How to Build a Solid Routine, Protect Your Peace, and Make Working from Home Joyful

Virtual Assistant starting her day with journaling and tea

Working from home as a Virtual Assistant or remote professional can feel like a dream—but let’s be honest, it can quickly become chaotic if you don’t create structure and boundaries.

If you’ve ever found yourself answering emails at midnight, skipping lunch, or burning out while still in your pajamas, this one’s for you.

Here are VAB, we believe success isn’t just about productivity—it’s also about protecting your peace and creating a life you love. Here’s how to build a joyful and sustainable routine while working from home.

1. Create a Non-Negotiable Morning Routine

Before you dive into client tasks or check your phone, give yourself space to breathe, center, and set the tone for the day.

Try this:

• Wake up at the same time each weekday

• Spend 10–15 minutes journaling, stretching, or meditating

• Get dressed for the day (even if it’s comfy chic!)

• Review your top 3 goals for the day

Pro tip: Treat your mornings like a daily CEO meeting with yourself.

Time-blocking schedule for remote work productivity

2. Design a Work Block System

Just because you're home doesn’t mean you're always available. Group similar tasks together and assign time blocks to them. This boosts focus and prevents overwhelm.

Example Daily Workflow:

• 9 AM – 11 AM: Client work

• 11 AM – 12 PM: Emails & communication

• 12 PM – 1 PM: Lunch & personal time

• 1 PM – 3 PM: Business development / content creation

• 3 PM – 4 PM: Admin wrap-up

Bonus: Use tools like iCal, Google Calendar or Notion to color-code your blocks for visual clarity.

Creating digital boundaries while working from home

3. Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them!)

Boundaries are how you protect your energy and your business. Whether it's with clients, friends, or family, your time and space deserve respect.

Here’s how:

• Use a scheduler like Wix Booking or Calendly to prevent overbooking

• Communicate your office hours clearly in your email signature

• Say "no" without guilt when something doesn't align with your goals

Boundaries make room for growth, rest, and creativity. They’re not walls—they’re doors you control.

4. Make Joy a Daily Priority

You didn’t leave the 9–5 to recreate the stress at home. Find small moments each day that spark joy.

Ideas to try:

• Light your favorite candle before you start working

• Play a motivating playlist or ambient music

• Take a midday walk or dance break

• Schedule a weekly “Coffee Chat or Bruncheon” with a fellow VA or entrepreneur

Your home office is your sanctuary—curate it with intention.

Shutting down for the day with a calming routine

5. Unplug and Reconnect (with Yourself)

Work-life balance is a myth if you never log off. Create a shutdown ritual that tells your brain: We’re done for today.

Try this:

• Tidy up your workspace

• Review your wins and tasks for tomorrow

• Light a scented candle, pour a mocktail, or take a long shower

Working from home should serve your life, not consume it. You are more than your to-do list.

Final Thoughts

Joyful work-from-home life is not about perfection—it’s about creating rhythms that support your peace, productivity, and purpose. You deserve to thrive, not just survive.

Whether you’re a seasoned Virtual Assistant or just getting started, Virtual Assistants Brunch Club is here to support you with community, accountability, and inspiration.

✨ Join the VAB Movement!

Ready to connect with a powerful network of VAs and remote professionals who get it? Come brunch with us, share wins, and build a business that honors your life.

👉 Visit www.virtualassistantsbrunchclub.com to learn more, join upcoming events, and subscribe for weekly tips.

About Us

Virtual Assistants Brunch Club is a social club and VA network that serves the official brunch community of virtual assistants in the VA industry.

*Important Disclaimer: Hello readers. Y'all know I am a tech junkie! In order to pay for my tech habit, this blog post contains affiliate links for products I use and love (and highly recommend them to you). If you take action (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase) after clicking one of these links, I'll earn some money which I promise to eat at brunch while creating more helpful content like this just for you!