Whether your cat has become your full-time supervisor or you’ve finally figured out which window gets the best Zoom lighting, working from home is here to stay for a lot of us. But let’s be real: the dream of remote work doesn’t always play out like the stock photos. Sometimes it’s more sweatpants, cold coffee, and sore backs than total bliss. But comfort—physical, mental, and emotional—really does make all the difference. Here’s how to set up your space (and your brain) so you’re not longing for the water cooler every hour.

Create a Space That’s Yours

First off, find a spot that feels like “work.” It doesn’t have to be a separate room—just a table, a desk, or the world’s tidiest corner of your bedroom will do. The trick is to keep your work stuff together and not let it bleed all over the rest of your life. If you can, add a little personality. A plant. Your favorite coffee mug. Something that makes you smile, even if it’s just a sticker with a dad joke.

If you struggle with making any space feel comfortable, look for some helpful advice on ergonomics. Think about that chair—does it support your back? Is your screen at eye level? Stack up a few books to bring your laptop up if you need to.

Get Your Lighting and Climate Right

Squinting at a screen in a dim room is a recipe for headaches. If possible, park your desk near a window for natural light. Otherwise, grab a small lamp so your workspace is always bright enough—without feeling like you’re in an interrogation room.

Temperature matters too. If you’re freezing or sweating every day, you’ll get irritated fast, and your energy bill might go wild as you chase comfort. You might want to look into a whole house heat load calculation if your home just can’t seem to keep a steady temperature. Knowing how much heating or cooling your space truly needs can help you avoid hot/cold zones and put the kibosh on sweaty video calls or shivering at your keyboard. 

Move More Than You Think You Should

One sneaky remote work trap is how much you sit—sometimes for hours without moving. Set a timer or use an app to remind you to stand up and stretch every hour (your body will thank you). Regular movement can fight aches and boost focus, so take that coffee refill break, stroll the hallway, or squeeze in a few stretches. And yes, it’s fine to use your lunch break to actually go outside.

Don’t Let Work Steal Your Evenings

The line between work and home blurs fast when your commute is just a hallway. Make a ritual for ending the workday: shut your laptop, play a favorite song, or take a quick walk to reset. Being able to turn off “work mode” is oddly hard but so necessary.

Check In With Yourself and Others

Remote work can get lonely, no question. Stay connected—with your coworkers and your friends. Don’t just text. Have the occasional video call or good old voice chat. 

Working from home gets so much easier—and even kind of fun—when your space, your mood, and your routines work for you. Little changes add up. Try a few and see how much more comfortable remote work life can be.