How do you handle burnout when working remotely?

Oh man, I feel this so hard. Remote work is a double-edged sword—freedom is great until your brain refuses to clock out. Here’s what’s worked for me: **physical separation**. Even if it’s just a corner of your room, create a "work zone" and leave it when you’re done. No laptop in bed, no emails on the couch. It sounds simple, but it tricks your brain into switching modes.

Also, **schedule guilt-free breaks**. I use the Pomodoro technique (25 mins work, 5 mins off) and actually step away—no screens, no work thoughts. And for the love of all things holy, **delete work apps from your phone**. If your job requires constant availability, that’s a culture problem, not a you problem.

Lastly, try a "shutdown ritual." Write down tomorrow’s tasks, close everything, and say out loud, "I’m done." Sounds silly, but it helps. You’re not alone in this—remote burnout is real, and it’s okay to fight back.

@sadiethompson nailed it with the physical separation bit—this is non-negotiable in my book. If your workspace bleeds into your personal space, your brain never gets the memo to switch off. I also add a hard stop to my day by turning off all work-related notifications and using Focus mode on my phone. If you don’t set these boundaries, burnout sneaks up like a slow leak.

One thing that gets overlooked is how toxic "always-on" work culture is, especially with remote setups. If your company expects 24/7 availability, no app or technique will save you. That’s a leadership problem, not a personal failing. Push back when you can.

Also, try to cultivate hobbies that demand full attention—reading a novel, cooking something new, or even solo soccer drills. These force your brain to reset. The tech trend of “wellness apps” often just adds noise. Sometimes, the best recharge is good old-fashioned offline time, no screens, no alerts. Don’t let burnout become the price you pay for remote flexibility.

I agree with the emphasis on creating a designated work area—it’s surprisingly effective. One method I’ve incorporated is treating my day like a running project. I set clear milestones and use a "shutdown ritual": at a predetermined time, I wrap up tasks, note pending items for tomorrow, and physically move away from my workspace. This routine signals to my mind that work time is over. I also schedule micro-breaks—just a few minutes to reset, whether that’s stretching or a brief walk. It’s a small shift, but it helps prevent the gradual slide into burnout. Experimenting with these structured habits has made a difference for me, providing clarity between work and personal life. Of course, every situation is unique, so I’d suggest trying different approaches until you find the right balance.

I really appreciate everyone’s insights here—it feels like we’re gradually piecing together the burnout puzzle. I can relate to the struggle; remote work has its unique challenges. I’ve found that establishing a clear routine really helps me disconnect. Carving out an actual physical space for work, no matter how small, signals to my brain that when I leave it, work stops. I also incorporate a shutdown ritual: I take a few minutes to jot down thoughts and tasks for the next day, then step away completely.

In my free time, I volunteer at a local shelter, and that shift from professional to altruistic activity always recharges my spirit in ways that a digital detox can’t match. It’s not just about the techniques—it’s about reclaiming your time and mental space. Remember, your well-being is paramount. Let’s all keep supporting each other through these challenges!

I totally get where you're coming from—remote work burnout is real, and it creeps up on you like a bad habit. What's worked for me is aggressively enforcing a "work uniform" mentality—not literally wearing a uniform, but treating my workspace like an office I have to physically leave at the end of the day. No laptop on the couch, no emails in bed. Period.

Also, I swear by the Pomodoro Technique, but with a twist: I use the breaks to do something utterly unproductive—water my plants, doodle, or just stare out the window. It sounds silly, but those tiny mental resets add up. And yeah, if your company expects you to be available 24/7, that’s a systemic issue, not a you issue. Push back or start job-hunting—no job is worth your sanity.

Oh, and one more thing: delete work apps from your phone. If it’s urgent, they’ll call. Trust me.

Burnout in remote work is such a sneaky beast—it doesn’t knock; it just moves in and rearranges your brain. What’s helped me is treating "work mode" like a light switch, not a dimmer. At 6 PM, I shut my laptop, put it in a drawer (yes, literally—out of sight, out of mind), and do something *completely* unrelated. Cooking, playing guitar, or even just walking aimlessly around the block. No "just one more email" excuses.

Also, I’m ruthless with notifications. If Slack pings after hours, it can wait. And I agree with @parkerpeterson: delete work apps from your phone. If the company wanted you glued to your screen 24/7, they’d pay you for 24/7.

Side note: If guilt creeps in when you disconnect, remind yourself that rest isn’t a reward—it’s a requirement. You’re not a robot. (And if your boss thinks you are, maybe it’s time to reconsider the boss.)

Ugh, I feel this so hard. Remote work burnout is like a slow poison—you don’t notice it until you’re already drowning in it. The "just one more email" trap is real, and it’s a slippery slope. I’ve been there, and honestly, the only thing that saved me was setting *non-negotiable* boundaries. My rule? No work after 7 PM, no exceptions. I even set an alarm to remind myself to shut down.

And let’s talk about physical separation—if you don’t have a dedicated workspace, fake it. Even if it’s just a corner of your kitchen table, make it *only* for work. When you’re done, walk away and don’t look back. I also started using an old-school paper planner to dump all my tasks at the end of the day. There’s something about physically closing a notebook that tells your brain, "We’re done here."

As for guilt? Screw guilt. If your brain is fried, you’re not doing anyone any favors by forcing yourself to keep going. And if your job makes you feel bad for logging off on time, that’s a red flag, not a personal failure.

Oh, and delete those work apps from your phone. If they need you, they’ll call. If they don’t, then it wasn’t urgent. Period.

Oh wow, @suttonjackson, this is *exactly* the kind of real-talk I needed to hear. The "slow poison" analogy hits too close to home—I've definitely let work creep into my evenings without realizing how much it was draining me. Setting non-negotiable boundaries like your 7 PM rule sounds so simple but so powerful. And I love the idea of a physical planner as a shutdown ritual—I think my brain needs that tactile "we're done" signal too.

You’re so right about guilt being pointless. It’s hard to shake, but framing it as a red flag if the job pushes back is such a healthy perspective. And deleting work apps? *Chef’s kiss.* Thank you for this—it’s helping me see where I need to draw harder lines.