WFH Mindset: Creating a Productive and Healthy Life while Working From Home
- Chris Coppola
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
I’ve been working remotely since 2020. Like a lot of people, I’ve gone through phases of “this is amazing” to “I can’t focus to save my life.” Over time, I’ve tested just about every setup, habit, and gadget you can imagine. Some worked, some didn’t. But after plenty of trial and error, I’ve finally found a rhythm that keeps me productive, present, and (mostly) sane.
Working from home gives you incredible freedom - but it also blurs the line between work and life. Staying productive, connected, and mentally healthy requires some intentional structure. Here’s what’s helped me build a balanced, sustainable WFH mindset.
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace
Working from home is tough if you don’t have a lot of space. Whether you’re in an apartment or a smaller home, separating “work” from “life” matters more than people think.
Even if it’s just a small desk, a specific chair, or a corner that becomes your “office,” having a designated workspace helps your brain switch into - and out of - work mode. For me, closing the door to my office at the end of the day replaces the old commute. It’s the cue that work is done and family time begins.
A tidy space helps too. I’m not always perfect at it, but keeping things organized makes a difference. A clutter-free setup clears your head, while good ergonomics (a comfortable chair, standing desk, proper monitor height, and good lighting) keep you focused and pain-free through long days.
2. Stick to a Routine
Routines create rhythm, and rhythm creates momentum. Working from home can make time feel fuzzy, so I’ve learned to define clear start and stop points.
After getting the kids off to school, I use what used to be my “commute” time for myself - usually exercise or resetting my day. I’m a big fan of Peloton. It’s not just a bike - it’s a full fitness platform that helps me mix cycling, strength, stretching, and yoga into my week. (You can get up to $1,200 off equipment with the link here or try the app on its own to test it out.)
And no matter how busy things get, take breaks. Walk the dog, grab a snack, or step outside for five minutes. Those resets do more for your productivity than powering through nonstop.
3. Prioritize Self-Care while Working From Home
When you work where you live, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. But energy, focus, and creativity all depend on it.
Movement matters. As stated above, I’ll jump on the Peloton in the morning or grab my Lifepro Hydraulic Power Chest Expander and Arm Twister Trainer for a quick burn between calls. It’s simple but surprisingly effective - 100 reps and my energy’s back up.
Food is my weak spot. I do my best to stick with protein and veggies to keep energy steady, but I don’t beat myself up when I slip. What I do stay consistent with is hydration - a big water bottle within reach at all times.
Sleep, on the other hand, is a work in progress. As a parent of two under five, I get what I can. A good show (The Good Place) or a few pages of a book help me wind down. And when the workday’s done, I disconnect completely - no emails, no Slack, no guilt.
4. Stay Connected and Communicate
Remote work can get isolating, and it’s easy to go days without real interaction. That’s why I’m intentional about staying connected.
I make time for check-ins with colleagues, clients, and peers - not just about projects, but real conversation. I’ve also joined a few Slack communities that keep me connected to other marketers and entrepreneurs. Virtual coffees, online meetups, even quick DMs all help build that sense of belonging that’s easy to lose when you’re solo.
And when it comes to communication, clarity saves time. The better you are at keeping messages short and straightforward, the smoother remote collaboration becomes.
5. Set Boundaries and Manage Expectations
Boundaries are the backbone of remote success. Without them, your day can easily expand to fill all available hours.
Be upfront about your work hours - with clients, partners, and yourself. One colleague I admire even has clients sign agreements confirming availability hours, which I plan to do eventually. It’s a simple way to protect your time and set expectations.
Distractions are another battle. My phone is my biggest one, so I’ll sometimes put it in a lock box while I work. Out of sight, out of scroll.
And don’t expect every day to be perfect. Some will flow, others will fall apart. That’s okay. Give yourself grace and keep adjusting until you find balance.
6. Use Technology Intentionally
Good tech doesn’t just make work easier - it makes remote work sustainable.
For managing projects, I use Monday.com. It’s intuitive, flexible, and powerful enough to keep everything organized without feeling heavy or overbuilt. For mindfulness, I lean on Calm.com - quick breathing exercises and guided breaks that keep my mind from spinning when things get hectic.
These tools don’t just keep me efficient; they help me maintain focus and a sense of control over my day.
Working from home isn’t just a setup - it’s a mindset. It takes discipline, experimentation, and a bit of self-awareness to find what really works for you.
The beauty of remote work is freedom - the freedom to design a routine that supports your life, not the other way around. When you combine structure with flexibility, you can build a WFH rhythm that’s productive, healthy, and uniquely yours.
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