Remote work tips – The Fitnessista

Sharing some of my top remote work tips since I’ve worked at home for so many years now. I know quite a few of you work remote, too, so please share your top producivity tips or hacks in the comments!

Hi friends! I hope that you’re doing well and enjoying the day. I have a podcast interview this morning and we have the usual homeschool/dance/basketball fun today.

Today, I wanted to chat a little bit about working from home and brainstrom some tips with you all.

OG reader friends are familiar with this story, but I started the blog when we were living in Valdosta, GA. I had just started working as a personal trainer and leaving the retail management world, and it ended up growing into something I never could have imagined. I LOVE being able to connect with all of you, and every single day, I’m so thankful for the freedom to work and earn an income from home while being able to be here for the kids.

I know that many friends out there aslo run a business from home, or work remotely. It’s kind of become the “new normal” and I love that it’s an option. Since the pandemic, the way we think about work has completely shifted: home offices replaced cubicles, video chats replaced conference rooms, and coffee shops became the new coworking hubs. And honestly? It comes with a ton of benefits: convenience, flexibility, fewer commutes, and often a better shot at real work life balance.

But here’s the truth: remote work or working from home isn’t always easy. Without the right strategies, it can feel isolating, overwhelming, or even unproductive.

Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite remote work tips that will help you live your best work life, whether you’re at home, an office, or a coffee shop.

Remote Work Tips

I think that understanding what remote work really means is key. It’s not just working in your pajamas or answering phone calls from the couch. It’s about designing systems, routines, and habits that keep you productive, connected, and fulfilled.

These tips for working remotely are meant to help you not just “get by,” but actually succeed, grow, and enjoy your work from home setup. I also wanted to include tips for my friends that work virtually for a company, because working for yourself is a different beast. (If you’d like me to do more behind-the-scenes blog posts, I’d be happy to do that, too!)

What Does Remote Work Mean?

At its core, remote work means performing your job outside of a traditional office. That might mean setting up a home office, working from a coffee shop, or even doing your job while traveling. Unlike conventional jobs, there’s no water cooler chat, no morning commute, and no boss walking past your desk every 20 minutes.

The biggest difference? Freedom and responsibility. You have more say over your working hours, your work space, and your daily rhythm, but you also need discipline and creativity to stay focused.

Remote work isn’t just a perk anymore; it’s a completely new way of structuring both work and life.

How To Make Remote Work Successful

How to Stay Productive While Working Remotely

Tip: Create a “commute ritual” (even if it’s fake)

One of the hardest parts of remote work is switching from “home mode” to “work mode.” Trick your brain with a mini ritual: walk around the block, make a special coffee, or listen to a 5-minute pump-up playlist before sitting at your desk. It signals to your brain that your working hours have begun.

Tip: Hack your work space

Skip the clutter. Add plants, a salt lamp, or even a candle to your home office setup. Research shows environment cues influence productivity- so make your space inspiring.

Bonus: no one is stopping you from hanging twinkle lights or setting up a treadmill desk. I LOVE my walking pad and use it often throughout the day.

Tip: Work in time blocks

Because it’s very easy for me to get distracted, I’ll block my time so that I’m only focused on one specific task for that time period.

How to Ask for a Raise When You Work Remotely

Tip: Collect “receipts”

It’s easy for remote contributions to go unnoticed. Keep a running document of wins: projects completed, glowing client feedback, deadlines crushed. When raise time comes, you’ll have data to back up your request (and it’s harder for a boss to say no when it’s right in front of them).

How to Build Relationships While Working Remotely

Tip: Schedule non-work phone calls

Not everything has to be about deliverables. Put “virtual coffee chats” on your calendar. These 15-minute casual calls with coworkers mimic the office water cooler and help you stay connected beyond Slack messages.

How to Communicate Effectively When Working Remotely

Tip: Embrace voice notes

I haaaaate typing anything that’s more than a few sentences. A quick voice note (via Slack, Voxer, or WhatsApp) can clear things up faster and add warmth. This way they can actually tell what you mean from the tone of your voice, instead of being confused by emojis.

How to Dress for Remote Work

Tip: Adopt the “Zoom mullet”

Business on top, cozy on the bottom. Invest in a few “power tops” (bright colors, sharp collars) that make you look polished on video calls – while your leggings or joggers stay hidden below the desk. I do this ALL the time lol.

How to Feel Connected When Working Remotely

Tip: Start a “third space” ritual

When you’re not in an office, life can feel like an endless loop of home and home…. home. Break it up by working once a week from a coffee shop or library. This creates a “third space” that keeps your brain stimulated and makes work feel fresh. I also find that I’m way more productive at a coffee shop.

How to File Taxes as a Remote Worker

Tip: Create a digital “shoebox”

Set up a cloud folder labeled “Taxes.” Every time you buy something work-related.- whether it’s a new desk chair, software, or that coffee shop Wi-Fi – drop the receipt in. Come tax season, your deductions are organized, and you won’t panic-search old emails. We use a bookeeper to track everything – I just sent them my statements each month – and it makes it so much easier.

Bonus: Protect Your Energy

Remote work makes it easy to blur boundaries. Protect your energy by setting hard “shutdown rituals” at the end of your working hours: close the laptop, light a candle, take a walk, or head straight into a 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 setting: it’s a lifestyle shift. With the right routines, boundaries, and creative tweaks, you can design a remote work life that supports your productivity, relationships, and overall wellness.

So, tell me, friends: how many of you work from home vs. an office setting? Do you use a coworking space or coffee shop?

Please drop all of your productivity hacks here, too!

xo

Gina