Working as a virtual assistant from home can sometimes feel monotonous, especially on slow days when tasks pile up without inspiration striking. During these moments, it’s crucial to prioritise your mental and emotional well-being over pushing through work. When stress and burnout loom, it’s easy to fall into the trap of procrastination or missing deadlines due to overthinking. With that in mind, I’ve collected some tips I’ve personally found helpful to share with you that can help you navigate your day with minimal stress and maximum productivity (and this applies beyond just remote work, too)!

1. Establish Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries between your work and personal life is essential for maintaining balance while working from home. Create a designated workspace that is comfortable and assistant to productivity, whether it’s a separate room, a quiet corner, or a dedicated desk. Communicate your work hours to family members or housemates to minimise interruptions, and strive to stick to a consistent schedule. When the workday ends, intentionally transition out of work mode by shutting down your computer, tidying up your workspace, and engaging in activities that signal the end of the workday, such as going for a walk or spending time with loved ones.

2. Take Regular Breaks

Incorporating regular breaks into your workday is crucial for maintaining focus, preventing burnout, and promoting overall well-being. Use your breaks to stretch your muscles, practice relaxation techniques, or engage in activities that energise you. Whether it’s stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, doing a quick workout, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, prioritising regular breaks can enhance productivity and reduce stress.

3. Prioritise Physical Health

Prioritising physical health is essential for maintaining energy, focus, and resilience while working from home. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, strength training, dancing, or going for a run, and schedule them into your day. Additionally, stock your kitchen with nutritious foods and prioritise balanced meals and snacks to fuel your body and brain. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, and limit caffeine and sugary beverages to maintain steady energy levels.

4. Stay Connected

While working remotely, it’s important to stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family members to combat feelings of isolation and maintain social connections. Schedule virtual meetings, coffee chats, or team-building activities with colleagues to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Additionally, make time to reach out to friends and family members regularly through video calls, phone calls, or messaging apps. Even brief check-ins can provide a much-needed emotional boost and help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Consider joining online communities or interest groups related to your hobbies or professional interests to expand your social network and cultivate meaningful connections.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Integrating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote overall well-being. Start and end your day with a few minutes of mindfulness practice, such as journaling or meditation, to cultivate a sense of calm and presence. Use mindfulness techniques throughout the day to stay grounded and centred, whether it’s taking a mindful walk, practising gratitude, or simply pausing to savour the moment. By incorporating mindfulness into your remote work routine, you can reduce distractions, increase productivity, and cultivate a greater sense of balance and fulfilment.

Maintaining a sense of balance and composure while working is key to sustaining motivation and minimising disorganisation. Remember, if you ever find yourself overwhelmed by your workload and stress levels skyrocketing, it’s perfectly acceptable to pause and take a break. And even if you didn’t accomplish everything on your to-do list by the end of the day, there’s always tomorrow to make up for it.