Remote work definitely has its wins skipping the daily grind of traffic, setting your own hours, and chilling in your own spot. But let’s keep it real: it’s not all sunshine. If you don’t set up your space right, your own home can low-key sabotage your focus, zap your energy, and even kill your vibe without you noticing.
When your workspace overlaps with your living space, the lines between “on” and “off” can blur. That can lead to increased stress, lower productivity, and trouble relaxing after the workday ends. The good news? Small changes to your space and daily routine can make a big difference.
Here are some simple ways to create a more calming, healthy environment while working from home.
Set the Tone With Scent
Establishing a morning routine as soon as possible is crucial when transitioning to working from home. The natural rhythm of leaving for work each day creates structure that disappears when your home becomes your office. Without that automatic routine, days can start sluggishly and drag on endlessly. When I was laid off, I initially celebrated the newfound freedom of being my own boss with no set schedule, but that freedom quickly revealed its pitfalls – procrastination, wasted time, and busyness without real productivity. Even though you don’t have to clock in each day and get to make your own choices, I’d still choose a morning routine to set up a productive day. That means:
- Setting an alarm and waking at the same time daily
- Taking that shower
- Starting that morning pot (I’m talking about coffee)
- Doing whatever you need to start your day right
- Changing into regular clothes (not pajamas)
Trust me – that simple act of changing clothes (no suit and tie needed unless you’re a weirdo) mentally transforms your brain for work mode.
Add Soothing Sounds
Silence can be great for deep focus, but sometimes soft background noise helps keep the mind from wandering. Try:
- Lo-fi music or soft piano
- Nature sounds like rain, ocean waves, or birds
- Ambient sound playlists designed for concentration
You can play music through speakers or use headphones if you share your space with others.
Take Mini Wellness Breaks
This might seem obvious to you, but even though it’s obvious, trust me – I know that you’re going to not do this sometimes or at all when you should.
You need breaks:
- Mental breaks
- Physical breaks
- Get outside and remove yourself from the work environment
Even though you may be cranking on a deadline (I know it’s hard to just walk away from that), like cramming for a test, you’re going to be much better off by taking a little bit of a break. Re-energizing will help you come back even stronger.
Good break options include:
- A 10 to 15 minute walk
- A water break with a little social media time
- A midday nap
- Note: Just walking outside to take a conference call doesn’t count as a real break (though it helps – I love walking around during calls)
For me, I often take video game breaks:
- A couple sessions of Rocket League
- Or a few rounds of Super Smash Bros
This helps me: - Escape work
- Escape the stress
- Enjoy myself
- Use it as a reward
So yeah – take that break.
Keep Your Space Tidy
A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind. Take a minute at the end of each workday to clear your workspace. Put away papers, wash your mug, and reset your space so it’s ready for tomorrow.
Even small rituals like this can help signal the transition from work mode to rest mode.
Personalize Your Setup
Forget picture-perfect office setups your workspace should feel authentically yours. Bring in elements that spark joy or bring you peace: maybe it’s a framed photo, a small plant, a soft throw blanket, or an inspiring quote stuck to your screen.
When your space truly represents you, it transforms from somewhere you’re required to be into somewhere you genuinely want to be. That shift makes all the difference
Final Thoughts
Working from home doesn’t mean you gotta suffer in a messy, uncomfortable setup. A few simple tweaks can level up your space so it actually works for you not against you.
Start small. Light a candle. Open the blinds. Play some soft music. Take a stretch break between Zoom calls. These little choices can add up to a more peaceful, balanced day.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating an environment that feels calming, intentional, and supportive so you can do your best work without burning out in the process.
