In the modern world, where work and personal life are increasingly intertwined, finding a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever. The rise of remote working has given this balance a new dimension. But how exactly does remote working contribute to finding that perfect work-life balance? In this blog, we dive into the benefits of remote working and how it can help you be both productive and happy, both at work and in your personal life.
The popularity of workations is on the rise
In recent years, remote working from abroad, also known as “workation,” has gained popularity. Thanks to the emergence of digital technologies and flexible working models, more and more professionals can carry out their work from exotic destinations, bustling metropolises or quiet villages abroad. Both salaried and freelance work is increasingly possible.
Change of environment improves focus and creativity
The most obvious benefit of working remotely abroad is the change of scenery. Placing yourself in a new culture, climate and landscapes not only gives you new stimuli, but also fresh perspectives. This change of environment has a positive effect on your creativity, motivation and focus. Your work becomes less routine and you can find new inspiration, which contributes to your productivity and job satisfaction. You swap the boring office garden for a moment for a beautiful view of the mountains, for example. That does wonders for your mind.
A new place also often makes you work more consciously and with more focus, because you want to manage your time well in order to enjoy the location where you are.
When I start working remotely, I always try to shorten my working days slightly or take an extra day off. That way I keep more time to enjoy my new surroundings. But that just has to be possible, or allowed by your boss. If that is not possible, I often start an hour earlier and stop by 4 p.m. at the latest. Then you can still enjoy a free afternoon. In my case, that often means a few hours at the beach.
Looking for a fine accommodation for your workation? Then check out the perfect workation locations here.
Balancing work and relaxation
Another great advantage of working remotely from another place is that you can combine work with exploring new cultures and experiences. Personally, for the main reason, I prefer to explore the whole world. Imagine enjoying tapas and a walk along the beach in a café in Barcelona immediately after a workday. Or that after finishing a project in a chalet in the Alps, you can go straight into the mountains for a fresh hike. This combination of work and travel helps you find a better balance between work and relaxation. Where at home, in the daily grind, this is a lot harder. Instead of strictly separating vacation and work, during a workation you can enjoy small daily adventures and new experiences without having your work shut down or your productivity suffer. This can reduce stress and give you a fresh energy boost.
Self-care during your workation
Working from a different location offers an opportunity to put your well-being and self-care first. During a workation, you make very conscious choices for yourself. Many people who work remotely from abroad choose destinations that match their personal preferences and health. Consider taking a yoga class in Bali before your workday begins, preparing a healthy Mediterranean meal in Italy, surfing in Portugal after your workday or spending time in a quiet, natural environment that helps you relax and unwind.
In addition, exploring a new culture and environment can help expand your mind, contributing to improved mental health. New experiences, meeting other people and breaking out of daily routines can help you live more in the moment and reduce stress. It is not without an reason that you do many meditations and books on personal development teach you to live in the here and now.
Flexibility in working hours and locations
Remote working offers flexibility in working hours and locations, and this is even more true when you work from abroad. Depending on the time difference with your home country, you can arrange your day to work outside the usual office hours, such as early in the morning or later in the day. This leaves you more time during the day to relax and explore your new surroundings. Moreover, as a digital nomad, you can switch locations whenever you want. Perhaps you work from a vibrant city one month and a quiet seaside location the next. This flexibility helps tailor work to your personal preferences, making your work more compatible with your lifestyle and energy level. Just keep in mind not to underestimate travel time. So often I hear that people still get stressed about traveling because it takes more time than they thought.
Overcoming challenges of remote working
Of course, there are challenges associated with working remotely from abroad. It’s not all roses. Finding a good Internet connection, a nice workspace, dealing with time zones and separating work from leisure can sometimes be tricky. Plus, it can feel lonely when you have no physical interaction with your colleagues or work associates.
Here are tips to overcome these challenges:
- Work from coworking spaces: These are ideal for creating a professional work environment and meeting like-minded people.
- Plan your days smart: That way you’ll keep enough time to do fun things. Do you have to deal with time difference, you can make the best use of your working time and also have time left over for relaxation.
- Communicate clearly: Make sure your colleagues, clients and work associates know what your schedule is and when you can be available to avoid misunderstandings.
Wondering what other pitfalls there are, and better yet, how to avoid going wrong with your workation? In this article, we discuss 7 common pitfalls of remote work and give tips on how to avoid them.
Conclusion: the world as your office
Remote working from abroad offers an unique opportunity to improve your work-life balance. Combining your work with travel, exploring new cultures and arranging your own time allows you to strike a good balance between work and personal growth. It offers flexibility, a sense of freedom and the opportunity to promote your well-being, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life. Whether you decide to temporarily work from another location or choose to become a digital nomad for an extended period of time, remote working from abroad can be the key to find the balance you need to be happy both professionally and personally. Would you also like to work remotely but don’t know how to go about it? I share all my workation experiences (now there are more than 40) in the online Remote Ready course. From the right skills to legal ground rules.
