How I Stay Motivated Through Winter as a Remote Worker

Winter can be a challenging time to stay motivated as a remote worker. The shorter days, colder weather, and the solitude of working from home can feel draining. Still, over the years, I’ve found a few habits that help me stay productive and energized. After years of beta tests and trial and error, here’s what works for me.

I Optimize My Workspace for Sunlight

I make a point to set up my workspace near a window to catch as much natural light as possible during the day. On especially dark days, I’ll turn on some of my soft light lamps to brighten up the space. Having a bright, well-lit workspace keeps me feeling more awake and less sluggish, even on those gloomy afternoons.

A little sunlight goes a long way. Just a half-hour of exposure to sunlight helps the body naturally produce Vitamin D, a chemical that can improve bone health and immune support. Additionally, people working in places with natural light report more productivity and a better sense of well-being than those who don’t.

Take a step back to assess your workspace. Do you have a view of the outdoors? Are you taking advantage of the daylight hours? When you can, position your space to take in as much sunlight as possible during the workday.

I Make Time to Move During the Day

Staying active is a big part of staying motivated for me. I use a standing desk, which helps me switch between sitting and standing to avoid feeling stuck in one position. Even if I’m deep into work, I’ll take a quick break to stand up and do a few easy movements. Sometimes, it’s just walking around my home or doing some brief desk stretching.

Exercise is crucial to a healthy (and productive) mind, and low-impact exercises like walking can drastically improve your work and thought processes. People who exercise have better memory, stronger attention spans, and a broader creative streak.

Movement is motivation. Taking time to separate yourself from your desk and exercise — even just walking — will work wonders as you wait for the snow to thaw.

I Get Outside, Even If It’s Cold

I’ve learned that stepping outside makes a big difference, even when it’s freezing. A quick walk around the block with my dog helps me reset and get some fresh air. It’s not always easy to motivate myself to go out when it’s cold, but I always feel better afterward (and I think my dog appreciates it too). Even standing on my porch for a few minutes to soak in daylight helps me feel more connected to the outside world.

Like sunlight, even a minimal amount of time outdoors can help you feel more motivated and productive. Twenty minutes spent in nature daily can help you feel more energetic and less depressed. During particularly stressful times, spending time outdoors can help you offset negative symptoms and experiences from stress and anxiety.

I Stay Connected with My Coworkers

Working remotely can feel isolating, especially during winter, so I try to stay in touch with my coworkers. Sometimes, I’ll send a quick message to someone I used to work closely with, even if we’re not on the same project anymore, just to say hi. I also try to join meetings with my camera on, even if leaving it off is tempting. It helps me feel more engaged and keeps those personal connections alive.

Chatting with your coworkers isn’t a distraction — in fact, people who spend time having “small talk” with their coworkers report a higher sense of belongingness and feel less distracted at work.

Staying connected with my coworkers through the doldrums of the year keeps me in the loop, engaged, and excited about what we’re doing as a team — an important thing to remember, especially as a remote worker.

I Play Music While I Work

One thing that keeps me motivated is having music on while I’m not in meetings. I like to create playlists depending on my mood. Sometimes, it’s upbeat tunes to keep my energy up, and other times, it’s softer, instrumental music when I need to focus. It’s small, but it makes a big difference in creating a positive and enjoyable work environment.

Music can do much more than just keep you motivated during the dark, colder winter months. Music can improve your creative flow, boost your mood, help you avoid distractions, reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve your memory.

Making the Most of Winter

Winter isn’t always easy, but these habits have made a big difference in how I stay motivated and productive while working remotely. I no longer find myself counting down to the first day of summer or daydreaming about a faraway tropical destination — I can much more easily stay present in my work and enjoy my day. Being intentional about my well-being and attitude during the cold winter months has helped me stay more motivated and more productive.