m not in my room, I let them know what hours I’m working and when I’m available. It’s about creating a system that respects everyone’s time, not just mine.

4. Mental Health: It’s Okay to Not Be “On” All the Time

Here’s something I wish I’d known earlier: being productive isn’t about pushing yourself to the limit every single day. Mental health plays a huge role in my productivity. There have been weeks where my energy is low, my motivation is shot, and I just can’t get it together. And that’s okay. In fact, I’ve learned that the more I try to force productivity, the worse it gets. So, I’ve gotten better at recognizing when I need a break—and taking one without feeling guilty.

I take mental health days when I need them. I walk away from my desk, leave my phone in another room, and just reset. Some days, I focus on self-care: a long bath, a good book, or even just a nap. It’s not wasted time; it’s necessary. Because if I’m burnt out, nothing I do will be good enough. And that’s something I had to accept. Burnout doesn’t just affect your work; it affects your life, too.

5. Using the Right Tools (But Not Too Many)

I’ve been down the rabbit hole of productivity tools. You name it, I’ve tried it. Trello, Asana, ClickUp, Google Keep, Notion… The list goes on. But here’s the thing: less is more. I’ve learned that sticking to a few, simple tools works best for me. I use Trello to manage my tasks, Google Calendar to block out my work hours, and a simple timer app for the Pomodoro Technique. That’s it.

Too many tools just add more mental clutter. I realized that no app or software is going to do the work for me. It’s about discipline, not relying on the latest gadget. So, I focus on what works and don’t get distracted by shiny new things.

Final Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection

Looking back, I realize that remote work has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. There have been days when I felt like a productivity ninja, and others where I wanted to throw my laptop out the window. But I’ve learned that the key isn’t about having it all together. It’s about finding balance, being kind to myself, and learning from my mistakes.

So, if you’re struggling with remote work or productivity, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to have bad days, and it’s okay to not be perfect. Take it one step at a time. Your rhythm will come. And when it does? You’ll be more resil

ient than you ever imagined.

Keep going.