Mastering Your Week: 12 Easy Habits for a More Productive Remote Work Week

In the remote work world, maintaining structure and organization is key to ensuring both productivity and a healthy work-life balance. As the boundaries between personal and professional spaces often blur, having a well-defined routine becomes crucial for those working remotely.

A thoughtfully crafted routine not only helps you stay on top of your tasks but also allows you to make the most of your workweek while setting the stage for a successful week ahead. Below are a few suggestions to help you along the journey.

While some of these suggestions may feel very “cut and dry,” do you know what makes them more fun and easier to accomplish? Turning them into a fun event and doing them in a remote work community. Whether they’re monthly goal setting sessions or a digital decluttering party🎉, grab your favorite drink and let’s do it together.

1. Set Clear Goals:

  • Start your week by outlining specific goals and tasks you want to accomplish.

  • Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks to stay focused and track progress.

In our TravelherPro community, we set quarterly and monthly goals to help us move forward on both personal and professional projects. We then break out monthly goals down into smaller, more bite-size weekly goals.

2. Sunday Planning:

  • Open our Sunday Refresh email and spend time on Sunday evening to review your calendar, emails, and to-do lists for the upcoming week.

  • Prioritize tasks and set a plan for each day, allowing you to start the week with clarity.

3. Morning Routine:

  • Begin your day with a consistent morning routine that includes activities like getting in the Word, moving your body, meditation, journaling, and eating a healthy breakfast.

    This routine can help you feel energized and mentally prepared for the day/week ahead. If you’re interested in learning more about creating healthier eating and movement habits, join our virtual accountability group.

4. Dedicated & Organized Workspace:

  • Set up a dedicated workspace that is comfortable, clutter-free, and conducive to focus.

  • Having a designated area helps create a clear boundary between work and personal life.

  • Schedule time at the end of each day and before the beginning of each week to make sure your area is cleaned up and clutter free.

5. Time Blocking:

  • Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks or projects throughout the day.

  • Use tools like calendars or task management apps to visually plan your day.

  • Try out different time blocking methods like the Pomodoro Technique or 90 minute focus blocks and see which style works best for you.

6. Breaks and Movement:

  • Schedule regular short breaks to rest your eyes, stretch, and move around.

  • Taking breaks can improve focus and prevent burnout.

7. Lunch Break Away from Workspace:

  • Step away from your workspace during lunch to recharge.

  • A change of scenery can help you return to work with renewed energy.

8. Batch Similar Tasks:

  • Group similar tasks together and tackle them during designated time blocks.

  • This can reduce cognitive load and enhance efficiency.

9. Communication Blocks:

  • Set specific times for checking emails, attending virtual meetings, and responding to messages.

  • Avoid constant distractions and allocate focused time for communication tasks.

10. End-of-Day Review:

  • Before finishing work, review your accomplishments, update task lists, and plan for the next day.

  • This practice helps you wrap up the workday and mentally transition to personal time.

  • Practice an EOD inbox-zero strategy

11. Weekly Review:

  • At the end of the week, reflect on your achievements, challenges, and any adjustments needed to improve your routine.

  • Use this time to celebrate wins and make refinements for the upcoming week.

12. Weekend Preparation:

  • Spend a portion of your Friday afternoon preparing for the following week.

  • Review your calendar, set priorities, and tidy up your workspace.

  • Take some time to do some digital de-cluttering - cleaning of your desktop, inbox, or other digital folders/spaces that may need a weekly tidy.

Are you interested in learning more about time management and how to set your week up well? Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor is one of my favorite books on this subject from a Biblical perspective. We’re also talking more about habits like these in our TravelherPro community.

Christian Lifestyle, Remote WorkAshley Pennylifestyle, remote work for beginners