How do you know when to push yourself vs rest?
Interview with Digital Nomad Sage, an entrepreneur and UX consultant
I get pretty obsessed with pushing myself to where sometimes I'll work on something overnight for multiple days in a row. It's not healthy though.
I know when to push myself when I notice that I'm not getting the results that I want. Since I'm impatient, I usually work harder to make things happen faster.
Since I want people to learn from my mistakes, I'd say it's good to push yourself when you feel "comfortable." If you feel "comfortable" when you're just starting out…then that's a sign that you're not taking things seriously enough.
From e-books to blogging, Digital Nomad Sage has become an expert on making money online—see his advice for developing an online business.
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Interview with Melissa, a co-founder and remote work champion
I recently got strep throat after a long string of late nights. It was the reminder I needed of how important sleep is. I have two kids under three years old though so choosing when I rest is pretty laughable at the moment.
Overall though, it's just about finding a balance. Not that cliche work/life balance that you are so tired of hearing about. It's bigger than that.
Some days you push harder than others but, when that happens a few days in a row, I counter that with something just for me and/or my family like an ice cream date with my daughter at 3 pm.
I go to therapy once a week too. I am a huge advocate of taking care of your mind as much as you take care of your body. For me, this is a great checkpoint too of how I'm doing with self-care.
Melissa started Work Well Wherever to help individuals & companies embrace remote work—see how she balances entrepreneurship, parenthood, & self-care.
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Interview with Kristi, a CEO and remote team leader
I spend most hours of any day now at least a little tired, if not fairly fatigued.
As a mom of a newborn, I had to recalibrate my expectations when it came to getting anything done.
It may sound cliche, but as a parent, I think I manage my time even better than I did before because there are more interruptions and a whole lot more to do in terms of my responsibilities.
By this point, I know when to batch a bunch of meetings in a row versus giving myself a half hour to rest or take a little walk around the block.
One of the biggest challenges for newbies, I think, is not overpromising and under-delivering. Yes, you might be able to get to that proposal or document before the end of today, but why not give yourself a little breathing room? Always schedule breaks for yourself.
Kristi is a CEO, remote work author, and speaker. In this interview, she shares the impact of new motherhood and remote team leadership on her work.
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Interview with Michelle, an organizer of digital nomad experiences
I experienced burnout while traveling and working online, so I know that balance is important. Structured working days and listening to my body and mind helps. Sometimes I am not effective and focused, and I just stop working and have a walk.
Your body tells you everything!
A solo backpacking trip led to Michelle organizing co-travel experiences for digital nomads—hear how she manages working while traveling.
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Interview with Tara, a remote director of research and administration
Deadlines are the main predictor, but as a fitness buff, I try to listen to my body and state of mind.
If I’m frazzled, maybe it’s time to switch to something else and come back to the challenge later.
Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. Often, I will think of solutions to challenges while out walking.
A move to be closer to a spouse's job led Tara to remote work—see her tips for staying productive and organized as a full-time remote director.
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Interview with Nico, marketer and advocate for remote worker mental health
I tend to push myself in moments of inspiration (sometimes right after a shower or randomly late at night) and in spurts of hyper-productivity (where I can shut out outside noise and crank out work for an hour or two). However, a good work-to-rest pattern I've heard is 52 minutes on (working), 17 minutes off (resting). It doesn't need to be an exact 52:17, but it's a nice benchmark!
"I've felt burnout HARD in the past. When it hits, it HITS, and it can be tough to recover." In this interview, Nico shares his strategies for balancing work and life and reveals the key to avoiding burnout.
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Interview with Cecilia, a content writer managing her remote career in Dubai
That's the million-dollar question! I'm still learning to pace myself and find that balance between challenging myself while remaining kind to myself. I can be hard on myself sometimes and feel bad because I'm not doing everything I'd like to do in one day.
It's all about being mindful. Your mind and your body are continually telling you what they need. Unfortunately, we ignore this more often than we should.
A good sign for me to know when it's time to slow down is when I start to find it hard to concentrate on my work. As I mentioned before, distractions are a sign that there's something else going on.
We may be tired, bored, hungry, sad, or preoccupied with other things. When this happens, I know it's time for me to take a break, or to wrap up work for the day.
Cecilia got her start translating blog posts, and in 2018 she went fully remote. See her tips for managing an international remote work career.
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Interview with John, an international business writer sharing 15 years of insights
When I know I can’t accomplish more —I rest. When I am on a deadline, I pace myself to ensure I meet that deadline while at the same time ensuring the final written product will be as good as possible. When I teach classes, I make sure I rest and prepare adequately before each lesson.
For over a decade, John has worked as an international business writer. See his insights on the state of remote work, freelancing, and attracting clients who are the right fit.
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Interview with Alyssa, a copywriter and content strategist
I really enjoy the work that I do, so most of the time, I don't feel the need to push myself. The only time I feel that pressure is when I'm close to a deadline.
As soon as I feel "foggy" or when I'm getting frustrated with work, I know it's time to rest.
Alyssa has found her rhythm as a freelancer and founder of the blog, Freelancing Flow—see her tips for keeping it all running smoothly.
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Interview with Phil Strazzulla, an entrepreneur enjoying the health benefits of remote work
I struggle with this as I'm a type-A person who usually chastises myself for needing rest. That said, I just took a nap an hour ago (my second one in several months).
For me, I try to make sure I have a sustainable routine that should give me ample physical and mental rest. When my routine gets out of whack, as it did this week with some travel to NYC, then you just have to listen to your body and make sure you're taking care of yourself to ensure long term success.
A curiosity for remote work led Phil to make it a primary work arrangement. Hear how it has helped to improve his health and impacted his approach to rest.
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