Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: mindfulness

Remote Work Burnout is Real: 7 Science-Backed Ways to Combat It
Remote work has skyrocketed in popularity, offering flexibility and autonomy. But it’s not without its downsides. Many remote workers experience burnout due to blurred boundaries, social isolation, and constant digital connectivity. The good news is that science offers effective strategies to combat this growing issue.

Feeling burnt out from working remotely? You’re not alone. Discover 7 science-backed strategies to combat remote work burnout and reclaim your well-being.

The Science Behind Remote Work Burnout

Burnout, recognized by the World Health Organization as an occupational phenomenon, manifests as:
- Exhaustion: Feeling drained and emotionally depleted.
- Cynicism: Developing a negative attitude towards work and colleagues.
- Reduced Professional Efficacy: Experiencing a decline in productivity and feeling less capable.
Research reveals that remote workers are susceptible to burnout due to:
- Blurred Boundaries: The always-on nature of remote work can blur the line between personal and professional life, leading to longer work hours and difficulty disconnecting.
- Social Isolation: Lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation, impacting mental well-being.
- Technology Overload: Constant emails, messages, and video calls can create digital overload, leading to stress and difficulty focusing.
7 Science-Backed Strategies to Combat Remote Work Burnout

Here are seven effective ways to reclaim your well-being while thriving in a remote work environment:

1. Establish Clear Boundaries

Create a designated workspace to separate your professional and personal life. Set clear work hours and stick to them, avoiding checking emails or engaging in work tasks outside these hours. Communicate your availability to colleagues and clients to manage expectations.

2. Prioritize Social Connection

Combat social isolation by scheduling regular virtual coffee breaks with colleagues, attending online social events, or joining virtual coworking spaces. Make an effort to connect with friends and family outside of work hours to maintain a healthy social life.

3. Embrace Mindfulness and Digital Detox

Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress and improve focus. Schedule regular digital detox periods where you disconnect from all devices to allow yourself time to recharge and engage in offline activities.

4. Optimize Your Workspace Ergonomics

Invest in a comfortable chair, ergonomic keyboard, and mouse to prevent physical discomfort and strain. Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation in your workspace. Taking breaks to stretch and move around can also prevent stiffness and promote physical well-being.

5. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

Avoid overcommitting yourself by setting realistic work goals and deadlines. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help when needed.

6. Utilize Technology to Your Advantage

Leverage technology to streamline your workflow and minimize digital overload. Use productivity tools to manage tasks, schedule emails, and minimize distractions. Explore time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to improve focus and efficiency.

7. Prioritize Self-Care

Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, whether it’s reading, spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or exercising regularly. Prioritizing your physical and mental health is crucial for preventing burnout.

Conclusion

While remote work presents unique challenges, understanding the science behind burnout empowers you to implement effective strategies for combating it. By establishing clear boundaries, prioritizing social connection, embracing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care, you can create a healthy and sustainable remote work experience that enhances both your well-being and productivity.
March 13, 2025
The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

houseplant casually perched on a shelf, radiating an aura of effortless serenity.

“I need that,” I told myself, gazing at my own reflection in the dusty monitor. “A plant. That’s what’s missing from my life.”

Operation Green Thumb: From Enthusiasm to Near-Disaster

My journey into the world of indoor greenery started with the same enthusiasm I reserve for starting (and promptly abandoning) ambitious knitting projects. I envisioned myself as a modern-day plant whisperer, nurturing life and cultivating an oasis of calm in my otherwise chaotic apartment.

plant mister (because, you know, humidity). My new leafy roommate seemed happy, even sprouting a new leaf. “See,” I told my skeptical cat, “I told you I could do this!”

Then, life happened. Work deadlines piled up, social engagements filled my calendar, and my well-intentioned plant care routine flew out the window faster than you can say “overwatering.”

Lesson #1: Neglect Taught Me About Resilience

I’m ashamed to admit it, but there were weeks when my poor plant didn’t see a single drop of water. Its once-vibrant leaves drooped, turning a sickly shade of yellow. I felt a pang of guilt, of course, but mostly, I felt like a failure.

But then, something interesting happened. Just when I was about to give up and relegate my poor plant to the compost bin of forgotten dreams, I noticed something: a tiny green shoot emerging from the base. It was as if the plant was saying, “Hey, I’m still here! I’m not giving up on you, so don’t give up on me!”

That’s when it hit me: even when neglected, even when we feel like we’re wilting under the pressures of life, there’s a resilience within us that can’t be extinguished. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of hope—a tiny green shoot—to remind us that we’re capable of bouncing back.

Lesson #2: Houseplants (and Life) Thrive with Less Control

After my near-death experience with my plant (sorry, buddy!), I decided to do some research. Turns out, overwatering is a rookie mistake. Who knew?

March 13, 2025
Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)
Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)

From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

Let’s be honest, I used to be a plant serial killer. I’d walk into the garden center with the best intentions, promising myself (and the poor, unsuspecting fern) that this time would be different. But alas, my track record spoke for itself: a graveyard of neglected succulents and overwatered peace lilies.

Then something changed. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a quarter-life crisis, or maybe it was the realization that my apartment looked remarkably like a beige box. Whatever it was, I decided to give plant parenthood another shot. And you know what? It’s been one of the most rewarding (and hilarious) experiences of my life.
Plant Therapy!
Who knew that watching a leaf unfurl could be so darn therapeutic? Seriously, there’s something incredibly calming about tending to your plants. The act of watering, pruning, and even just talking to them (don’t judge!) can melt away the day’s stresses. Plus, unlike my goldfish growing up, they don’t stare back with judgment when I inevitably forget to feed them for a week (sorry, Finny).

Here are a few ways my plant babies have become my own personal therapists:
- Mindful moments: Caring for plants forces me to slow down and be present. No more scrolling through social media while simultaneously burning dinner!
- Sense of accomplishment: Every new leaf, bloom, or even just a plant that doesn’t die on me feels like a major victory. Take that, self-doubt!
- Connection to nature: Living in a concrete jungle, it’s easy to forget the beauty of the natural world. My plants bring a little bit of the outdoors in, even if it’s just a rogue spider plant hanging from the ceiling.
From Drab to Fab: Plants as Interior Design Hacks

Remember that beige box I mentioned earlier? Well, let’s just say my plants have done wonders for my apartment’s aesthetic. A pop of green here, a trailing vine there, and suddenly my place looks like it belongs in an interior design magazine (or at least a slightly cooler version of my grandma’s house).

And the best part? Plants are like living art! They add texture, color, and life to a room in a way that no mass-produced print ever could. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter. Just be prepared for questions like, “Is that a real plant?” or “How do you keep it alive?!”

March 13, 2025
Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Club)

Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Club)

From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

Let’s be honest, I used to be a plant assassin. I’m talking serial killer level. I’d walk into a plant store, eyes filled with hope, promising myself (and the poor, unsuspecting fern) that this time would be different. But alas, weeks later, it would be brown leaves and drooping stems all over again. I was convinced I was cursed with a black thumb, destined to live in a plant-free zone.

But then, something changed. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a desperate cry for help from my neglected succulents, but I decided to give plant parenthood one last shot. And guess what? It worked! Not only did my plants thrive (some even multiplied!), but I discovered a whole world of unexpected joys I never knew existed.

Stress Relief? More Like Plant Therapy!

Remember those adult coloring books everyone was obsessed with? Yeah, plants are way better. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging in the dirt, pruning leaves, and just being present with your green buddies. It’s like meditation, but with more chlorophyll.

Plus, watching your plant babies grow and flourish is seriously satisfying. Remember that one time you managed to keep a human alive for like, a year? (Parenting is hard, y’all.) Well, imagine that feeling, but with less crying and diaper changes.

March 13, 2025
The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Cactus

The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Cactus

My Prickly Professor

Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my houseplant track record is better described as a graveyard of good intentions. But then came Cedric.

Cedric, you see, is a cactus. A spiky, stubborn, surprisingly charismatic cactus that my well-meaning friend gifted me for my birthday. “He’s low-maintenance,” she promised, knowing my history. And she was right. Little did I know, Cedric would become much more than just a low-maintenance houseplant. He’d become my unlikely life coach.

Cedric, however, operates on a different level of drama. He doesn’t wilt. He endures.

He’s been through accidental droughts (oops!), less-than-ideal lighting, and even a near-death experience when a rogue frisbee took a detour through my living room. Yet, there he stands – or rather, sits – unfazed. Cedric taught me that resilience isn’t always graceful. Sometimes, it’s about digging your roots in deep, weathering the storm, and coming out the other side a little rough around the edges but undeniably stronger.

Lesson #2: Embrace Your Individuality and Thrive in Your Own Way

Confession time: I used to compare Cedric to my friend’s flourishing ferns and vibrant orchids. “Why can’t you be more like them?” I’d think, completely missing the point. Cedric wasn’t meant to be a fern or an orchid. He was a cactus, perfectly content in his own spiky skin.

And that, my friends, was a lightbulb moment. We spend so much time comparing ourselves to others, striving for a version of success that might not even suit us. Cedric reminded me that true growth comes from embracing our individuality, nurturing our strengths, and thriving in our own unique ways. He might not produce fragrant blooms, but he offers a different kind of beauty – one of resilience, adaptability, and quiet strength.

March 13, 2025
The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

My Brown Thumb Turns Green (Sort Of)

Let’s be honest, my thumbs have historically resembled more of a barren wasteland than a lush garden. I’m that person who could kill a cactus with a single, well-intentioned glance. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant – a supposedly “unkillable” ZZ plant – I accepted with a healthy dose of skepticism and a silent prayer for the poor thing.

Little did I know, this plant, which I creatively christened “Zephyr,” would become my unlikely life coach, teaching me valuable lessons through its silent, leafy existence. Who knew such wisdom could sprout from a terracotta pot?

Lesson #1: Patience is More Than a Virtue, It’s a Watering Schedule

My first blunder? Overwatering. I showered Zephyr with affection (and probably enough water to last a month) on a daily basis. I mean, water equals life, right? Wrong! Turns out, even low-maintenance plants have their limits. Zephyr started to droop, its once-vibrant leaves turning a sickly shade of yellow.

Zephyr with love (and H2O) every five minutes.

Lesson #2: Even in Dark Corners, Growth is Possible

Life got busy. I moved apartments, started a new job, and Zephyr, well, let’s just say he wasn’t exactly top of mind. I relegated him to a dark corner, my guilt growing with every passing week. When I finally remembered my neglected friend, I was sure I’d find a withered husk.

To my utter astonishment, Zephyr was thriving! Not only had he survived my neglect, he’d sprouted new growth, reaching towards the sliver of sunlight peeking through the blinds.

March 13, 2025
Why I Still Write Handwritten Letters (and You Should Too)

The Lost Art of Letter Writing (and How I Rediscovered It)

The other day, I was rummaging through a box of childhood treasures when I stumbled upon a stack of letters, tied together with faded ribbon. As I carefully untied the bow, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. These weren’t just emails I could pull up on my phone; these were handwritten letters from summer camp, each one a time capsule of laughter, inside jokes, and the kind of unfiltered honesty only a twelve-year-old can muster.

Holding those letters, I realized how much we lose in our digital age. Where’s the anticipation of waiting for the mailman? The thrill of seeing a familiar handwriting on an envelope? The tactile pleasure of unfolding a letter and tracing the words with your fingers?

So, I did something radical. I dug out a fountain pen (okay, it was a ballpoint, but a girl can dream!), unearthed some stationery, and sat down to write a letter. And you know what? It felt amazing.

When My Letter Became a Family Heirloom: A Story

My grandmother wasn’t one for grand pronouncements or emotional outpourings. So, imagine my surprise when, after her passing, my mom handed me a carefully preserved letter. It was the one I’d written to my grandmother on her 80th birthday – a rambling, slightly goofy account of my life as a college student, filled with terrible jokes and questionable life choices.

Apparently, that letter, the one I’d written off as a silly distraction, became a treasured possession, something my grandmother read and reread, a tangible link to a granddaughter who lived miles away. It made me realize the unexpected power of a simple letter; it wasn’t just paper and ink, it was a piece of my heart, shared across the miles.

The Power of Slow Communication (Even With Bad Handwriting!)

Look, I get it. We live in a world of instant gratification. Why wait for a letter when you can fire off a text in seconds? But hear me out. Writing (and receiving) a handwritten letter is an act of deliberate connection, a slowing down, a way of saying, “You are worth the time and effort.”

And let’s be honest, there’s something charmingly human about a handwritten letter, even with all its imperfections. My handwriting may look like a spider dipped its feet in ink and went for a stroll, but hey, that’s part of my charm, right?

March 13, 2025
The Unexpected Joy of Missing My Train (And What I Learned Instead)

The Unexpected Joy of Missing My Train (And What I Learned Instead)

We’ve all been there. Standing on the platform, watching our train pull away as we frantically pat our pockets for a nonexistent time-turner. Just last week, I joined the ranks of the tragically-late commuters. But what started as a travel nightmare turned into a surprisingly delightful day. Here’s the story of how missing my train opened my eyes (and my stomach) to unexpected joys.

The Great Coffee Caper of Platform 4

Picture this: me, sprinting through the station like a caffeinated cheetah, only to arrive at the platform just as the doors slide shut with a mocking hiss. My stomach, already grumbling from a missed breakfast, chose that moment to unleash a growl that could rival a T-Rex. Defeated, I slumped onto a bench, the weight of my missed meeting settling on my shoulders like a soggy backpack.

coffee shop tucked away in the corner of the station.

Unexpected Encounters: The Kindness of Strangers

Now, I’m usually a “grab-and-go” kind of coffee drinker, but the cozy atmosphere of this place drew me in. I ordered a latte and a blueberry scone the size of my head (hey, I was emotionally compromised!), and found myself chatting with the barista, a friendly woman with a contagious laugh. She told me about her dreams of opening a bakery, and I shared my own aspirations as a writer. It was a small, everyday conversation, but it filled me with a warmth I hadn’t realized I was missing.

And the kindness didn’t stop there. As I was leaving the coffee shop, a kind gentleman noticed me struggling with my suitcase and offered to help me carry it down the stairs. We got to talking, and it turned out he was a retired history professor with the most fascinating stories about the city. He pointed out hidden architectural details I’d never noticed before, and by the time I reached my destination (a charming bookstore I’d never have discovered otherwise), I felt like I’d been on a mini-adventure.

Finding Joy in the Journey: The Beauty of Slowing Down

Missing my train forced me to slow down, to be present in the moment, and to appreciate the small joys I usually rush past. It reminded me that sometimes, the unexpected detours in life can lead to the most rewarding destinations.

March 13, 2025
The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

My Thumb Went From Black to…Less Black?

Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing abilities. I once killed a cactus. A CACTUS. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily for my birthday, I accepted it with the same enthusiasm one might have for a tax audit. I figured it was only a matter of time before I added “plant murderer” to my list of questionable talents.

plant’s persistent perkiness, or maybe I was just tired of watching succulents spontaneously combust in my care, but I decided to actually try this whole “keeping something alive” thing.

Lesson #1: Resilience Is About More Than Just Bouncing Back

Turns out, peace lilies are pretty dramatic. Forget to water them for a few days? They wilt like a heartbroken teenager. Give them a little H2O? BAM! Back to life, good as new. This cycle repeated itself several times (okay, maybe more than several) before it finally sunk in: even after a major droop, a little TLC goes a long way.

Who knew this applied to more than just thirsty flora? We all have those “wilting” moments, those times when we feel like we’re running on empty. But just like my little green roommate, we’re capable of bouncing back. Sometimes, all it takes is recognizing what we need (a good night’s sleep, a vent session with a friend, a whole pizza eaten in one sitting…no judgment here) and giving ourselves permission to recharge.

Lesson #2: Embracing Imperfect Growth in Ourselves and Our Plants

Remember how I said I’m not exactly a natural in the plant-parent department? Yeah, well, that learning curve was steep. There was accidental overwatering (RIP, bottom leaves), a near-death experience involving a heat vent, and let’s not even talk about the Great Repotting Fiasco of 2023.

But through it all, my little plant persevered. It sprouted new leaves (some a little wonky, but hey, nobody’s perfect), and even—dare I say it—thrived. It was a messy, chaotic journey, but with each new leaf, I learned to embrace the process, imperfections and all.

March 13, 2025
Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join My Club)

Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Club)

From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

Let’s be honest, folks. I used to be the grim reaper of greenery. I’m talking succulents shrivelling faster than my patience during rush hour traffic. My apartment resembled a graveyard of good intentions, littered with empty terracotta pots and drooping leaves.

Then, something magical happened. Call it a quarantine whim, a desperate plea for something living in my apartment that wasn’t judging my snack choices, or maybe just a touch of plant-envy from scrolling through Instagram (you know those perfectly curated plant corners we’re talking about). Whatever the reason, I decided to give plant parenthood another shot.

And guess what? It’s been amazing! Not only have I managed to keep a few leafy friends alive (some are even thriving, dare I say!), but the whole experience has brought a surprising amount of joy and calm into my life. Who knew?

The Unexpected Perks of Plant Parenthood

Here’s the thing about plants: they’re not as high-maintenance as you might think. Plus, they come with a whole host of unexpected perks:

1. They’re the Chillest Roommates Ever

No more passive-aggressive sticky notes about whose turn it is to do the dishes. Plants are silent, non-judgmental roommates who are content with a little water and sunlight. They won’t steal your food from the fridge, blast loud music at 3 am, or complain about your shoe collection (unless you count the occasional wilting leaf as a passive-aggressive protest, which I totally do).

March 13, 2025