Remote work has become the new normal for millions of professionals. While working from home offers convenience and flexibility, it also blurs the line between work and personal life. When your office is just a few steps from your bed or kitchen, it can be hard to fully disconnect, recharge, and maintain a healthy rhythm.
In fact, studies show that remote workers are more likely to work longer hours and struggle with burnout than their in-office counterparts. Without physical boundaries or a clear schedule, many remote professionals find themselves always “on,” leading to increased stress and decreased productivity.
In this article, we’ll explore practical, realistic strategies for creating work-life balance as a remote worker, especially in small cities like Rutland, Vermont. We’ll also look at how occasional use of coworking spaces like The Hub CoWorks can help reintroduce structure into your daily routine.
1. Set Clear Work Hours—and Stick to Them
When working remotely, the first step to creating balance is defining your work hours. This could mean:
Starting your day at 9 AM and wrapping up at 5 PM
Taking a dedicated lunch break
Logging off your email and work tools at a consistent time
A study by Owl Labs found that 55% of remote workers say they work more hours at home than in the office. Creating a work schedule and sticking to it helps prevent overwork and gives you the mental space to enjoy your personal time.
Pro tip: Add your working hours to your calendar or email signature so coworkers and clients know when you’re available.
2. Create a Physical Separation Between Work and Home
One of the hardest parts of remote work is not having a clear divide between work and personal life. Even if you live in a small apartment or shared home, try to carve out a “work zone.”
This could be:
A specific desk or table you only use during work hours
A portable setup (like a laptop tray and headphones) that you pack away at the end of the day
Using visual cues like a desk lamp or workspace mat to define your office space
Even better? Spend a few days each week at a coworking space like The Hub CoWorks. This gives you a professional, structured environment during work hours—and lets your home stay your home.
3. Take Meaningful Breaks
Remote workers often skip breaks because there’s no clear signal to stop working. However, breaks are essential for focus, energy, and mental health.
Aim for:
One longer lunch break (away from your screen)
Two or three 5-10 minute movement breaks
A mid-morning or mid-afternoon reset (walk, stretch, or step outside)
According to Harvard Business Review, taking regular breaks during the day increases happiness, health, and productivity.
Try using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focus, 5-minute break) or set timers to remind yourself to step away from your desk.
4. Avoid Blurring the Boundaries with Multitasking
When your workspace and home space overlap, it’s tempting to squeeze in chores, errands, or personal projects during work hours. But this multitasking often creates more stress and less focus.
Instead:
Treat your work hours like you would in a traditional office
Save laundry, dishes, or home tasks for breaks or after-hours
If needed, block out “home task” time on your calendar
Maintaining this boundary helps you be more present in both your work and your personal life.
5. Establish a Start and End-of-Day Ritual
Just like a commute helps your brain shift into “work mode,” creating a daily routine signals when it’s time to start or stop working.
Morning Ritual Ideas:
Brew a cup of coffee and read for 10 minutes
Take a short walk
Write a to-do list for the day
Evening Ritual Ideas:
Shut down your laptop and put it away
Write down tomorrow’s top 3 priorities
Change clothes, go outside, or start cooking dinner
These small habits reinforce your work-life boundary and make transitions smoother.
6. Use Coworking to Introduce Structure (Without Losing Flexibility)
One of the best ways to restore work-life balance is to leave the house for work a few days a week. A coworking space like The Hub CoWorks gives you the benefit of:
A focused, quiet environment
Built-in start and stop times based on location access
Clear physical separation from your home
You don’t need to go in every day. Even one or two days per week at a professional space can:
Boost your productivity
Help you mentally “clock out”
Make your at-home days more relaxed and focused
The Hub offers day passes, 10-day bundles, and flexible memberships, making it easy to build a schedule that works for your life.
7. Schedule Non-Work Activities on Your Calendar
One common remote work trap is always being available—which leads to never truly being off. Combat this by scheduling personal time just like you would meetings.
Add things like:
Exercise or walks
Hobbies or creative time
Dinner with friends or family
Evenings without screens
Blocking this time on your calendar helps prioritize rest and joy, which are key ingredients for sustainable work-life balance.
Final Thoughts: Balance Requires Intention
Working remotely offers flexibility, but without structure, it can lead to burnout, blurred boundaries, and overwork. Creating a sustainable work-life balance means:
Setting hours
Separating space
Taking breaks
Using tools like coworking to support your focus
If you’re feeling stuck in your current routine, it may be time to rebuild your work rhythm with intention—and The Hub CoWorks is here to help.
📍 Learn more or book a tour to see how a dedicated workspace can support your mental clarity and balance.