What are some best practices for self-care when working remotely or in hybrid teams?

Set your tasks with achievable framework for the work hours and take time off after then into other areas of your life. In a remote setting, setting boundaries of when not to involve with anything "work" is crucial. One way to do that is creating time table for your other routines. Ride bicycle, work out, cook, movie, outing etc.

In my experience, maintaining self-care practices is essential when working remotely or in hybrid teams to prevent burnout, maintain well-being, and sustain productivity. Some best practices for self-care in remote or hybrid work environments are: 1. Designate a comfortable and ergonomic workspace that supports your physical health and productivity. Invest in ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and equipment to minimize strain and discomfort during long periods of work. 2. Maintain regular communication and connection with colleagues, even when working remotely. 3. Stay connected with friends, family members, and support networks for emotional support and encouragement.

I've found it very important to have a separate work area when you are working remote otherwise you end up spending all day working. Set-up a separate area and at the end of the day power down until the following morning. You need to set proper boundaries so you don't have burnout.

Monitor your workload and speak up if it becomes excessive. Working remotely can sometimes lead to taking on too many tasks or responsibilities without realizing it. This is especially true for marginalized groups who may feel pressured to overperform or say yes too often. Make sure to regularly evaluate if your workload is sustainable and bring up any concerns about bandwidth or priorities with your manager. Setting boundaries and advocating for yourself is essential, so you only take on a little with adequate support. An unmanaged workload is a significant contributor to burnout. Practicing this self-care ensures you can bring your best self to the team.

Work is work. Home life is home life. When working remotely, you may forget to set up time limits. In person, it's easy. You leave the building and start concentrating on your next life task. Remotely, you have to monitor the clock and make sure you're not creating unnecessary stress due to work-life conflict.

We are so fortunate to have amazing tools at our disposal. So ensure when you schedule meetings to do them as video calls as you truly will feel as if you are sitting across from each other. Schedule team meetings as well with video so that everyone can connect and see each other.

Intentional community-building is vital for remote cohesion. Schedule regular virtual spaces for people to connect beyond work tasks - coffee chats, trivia, fitness sessions, etc. Celebrate wins and milestones to humanize colleagues. Enable peer knowledge sharing to drive inclusive growth. When remote, extra effort is required to nurture interpersonal bonds. Invest time and creativity in fostering a spirit of belonging. The team climate influences performance dramatically.

Building genuine connections when working remotely or in hybrid setups demands creativity. Regular virtual coffee breaks or team lunches over video can bring everyone closer, offering a space to share non-work related stories or celebrate personal milestones. Acknowledging diverse backgrounds and perspectives enriches discussions, making every member feel seen and valued. Also, quick, encouraging messages or shout-outs during meetings can boost morale. These small acts weave a stronger, more inclusive team fabric.

Connecting combats isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. Make deliberate efforts to engage with colleagues through regular virtual meetings, not just for work discussions but also for casual catch-ups. Utilize communication tools like messaging apps and video calls to maintain a line of dialogue. Participate in virtual team-building activities or social events to strengthen relationships and build rapport. Establish a buddy system with a coworker for regular check-ins, offering mutual support and accountability. These connections remind you that you're part of a community, providing emotional support and enhancing collaboration, which is vital for both personal well-being and professional success in a remote or hybrid work environment

Finding balance in remote or hybrid work means recognizing when to seek help, a move that’s all about strength. Don't hesitate to tap into your network, whether that's reaching out to a manager for advice, joining a peer group for solidarity, or getting professional guidance to clear your head. It's a way to ensure you're not going at it alone and keeping your well-being in check.

Seeking support or community is so important when working remote. It helps us stay connected and prevents feelings of isolation or overwhelm. Regular check-ins with your team can keep moral high. Joining virtual support groups offers a space to share experiences and gain tips. Don't underestimate the power of talking to friends or family for emotional support. If needed, professional help like counseling can be beneficial too and many workplaces offer benefits for it. Asking for help is a strength that keeps you mentally well and productive in your work environment.

Seeking support can be done proactively, even before signs appear. The prevention method allows for a proactive approach and enables us to use all the tools available to us in our toolbox!

To unlock learning potential in remote/hybrid roles, embrace "unlearning." Remaining rigid in how we operate or think about career development limits acquiring new skills. Cultivating a growth mentality of being open, curious, and willing to make mistakes is key. Recognize that learning may require challenging assumptions or doing things differently. Letting go of old ways of working/learning widens the capacity for continuous improvement. Approach unfamiliar tools, methods, and cultures patiently - we all start new skills as beginners. Maintaining humility/flexibility serves diverse teams navigating change.

Working remotely or in a hybrid setup gives us a unique chance to expand our horizons. Diving into new skills not only boosts our career but is a form of self-care, pumping up our confidence and sparking creativity. The trick is to set achievable goals and actively seek out feedback. Try tapping into online courses or podcasts, securing a mentor, or jumping on diverse team projects. It's all about keeping things light, making learning a part of our daily routine in a way that feels refreshing and motivating.

Practice introspection for 5-10 minutes daily. Take a few minutes to sit comfortably, focus on your breath, and notice sensations, thoughts, and feelings without getting carried away. This practice improves concentration, and promotes well-being. Try to bring awareness to everyday activities, like eating or walking, promoting a sense of calm and clarity in your daily life. Mindfulness is a simple but powerful way to enhance your mental and emotional state.

Try the "4-7-8" technique. Start by sitting comfortably and exhaling completely through your mouth. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Then exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound, to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle four times. This exercise helps reduce stress, improves concentration, and can be a calming break during a busy workday. It's a simple yet powerful tool to enhance focus and mental clarity, contributing to overall well-being in remote or hybrid work environments.

Mindfulness means tuning into the here and now, free from judgment. A quiet spot and a few moments to focus on your breath or sensations do wonders. Try meditating, journaling, or listening to calming music. These activities sharpen focus and boost emotional intelligence, making teamwork smoother and more empathetic. It's all about creating a peaceful moment in your day, no matter where you work from.

Be kind to all kind 😇 Be kind not just to yourself but to people around you, it literally takes nothing but the compounding of this virtue can be immense. Especially when work from home started I have seen people around and especially leaders were extremely kind to each other and that did not mean work was negatively impacted rather people realised how everyone is being compassionate and accommodating each other times it lead to increase in productivity in my team as people genuinely cared for the work and ensured things got done maybe not in the traditional way of sitting together or being together but through asynchronous working.

Embracing self-kindness while working remotely or in hybrid settings involves a delicate balance. Celebrate the small victories; a task completed or a new idea sparked goes a long way. Positive affirmations are like your personal cheer squad, lifting spirits on tough days. And don't skimp on self-rewards, treating yourself for milestones big or small fosters a sense of accomplishment. Gratitude isn't just for the big wins; it's also for the journey and the growth along the way.