The Art of the Fake Commute and How It Saved My Mental Health
By James Preston | Senior Software Engineer & Engineering Manager |
The Shift to Remote Work: Opportunities and Challenges
Remote work isn’t just a change in location; it reshapes how we approach our daily lives. Without a commute or set office hours, many remote workers find themselves struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance. For those new to remote work, here’s a look at some of the unique challenges it brings—and how they can impact both professional and personal lives.
Common Remote Work Challenges
Working from home alters how we manage time, focus, and even relationships. Here’s a closer look at some common challenges and examples of how they can affect daily life:
- Blurred Boundaries
Without clear physical boundaries, it’s easy for work to bleed into every part of the day. For example, you might start checking emails first thing in the morning, work through lunch, and end the day answering messages late into the night, making it difficult to fully “unplug.” - Isolation and Lack of Social Interaction
Many remote workers miss the social interactions of an office environment. A casual chat by the coffee machine, a quick brainstorming session, or even a group lunch can help break up the day and boost morale. Without these touch points, remote work can feel isolating and lonely. - The Always-On Feeling
With no commute to mark the start or end of the day, remote workers often feel like they should be available constantly. This “always-on” feeling can quickly lead to burnout, leaving little room for personal time or relaxation. - Reduced Physical Activity
The natural movement throughout an office day—walking to meetings, grabbing lunch, or commuting—often disappears in a remote setting. Without conscious effort, it’s easy to sit for hours, leading to physical strain and reduced energy.
My Journey with Remote Work Burnout
When I began working remotely back in 2012, I was thrilled by the flexibility. But I quickly found myself working longer hours, often without realizing it. Since I could order groceries online, I rarely left the house and sometimes went days without seeing another person. I started missing showers here and there, and without regular exposure to daylight, I found it hard to distinguish work time from personal time. Winter made things worse, with the cold and gray skies adding to feelings of isolation and depression.
So, what did I do?
That’s when I came across the concept of a “fake commute.” The idea was simple yet powerful: adding small routines to mark the beginning and end of my workday could help me regain a sense of balance. I started with small changes and gradually developed a routine that felt just right.
The Mental Health Impact of Remote Work
Remote work has significant mental health implications. A study by Buffer found that nearly 75% of remote workers experience stress, while 37% report feeling lonely. Here’s how these impacts can show up in daily life:
- Increased Stress and Anxiety
The lack of boundaries between work and personal life can lead to heightened stress. Notifications, video calls, and emails create a constant demand for attention, often making it hard to relax. - Isolation and Loneliness
Without face-to-face connections, it’s easy to feel cut off. This lack of social support can impact both mental health and motivation. - Reduced Motivation and Productivity
The home environment can be full of distractions, and without the accountability of colleagues nearby, motivation and productivity can dip, leading to frustration.
The Power of the “Fake Commute”
So, how can we combat these challenges? Enter the “fake commute,” a practice that mimics the daily transitions of an in-office workday. Here’s how to create your own and make it work for you.
- Creating Morning and Evening Rituals
A “fake commute” can be as simple as a 10-minute walk around the neighborhood or even a quick drive. These small physical transitions help signal the beginning and end of the workday, creating a clear mental boundary between “work” and “home.” - Customizing Your Routine
The beauty of the fake commute is that it’s completely customizable. For example, you might start your day with a short meditation, a favorite podcast, or even a few minutes of journaling. These rituals can create a calm, intentional start and end to each day. - Sample Fake Commute Ideas
- 10-Minute Walk or Run: A quick walk or jog can help you start and end your day with fresh air and movement.
- Podcast or Music Session: Listen to something that relaxes or motivates you, setting the tone for the day.
- Journaling or Reading: Spend a few minutes with a book or jot down thoughts—both are great ways to mentally shift gears.
- Stretching or Yoga: Even a short stretching routine can help you energize in the morning or unwind in the evening.
Creating Structure with Boundaries and Time Blocks
Adding structure to your workday is essential for maintaining balance. Here are a few ideas to help build a sustainable routine:
- Set Up Time Blocks
Schedule dedicated times for focused work, meetings, and breaks. This keeps work from spilling into every hour and helps you prioritize tasks. - Take Regular Breaks
Setting reminders for breaks every hour or two can refresh your mind. Use this time to step outside, stretch, or just take a breath away from the screen. - Set a Defined End Time
Just as with a regular job, commit to an end time for your workday. Paired with a fake commute ritual, this boundary reinforces the separation between work and personal time.
Building Long-Lasting Habits for Remote Work Success
To make remote work sustainable, it’s important to build habits that support well-being:
- Set Realistic Goals
Whether it’s daily coding targets or specific work hours, realistic goals help keep motivation high without adding stress. - Consistency Over Perfection
Start with small habits, like a 5-minute stretch or a 15-minute morning walk. Consistency over time leads to lasting change. - Mindfulness Practices
Try deep breathing exercises, a short meditation session, or even a quick yoga routine to reset and refocus throughout the day.
For those looking to explore mindfulness, resources like Headspace and Calm offer guided sessions that can fit seamlessly into a remote workday.
Staying Connected: Building a Remote Support Network
Remote work doesn’t have to mean isolation. Building a network can enhance motivation and provide a sense of community.
- Join Virtual Meetups
Online meetups or study groups offer a way to connect and share ideas with others, helping to keep motivation high. - Collaborate on Platforms
Platforms like GitHub or Stack Overflow allow you to collaborate, share knowledge, and mentor or learn from others. - Form a Remote Support Group
A small group with fellow remote workers offers mutual support and accountability. Regular check-ins can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a social boost.
Within Your Organization: Try virtual coffee breaks or weekly syncs to stay engaged with your team and reinforce a sense of camaraderie.
Actionable Checklist for Building a Healthy Remote Work Routine
To make these tips practical, here’s a checklist you can keep handy as a daily guide:
- Set Up an Ergonomic Workspace: Create a comfortable, distraction-free setup.
- Establish a Fake Commute: Choose a morning and evening ritual that feels natural and consistent.
- Time Block Your Workday: Schedule focused work periods, meetings, and breaks.
- Set a Clear End Time: Commit to ending your workday at the same time each day.
- Prioritize Social Connections: Join meetups, connect with others on platforms, or check in with a support group.
- Incorporate Mindfulness or Physical Activity: Add stretching, meditation, or short exercises throughout the day to reset.
- Regularly Check In with a Support Group: Stay connected with fellow remote workers to share experiences and stay motivated.
Conclusion: Building a Routine That Works for You
Remote work offers flexibility, but it also requires intentional effort to create a sustainable and balanced routine. By setting clear boundaries, establishing a “fake commute,” and staying connected, remote workers can enjoy both productivity and well-being.
Creating a healthy work-from-home routine is about more than just maintaining productivity; it supports mental health and allows remote workers to thrive in the long run. With these strategies, remote work can be a fulfilling way to grow both personally and professionally.