All of the benefits of working remotely--being closer to your family, travel, freedom--don't come easily. You have to earn them.

But once you do, you'll realize that remote work can be where you are your very best and most productive. Some of the world's most successful companies are embracing it; many were remote from day one.

The office has always felt like the cornerstone of work in the business world. That's all changed, and remote working has flipped this model on its head.

You'll probably work harder than you ever have before. But you won't get extra credit points for staying late at the office. If anything, you'll get a little dose of judgment passed because you "get to work from home.”

Suck it up and know that it's par for the course with remote work. Close your home office door and buckle down.

Because when you work remotely, nothing is given to you; you have to actively build the work life that you always dreamed of. And you can be the most productive you’ve ever been. Here's why.

Working Remotely Is More Social

It sounds counterintuitive, but working without a brick-and-mortar office and co-workers you see in person every day can actually be a lot more social.

When you go into an office every day, life feels more rhythmic and naturally less spontaneous. At the end of the day, the temptation is to just shut off and relax. But when you're working remotely, it's more important to prioritize time and relationships throughout the day. This leads to more meaningful social interactions and more flexibility in your schedule.

Remote work actually does make many of us more socially engaged throughout the day. After the workday, we're hungry to get out in the world and socialize, not just hunker in and space out in front of the television.

There is a loneliness to the workday, sure. But there are ways around it. Sqwiggle is a Web-based tool that's a great way to stay connected with your team members when you're working remotely, by offering an always-on video workroom that runs on very low bandwidth. It makes remote work feel as if you're sitting at a table, face-to-face, with your co-workers.

Remote Workers Make Healthier Decisions

How many vending machines does your home office have? What about co-workers bringing in donuts?

At a traditional office, the temptations of sugary snacks are everywhere. Not to mention the colleagues making trips to fast food joints for lunch.

What you eat affects your productivity in ways you might not have realized. Sugary and processed foods--like those found around an office building--spike your energy, then send it crashing down. The kind of grocery store fare you're more likely to have at home does the opposite, giving you complex carbs that keep energy stable all day. Just stay away from the candy bars.

An amazing way to stay accountable is by working with a remote fitness coach at Fitocracy. Check in with your coach on a daily basis about what you’ve been eating, and this expert will help you tweak your diet and exercise so you can be healthy and reach your fitness goals.

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