Remote Routine

The 100th TIP! Big thanks to all the guests for providing so many wonderful tips for anybody working remotely looking to optimize their day. With 100 episodes, who is need for a nap!? Well, this episode revolves around another option! Who needs a nap when you’ve got NDSR? Non-sleep deep rest is the secret sauce for remote workers who need a recharge., says Jessica Ribbens, coordinator over at Holl...

Whiteboards: the underrated productivity hack you need at home. It’s the perfect spot to keep your to-do list visible and your goals in focus. Episode 99 has graphic designer Jane Kisnica chatting with Ryan about how wherever she is in the world, she has a whiteboard in her view with her workload. Unlike sticky notes, it won’t get lost in the chaos. Pro tip: use your whiteboard for daily prioritie...

Fake commutes aren’t just trendy—they’re transformative! Alfie Brown does it every day. The brand specialist freelancer says to carve out 20 minutes in the morning to mimic the old pre-office routine. Take a stroll, sip your coffee outside, or journal before logging on. Pro tip: treat it as sacred time to mentally gear up for the day. The result? Clearer focus and a stronger boundary between work...

Complicated vs. complex in business: complicated problems are hard but linear—solve it once, and you’re golden. Brooke Rosolino, found of n'Good Company , says complex problems are a whole other beast—dynamic, messy, and constantly shifting. Solving a complicated issue is like fixing a machine; solving a complex one is like running a city. The secret? For complex challenges, embrace trial, error,...

Body doubling: the productivity hack you didn’t know you needed! It’s simple says Miranda Barker from Ellie Mental Health —work alongside someone else, and watch your focus skyrocket. For ADHD brains, having a buddy nearby helps keep distractions at bay and tasks on track. Whether it’s a coworker or a virtual partner, this technique turns accountability into action. Who knew just having someone ar...

Time management isn’t about doing more —it’s about doing what matters . Conscious time management lets you reclaim your day, tackle top priorities, and finally stop running on empty. This week Ryan talks to Faisal Hoque , author and management leader, about conscious time management. Really understand the "why" in your task or goal, actively directing your focus and awareness of the reason behind...

Feeling stuck in fight-or-flight mode? Grab some sour candy! The intense tang gives your brain a quick jolt, snapping you out of anxiety and back to focus. Alyssa Black from Aspen Counseling Service s says it’s like a mini-reset button for your mind. Next time stress creeps in during work, try the deep breaths and if those aren't working, pop a sour treat instead. A little pucker power might be al...

Struggling to focus since working from home? It might not just be distractions—it could be ADHD. Signs include constant task switching, forgetting small things, and endless procrastination. The solution? Michelle Shavdia from Find Your Spark says step 1: build a routine! Structured work hours and clear breaks help bring order to the chaos. Consistency won’t fix everything, but it’s a game-changer...

Your pet is the MVP of remote work life! This week, David Fuller from Littman Krooks discusses his love for his parrots and the brevity they bring to serious work calls. Pets bring laughter with their goofy antics, stress relief with those cuddles, and the perfect excuse to step away from the screen. Need a breather? Take five to play fetch or give belly rubs. It’s a win-win: your pet’s happy, and...

While working from home, you don’t need to “earn” your right to fold laundry or grab groceries. Psychologist Naomi Midgley from Elevation Psychology says taking time for small personal tasks is a perk, not a problem. Ditch the over-compensation mindset—remote work is all about balance. When you let go of the guilt, you’ll find that a few minutes here and there won’t hurt productivity. Embrace the...

Stuck in a rut with remote work habits? Use social psychology and join a “habit community.” Kaidi Wu, psychologist and founder of Academic Trailblazer tells Ryan to find friends or coworkers with similar goals and support each other on the journey. By seeing others succeed, you’re more likely to stick to your own healthy habits—hello, inspiration! When everyone’s working on goals together, it’s wa...

Natural light isn’t just a nice perk—it’s a productivity booster! Amanda Ciccatelli tells Ryan this week that exposure to sunlight improves mood, energy, and focus, making your team feel sharper and happier at work. Plus, the hlth inc. director claims natural light can reduce eye strain and fatigue, so everyone can keep going strong all day. If you want top-notch work and top-notch well-being, mak...

Want to boost productivity? Try decentralized command ! Tom Lew from Sweetspot Farms says it’s all about giving your team the power to make decisions without waiting for the boss to weigh in on every little detail. Trust your people, let them own their tasks, and watch as they take the lead. When everyone feels empowered, work gets done faster, with fewer bottlenecks—and you’ll have more time to f...

Why meet at a coffee shop when you can host colleagues at home? It’s cozy, personal, and way more relaxed. No noisy distractions, just comfortable conversation and maybe a home-brewed cup of coffee (or two!). This week Jena Caputo from The Get Smart Group discusses her love for hosting at home. She says it helps build stronger connections, shows off your hospitality, and creates a friendly atmosph...

Craving a productive day? Wake up early and let tech do the heavy lifting! Notion is the perfect app for creating to-do lists, organizing tasks, and planning your projects—all before your first cup of coffee. This week, Jeremy Nelson from The Malin says early mornings give you the headspace to map out your day, and Notion makes it easy to keep everything on track. It’s time to kick-start your day...

Ready to level up your mental health? Invite a colleague to happy hour! Virginia Albert tells Ryan this week on Remote Routine that getting social outside the office is a great way to decompress, bond, and strengthen those work relationships. Whether it’s dinner, coffee, or a quick catch-up, stepping out of work mode helps refresh your mind. Don’t be shy—take the social risk. Who knows, your next...

Who says work can’t be fun? As a manager, gamifying tasks turns the daily grind into a competition your team will love. Leaderboards, challenges, and rewards create a sense of friendly competition and camaraderie. Phil Mandelbaum of Mandelbaum Marketin g says your team will feel more engaged, collaborate better, and actually enjoy hitting goals. Plus, a little competition never hurt anyone—except...

Turn up your productivity with a little noise! This week Ryan chats with Daniella Izzo at Bakerfield Solutions about the different colored noises that help us focus. White noise is your classic static sound—like a TV that’s lost its signal. It covers all frequencies evenly, which makes it perfect for masking background noise and helping you focus. But if white noise feels too intense, try pink or...

Got a big project? Find a buddy, says Bo Abrams of kommu ! Having someone to hold you accountable isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about support, too. A colleague or friend can offer feedback, encouragement, and a little nudge when procrastination hits. Plus, working together builds camaraderie, turning solo tasks into team efforts. With accountability, projects get done faster, better, and with wa...

Feeling hangry by noon? Micro meals to the rescue! Cara Cannella tells Ryan this week that snacking on small, healthy bites throughout the day keeps her energy levels steady and her mood in check. No more mid-afternoon slumps or sugar crashes—just consistent fuel to power through your to-do list. Plus, these mini meals help maintain focus and productivity, because who can concentrate when they’re...

Who says meetings have to be all business? Adding 15 minutes of chitchat to your virtual meetings can do wonders for company culture. It’s like a coffee break—minus the actual coffee. This week, Tierra Morgan from ASMBL says mall talk helps employees connect on a personal level, building relationships that go beyond the work grind. Whether it’s sharing weekend plans or debating the best pizza topp...

Staring at your screen all day? Katie Weldon from Total Mortgage says your eyes are probably begging for a break. So look away and meditate for a bit! It's like hitting the refresh button for your eyes. Not only does it ease eye strain, but it also helps reset your focus. Think of it as a mini-meditation session—except you're not in a yoga pose; you're just giving your eyeballs a well-...

Need to get in the zone? Brandon Rodriguez from Toolbelt says turn up the tunes on this week's Remote Routine. Try listening to music with a steady rhythm! Beats around 60-70 BPM mimic the brain’s natural rhythm during deep focus. Think chill lo-fi or classical music—no lyrics to distract, just a smooth flow to keep you on task. Next time you’re staring at a mountain of work, pop on some rhyth...

Virtual happy hour games are a fantastic way to build camaraderie in remote teams. Michael Halpert loves them and uses them constantly at Thrasio . On the podcast this week, Michael discusses how trivia games are a great choice for team-building. They're easy to set up and fun for everyone. They encourage friendly competition and spark conversations about shared interests. Trivia can also be t...

Fun team-building activities like DIY candle kits and other crafts can transform remote teams, says Allys Ton on this week's episode of Remote Routing. The Qortex AI manager says these activities offer a break from the usual work routine, allowing team members to relax and bond over a shared experience. Crafting together can spark creativity and innovation, which can translate into better prob...