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Last Updated on September 11, 2018 by Work In My Pajamas
When you are a freelance or remote worker, there are some many benefits you get to enjoy that a standard desk job just can’t give you. You get to decide who you work with, when you work, and if that wasn’t enough, you get to do something you truly enjoy for a living. While all this certainly makes it an attractive career move, being a remote worker can come with some challenges as you adjust to this new path, so it is worth being prepared for how to combat each. In this helpful guide, you will learn four essential ways you can stay healthy and happy while being a freelancer or remote worker so that nothing stands in the way of you loving your job.
Finding somewhere great to work from
The first thing you need to sort out is a good place for you to work from. Having to do your job in an environment that is unpleasant and distracting can lead to you being unproductive and feeling negative. It may even be one of the reasons you decided to go freelance and become a remote worker. With this in mind, the right environment will have the opposite effect; it will mean you are producing the best possible work for your clients. A popular option that many freelancers opt for is co-working spaces, such as those offered by The Brew, where you can enjoy the professionalism of office space while still being your own boss.
Eating right
You will need to learn how to eat healthy when working remotely, as choosing your own schedule and breaks often means you will be tempted to snack on the job or overindulge to pass the time. Find easy recipes you can prepare at home and take into your office that can help you resist another trip to the vending machine.
Taking care of your mind
Working as a freelancer does mean you will be spending a lot of time by yourself as you work through various projects and commissions. Therefore, it’s important you learn some tips to keep your mental health in check. Something as simple as taking a walk, grabbing a coffee, or having an extra long break to speak to a friend or read a book can make a world of difference in combatting the feelings of isolation many get when they first enter freelancing. As mentioned above, choosing a co-working space is another way to ease the feelings of loneliness that can come with this career path because you will be surrounded by like-minded people every day.
Avoiding Distraction
A big learning curve of freelance work is how to manage your own time effectively as, without a boss looming over your shoulder, the drive to get going every day can be difficult. To avoid finding that you have spent the last hour looking at your phone, try timing yourself. Work for twenty-five minutes, then take a five-minute break to check your social media. This way, you can break up your day without lagging behind.
