Smart Tips For Working Remotely: Lessons From 10 Years Of The Remote Work Lifestyle

Remote work is here to stay, but success in a remote setup doesn’t come from good Wi-Fi alone. Over the last 10+ years as an SEO professional managing multiple U.S.-based clients, I’ve built a career (and sanity) around consistency, intentional routines, and sustainable habits. Working from home isn't always smooth—especially in a fast-paced, high-pressure field like SEO—but with the right structure and lifestyle choices, it can be productive and even enjoyable.

Whether you're new to remote work or looking to improve your rhythm, here are the most effective tips for working remotely, based on a decade of personal experience.

1. Move Your Body: Daily Walking or Running Is Essential

One of the biggest threats to remote workers is sedentary behavior. When you don’t have a commute or coworkers to walk over to, it’s easy to stay in one spot all day. I make it a rule to go for a walk or a run every single day—even on the busiest ones.

Not only does this improve physical health, but it’s also one of the best remote work stress management tools out there. Exercise reduces anxiety, boosts focus, and helps you reset mentally. Walking meetings, post-lunch strolls, or early morning jogs can all work wonders.

👉 Pro tip: Start with a 15-minute walk in the morning every day. Build from there.

2. Create a Clean, Dedicated Workspace at Home

Your workspace directly influences your productivity. Working from your bed or kitchen counter may be tempting, but over time, it blurs the lines between work and rest, leading to burnout and poor posture.

I recommend setting up a clean, distraction-free zone dedicated solely to work. It doesn't need to be a full office—a small, well-lit corner with basic organization is enough.

• Remote work best practices for your setup:
• Declutter your desk at the end of each day
• Use soft lighting to avoid eye strain

• Add personal touches like a plant or art
• Make it feel separate from your "life" space

3. Invest in an Ergonomic Chair—Your Back Will Thank You

Remote workers sit a lot. And if you’re in front of your screen for 6–8 hours a day, your chair becomes a long-term health investment. After struggling with back pain in my early years, I finally switched to a proper ergonomic chair—and it changed everything.

What to look for in a chair:

• Adjustable seat height and armrests
• Lumbar support
• Comfortable cushioning for long sessions
• Breathable material to stay cool

👉 Even a mid-range ergonomic chair is better than a stylish but unsupportive one.

 
4. Rotate Work Locations to Keep Things Fresh

Even the most inspiring home office can start to feel stale after a while. That’s why I keep a short list of “work from café” (WFC) spots nearby. A change in environment can do wonders for motivation and creativity.

Try alternating work locations once or twice a week. A different scene—even a public library or coworking space—can energize you and help break out of productivity slumps.

5. Always Have a Backup Internet Plan

One of the most underrated work from home strategies: prepare for tech failure. If your internet goes down mid-call or while uploading a client report, things can get messy fast.

What’s worked for me:

• Tethering from my mobile data plan
• Having a pocket Wi-Fi or second ISP
• Keeping offline tasks (like content outlines or reading) ready to tackle during downtime

 
6. Be Social—Offline

One challenge many remote workers face is isolation. It's easy to go days without seeing anyone in person. But humans are wired for connection, and loneliness can sneak up on you.

For me, community involvement has been key. I’m active in my local church and volunteer with the multimedia team every Sunday. It gives me structure, meaningful connection, and the chance to build skills outside my professional niche.

Whether it’s a local sports club, volunteer group, or creative class—get involved in something non-digital.

 
7. Set Clear Goals & Track Progress Daily

Productivity without structure is chaos in disguise. One of the most important tips for working from home effectively is to set clear, measurable goals—daily, weekly, and monthly.

I use a mix of digital and physical tools (like Notion and a simple whiteboard) to plan and track tasks. Breaking big projects into small, trackable wins helps maintain momentum.

 
8. Master Time Management & Prioritization

Let’s be honest: time management is tough when there’s no boss walking past your desk. Distractions are everywhere—laundry, YouTube, snacks. But mastering your time is one of the core remote work best practices.

What helped me:
Time blocking: Assigning hours to specific tasks
The Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritizing urgent vs. important
Pomodoro Technique: 25-minute work sprints with short breaks
Daily shutdown rituals: To officially “clock out” and avoid working all night
It takes practice, but once you learn how to prioritize tasks and manage distractions, remote work becomes more empowering than overwhelming.

 
Final Thoughts: Work From Home Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a Job Setup

Remote work isn't just a shift in location—it’s a shift in how you manage your time, your space, your energy, and your relationships. These tips are not quick hacks; they are lifestyle choices that support long-term success.

Whether you're a freelancer, agency worker, or full-time remote employee, applying these work from home strategies will help you build a sustainable, healthy, and productive routine.

You don’t need to master everything overnight. Start with one or two tips that resonate with you, and keep iterating. Consistency beats intensity when it comes to working remotely—and life in general.