How to Stay Healthy (and Happy) While Working from Home

Hi there! I’m Ellie Adams, and I'm so excited to share a little bit about my own work-from-home (WFH) experience with you. Like many, I transitioned to working from home in 2020 during the pandemic, and it completely changed my life—for better and, let's be honest, sometimes for worse.

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Through trial and error, I learned how to make the most of my home-bound work life while keeping my health and happiness in check. If you’re navigating remote work, I hope these tips, rooted in both expertise and my personal story, help you thrive!

My First WFH Challenge? Creating My Dedicated Workspace

Oh boy, when I first started working from home, I improvised. My “office” was the dining table, which—a big mistake—was shared with my husband and our never-ending mess of coffee mugs and snacks. It didn’t take long for me to feel scattered and unproductive.

Weekly Nugget: Your workspace doesn’t have to be fancy—just functional! A small, comfortable desk with good lighting and a supportive chair can transform your productivity.

But, here's the thing—as revealed by a recent study reported in Forbes, remote workers are 20% happier on average, and there’s a strong link between work happiness and overall happiness. That was definitely true for me, once I figured out how to make it work.

If you’re like me and don’t have a spare room to transform into a lavish home office, don’t stress! Here’s what I did instead:

• Carve Out a Spot Just for Work: I tucked a small desk into the corner of our bedroom, facing the window for natural light. It’s nothing Pinterest-worthy, but it works. Having a spot that’s just for work helped me mentally “clock in” and “out”—which honestly boosted my focus.
• Comfort is Key: My back practically threw a party the day I upgraded to a supportive chair. If you can, invest in ergonomics! Even if you have to use books to prop up your laptop or grab a cushion for extra lumbar support, do it. Your posture will thank you.
• Add Some Personal Touches: My workspace isn’t complete without a little plant named Fernie, some fairy lights, and pictures of my travel adventures. A cozy, personalized corner makes working feel less clinical and more you.

Honestly, once I created a functional and inviting space, I felt like a productivity superhero. The takeaway? You don’t need a fancy setup—just prioritize comfort and consistency.

The Art of “Clocking Out” on Time

I have to confess, when I started working from home, I thought, Great! I can squeeze in an extra hour or two of work now that I’m not commuting. Sound familiar? Before I knew it, I was burning myself out, glued to my laptop long after I should’ve been unwinding.

Weekly Nugget: Create a “clock-out” ritual. Whether it’s closing your laptop, going for a quick walk, or lighting a candle, signal to your brain that work is done for the day.

Here’s what helped me reclaim my evenings and keep boundaries intact:

• Set a Routine and Stick to It: For me, the trick was to mimic an office day. I start at 9 am, take a lunch break (away from the screen), and aim to log off by 5 pm. Setting these time boundaries has been a game-changer.
• Create a “Work is Done” Ritual: When I close my laptop, I do something small to signal the end of the workday—like going for a quick walk or lighting a candle. This simple shift tells my brain it’s time to switch gears.
• Don’t Fall Into the “Guilt Trap”: At first, I felt guilty for not working “just a little more,” but I realized that wasn’t sustainable. Overworking can lead to real health problems like stress or anxiety, and hey, no job is worth risking your health.

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about protecting your time and energy. Working from home doesn’t mean you should always be working—it’s okay to shut the laptop and log off!

Why Mental Health Breaks Are Non-Negotiable

Here’s something I learned the hard way during the early work-from-home days—I need breaks. I used to plow through my day nonstop, but it left me frazzled and fatigued. Now, I make breaks a priority because they’ve done wonders for my mood, focus, and overall mental health.

1. Take Guilt-Free Pauses

My magic formula has been working for 90 minutes, then taking a 15-minute break. I use that time to stretch, play fetch with my dog Milo, or make a cup of tea. Those moments are small but so recharging.

2. Practice Mindfulness

I recently started practicing mindfulness during my breaks. It doesn’t have to be fancy—I just take a few minutes to breathe deeply or sit in stillness. It’s a small act that keeps me centered when the workday feels overwhelming.

3. Get Outside When You Can

My favorite mental health boost? A quick walk around the block, especially when the sun is shining! A dose of fresh air and Vitamin D can be the perfect mood-lifter.

"Remember, work can wait—your well-being can’t. Taking care of yourself is the most productive thing you can do."

Move That Body—and Make It Fun!

Raise your hand if working from the couch became your default during lockdown. (Guilty as charged!) But sitting all day isn’t great for your health, so I made moving a non-negotiable part of my routine—and I’ve never felt better.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Set a Movement Timer: When I got into writing marathons, I’d completely forget to stand up. Now, I set timers to remind myself to stretch or walk around every hour. Even five minutes of movement makes a difference!
• Turn Workouts into Play: I’ll be honest, I’m not naturally a gym person. But I do love dance parties in my living room, playing tag in the yard with Milo, or experimenting with yoga on YouTube. When movement feels like fun, it’s easier to stay consistent.
• Keep It Simple: You don’t need fancy equipment to stay active. Sometimes, I’ll roll out a yoga mat and do bodyweight exercises. The key is to find a routine that fits into your life and feels sustainable.
• Simply Standing: I didn’t realize how much sitting all day drained me until I started standing more. Seriously, just standing up for a minute—whether I’m on a call or taking a breather—gets my blood flowing, boosts my energy, and keeps that stiff, achy feeling at bay. It’s such an easy way to reset!

Movement isn’t just about getting fit; it’s about feeling good. Your body will thank you for keeping it active, trust me.

Staying Social When You’re Working Solo

One thing I didn’t realize I’d miss so much about the office? People. Even small chats by the coffee machine felt irreplaceable when suddenly, it was just me and Milo (he’s a great listener, but his typing skills need work). However, I found ways to nurture my social circle, even from a distance.

Weekly Nugget: Schedule virtual coffee breaks with coworkers or friends to stay connected and keep loneliness at bay.

• Check in with Coworkers: My team started scheduling casual check-ins, where we share updates but also chat about life. It’s nice to have that human connection, even virtually.
• Plan Something Fun Together: We once had a silly “Zoom Olympics,” where each person had to perform a quirky challenge. It was lighthearted and reminded me that remote work can still be social.
• Call Old Friends: Outside workplace morale, this time pushed me to reconnect with some long-lost friends via video chats. Those conversations fueled my soul.

Remote work doesn’t mean loneliness has to take over. Keep your social connections thriving—it makes a huge difference.

Make WFH Work for You!

If you’re working from home, take it from me—it’s a learning curve, but you can totally make it work for you. Set up a designated workspace you love, set boundaries for your work hours, and don’t forget to care for your mental and physical health. Most importantly, remember to cut yourself some slack. We’re all figuring this out as we go, and no one has a perfect WFH setup.

For me, working from home has been a rollercoaster of challenges and blessings, but it’s taught me so much about balance, wellness, and the importance of flexibility. I hope these tips, sprinkled with my personal experiences, help you find your own rhythm and create a work-from-home life you love. You’ve got this!

Ellie Adams, Writer, Editor

Meet Ellie Adams, a vibrant storyteller who turns everyday moments into bursts of inspiration. From home hacks to fitness trends and travel secrets, Ellie sprinkles every piece with wisdom and a dash of charm to make life’s journey feel like an adventure.