t’s been one year since I returned to remote work. In the past, I worked from home quite often, but then I spent two years back in the office as a corporate programmer. Honestly, it was difficult — I’ve never been a fan of strict office attendance. After those two years, I decided to make a change and go fully remote again.
The transition wasn’t easy. At first, I struggled to separate my professional and personal life. One trick that really helped me was something I call fake commuting. But let’s start from the beginning.
Remote Work Can Be Challenging
I’m lucky to have my own office space at home. I chose the guest room — since we only have visitors for about one week a year, it felt like the perfect solution. My desk has a beautiful garden view, and I love watching the rain or snow outside.
The space is bright, calm, and in my opinion, perfect. However, because it’s just a few steps away from the kitchen and living room, I found myself spending too much time there. At first, I thought I could multitask and chat with my husband while working — but I quickly realized that I need focus and clear boundaries.
What Is Fake Commuting?
When I worked in corporate, I had a daily commute — in the morning and afternoon. I usually listened to podcasts or music, but what I really craved was movement. Sitting at a desk for eight hours left me exhausted, and by the time I got home, I had no energy left. Over time, this lifestyle contributed to my weight gain (about +20 kg).
So, I decided to change my habits. Now, when I finish my workday, I shut down my Mac and go for a walk with my husband. This simple ritual — my “fake commute” — makes a huge difference.
Why I Love Fake Commuting
Fake commuting helps me separate work time from personal time. The bonus? My husband also works from home, so we can both enjoy this ritual together. Even though we have different routines and separate home offices, after work we head out for a walk and spend real quality time talking about our day.
Before fake commuting, we would just collapse on the couch and scroll on our phones, barely exchanging a few words. Now, our walks give us space to talk, reconnect, and enjoy each other’s company.
Practical Tips for Fake Commuting
Here are a few simple strategies that help me stick with this habit:
- Disconnect to connect – At 17:00, I turn off all work devices and email notifications.
- Tidy up my workspace – Before leaving, I clean my desk. Everything has its own place: cables, keyboard, iPad, cups. A reset space = a reset mind.
- Prepare walking clothes – I always keep them ready, so I can change quickly.
- Leave the phone at home – This minimizes distractions and helps me be present.
- Have a simple walking plan – Even if it rains, I choose an easy route.
- Backup option for bad weather – I have a treadmill in my home office, but I prefer going outside whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoy fake commuting. Back in my corporate days, commuting usually meant being stuck in traffic jams. Now, working from home gives me more balance, but it also requires discipline to disconnect. Fake commuting is my solution — it helps me move my body, clear my mind, and spend quality time with my husband.
If you’re struggling with work-life balance while working remotely, try fake commuting. It might be the simple habit that transforms your day too.
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