How to find your winter pace as a remote worker

November has reached its final phase, bringing forth short, dark-blue days. But along with that comes an unexpected sense of grounding. More time for building projects, staying focused and harnessing the kind of energy that stays, not the slapdash momentum of summer.

For remote workers and digital nomads, staying motivated during the wintertime can be a challenge. This is why finding your winter pace can be the key to staying productive. Winter doesn't have to be a season of withdrawal. It can be one for cultivation.

Below are three ways we've gathered from our own experience as remote workers to stay grounded and motivated during winter.

Find a new sense of routine

By settling into a predictable rhythm, your mind learns to focus without the fragmented thoughts of constant decision-making. Here's how building a new routine can look like:

• Working in planned blocks instead of reactive bursts (make sure to schedule breaks as well).
• Anchoring your mornings with a ritual (a warm coffee, a breath of cold balcony air, a short walk or reading something you enjoy). 
• Creating a "closing ritual" at the end of the workday to avoid the blur between personal and work life. It can be as simple as putting on your favorite show or calling a friend.
• Dedicating certain days to work outside your house. No need to be super strict about it, just make sure you don't spend the enitre week without leaving your couch (or maybe do exactly that if that's what you need).

Tune your environment to support deep work

In winter, when you spend longer hours indoors, your surroundings begin to matter more. A few intentional shifts can change a lot:

• Maximize natural light: Position your desk near a window if possible. Those hours of natural light can do wonders for your alertness and mood.
• Light: Replace harsh winter gloom with warm lamps, candles or soft LEDs that keep you alert but calm.
• Café rotation: If staying home feels too stagnant, find a few cozy cafés with reliable Wi-Fi and natural light. Find of list of great cafés here.

Set clear goals (& have fun as you work toward them)

This is the ideal time to:

• Decide on which long-term projects that require depth you'll focus on each week.
• Break big tasks into clear, manageable steps so you know what's next (but don't forget to be flexibile whenever required).
• Track your progress visually. A simple checklist or a weekly reflection can keep you motivated when the days blend together.

As a closing note, please, don't underestimate the power of getting out with friends, family and loved ones! Make sure you go out whenever you find the opportunity. Say yes to spontaneous outings, even if it costs you your night routine. It's that spark that makes all the other goals worth working toward.