Do you work from home in Brooks, Alberta? If it’s a resounding “YES!”, it’s time to ensure your remote experience doesn’t leave you biting your nails! Sitting at a desk all day can be stressful, let alone doing it right where you live (Trust me, I know).
In this survival guide, we’ll give you practical tips on how to make the most of remote working and minimize its potential drawbacks, from the importance of having the best work-from-home internet to the non-trivial importance of having ergonomic equipment to make back pain all but a thing of the past.
At the end of this survival guide, you’ll be the one giving your work-at-home fellows in Brooks all the tips, tricks, and good spots to upgrade their remote work lifestyle.
Table of Contents
1. Make Sure You Have Blazing Fast Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Internet
Imagine you’ve just started your day, had your coffee, fired up your computer, and are in a good mood. Now imagine you’re about to get productive, but slow internet stands in your way. It won’t let you put on your favourite jam or listen to your usual podcast, let alone do your work or attend online meetings.
Frustration mounts as you grapple with the limitations of a slow connection. These technological hiccups can undermine your professional life and impact your performance.
Fortunately, not all is lost because the solution is readily available and affordable: fibre-to-the-home internet. And you don’t have to look far for a provider because Galaxy Fibre has the needed speeds for working from home and entertainment!
Now that you can access high-speed fibre optic internet from home, you’ll enjoy a seamless online presence. This will eliminate your worries about low performance or productivity dips, allowing you to navigate your workday confidently and efficiently.
2. Design Your Ideal Workspace
We get it: working at the kitchen table can be a pain in the neck—quite literally. An ideal workspace combines design and ergonomics to make your home office comfortable and inspiring. Here are a few things to consider when designing your home workspace:
- An Ergonomic Office Chair: Investing in a decent ergonomic chair has never been more important to reduce neck and back pain. If you think your chair isn’t chic enough, add a cushion or blanket to make it more cozy and plush. Try browsing through Decora Home’s catalogue to find your fit.
- Plants: Adding some greenery makes your workspace more comfortable and pleasing to the eye. If you’re new to plant adoption, choose low-maintenance houseplants. We recommend Thistle & Sage for your greenery hunt.
- Art: You probably spend most of your day looking at your walls for inspiration. Choose wall art that not only looks pretty but also speaks to you. And nothing says you can’t make it functional as well. Done tastefully, charts, graphs, and maps can be a sight for sore eyes.
And for more inspiration, check out Alexandra Gater’s YouTube channel. She’s a Canadian home decor expert who shares tips on how to make the most of your space with affordable, rent-friendly decor. This episode is about redesigning a tiny home office, so be sure to check it out!
3. Enjoy Brooks’ Nature During Breaks
Break free from the monotony by stepping into the natural wonders surrounding you.
Picture this: you’ve been immersed in your tasks, and the screen-induced fatigue sets in. Instead of resorting to nail-biting stress, take a breather and walk in the community park or any other green space that will help you take your mind off work.
Did you know that green spaces can improve your health? They are linked to better heart health, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of high cholesterol. A Stanford study has shown that walking boosts creative inspiration. Imagine combining these two activities.
So, step outside when the stress creeps in and let Brooks’ charm be your antidote.
4. Stay Active
We all know that sitting at a desk for hours is not exactly the healthiest activity, but did you know it could put you at increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure?
No worries, though. We’ve got your back with a simple hack: Set an hourly alarm to break the sitting streak. During those break minutes, stretch or do jumping jacks. For a more structured approach, consider adding a regular workout routine.
Going to the gym twice or thrice a week can make all the difference if you want to take it further. If you’re looking for a great gym at an affordable price, consider JBS Canada Centre.
If that’s not your scene, head to YouTube, a treasure trove of workout wonders. There’s something for everyone, from yoga to dance workouts. It’s not just about staying fit; it’s about turning your workday into a mini adventure, boosting your mood and energy levels.
Check out this beginner-friendly, equipment-free workout routine and prepare those sneakers for a movement-filled remote work experience!
5. Drawing the Line in Remote Work
Establishing and communicating clear boundaries when working remotely is as essential as taking breaks. It ensures a balanced and productive work-life experience.
Here’s what you can do:
- Clarify Expectations: Include specifics on your work schedule, days off, deadlines, and preferred communication methods.
- Resist the Overwork Trap: Working from home can be tempting because of the comfort of the environment and the lack of a daily commute. However, this convenience is a double-edged sword. It’s easy to slip into a pattern of overworking, which risks burnout and stress.
- Embrace Time Off: Picture a vacation as a reset button for your mind and body. It’s an opportunity to decompress, reduce stress and anxiety, and focus on self-care and mental health.
6. Network and Collaborate Locally
Let’s talk about networking right where you are. In this age of remote work, think of networking as the secret sauce that spices up your professional journey. It’s time to foster those connections through virtual hangouts or good old-fashioned face-to-face meetups.
Here’s what to do:
- Participate Actively in Company Events: These gatherings are more than just socializing; they’re vital for understanding your company’s dynamics and connecting with colleagues. In Brooks, this could mean engaging in events specific to your company and the local business community.
- Engage with Local Companies on Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to follow and interact with businesses in Brooks. This will keep you informed about the local professional scene and may lead to job opportunities or collaborations. Take the chance to connect with companies participating in events like the Brooks Farmer’s Market, which runs from after the May long weekend to the first week of October.
- Attend training courses and workshops: These aren’t just about beefing up your resume; they’re about staying relevant in a job market that’s changing faster than you can say “networking.” These events are fantastic opportunities to meet kindred spirits, swap stories, and find mentors to steer you on your professional journey.
Conclusion
Here’s your toolkit for mastering remote work in Brooks, Alberta: Kick things off with blazing-fast FTTH internet – it’s the backbone of your work-from-home setup. But there’s more to it than just a speedy connection. Step outside to bask in Brooks’ beauty when you need a break, create a stylish and ergonomic workspace, and keep your body moving to stay sharp. Networking? You’ve got it covered, from the farmers’ market to joining company events.
With these tips, you’ll thrive in Brooks, which offers the perfect blend of technology, community, and well-being.