The Remote Entrepreneur’s Guide to Comfort, Clarity and Productivity

As the working world shifts towards fully remote working, made possible by advances in technology and accelerated by the recent pandemic, it’s no surprise that more and more people are running businesses from the comfort of their own home, whether that’s a global fashion brand or starting a real estate business from scratch. It’s a shift that brings many perks and benefits, but one of the biggest challenges is optimising your work-from-home (WFH) environment for productivity, mental health and success. In this article, we’ll highlight some super simple changes you can make if you are a WFH entrepreneur in need of a more comfortable working space to help you succeed in business.

Morning Routine

The first thing you need to do to be successful as a work-from-home entrepreneur is to establish a clear routine that helps you get ready for the working day ahead. While losing the daily commute is often seen as a benefit of remote working, it is a process that helps us establish a routine and get into ‘work mode’.    

Instead of rolling out of bed 10 minutes before you need to start working, set an alarm for a time that allows you to get in the right mindset before working. How you do this will vary from person to person, but taking time to get in some physical exercise by going to the gym or completing a home workout can help boost blood flow to the brain, helping to streamline focus and enhance creative thinking.

As an entrepreneur, your schedule will likely be tight and busy, so it’s essential to incorporate small processes that help shape your morning routine. It may be things such as making a coffee, reading the newspaper, or taking your dog for a walk before you start work. Try to focus on things that keep your mind occupied and prevent you from picking up your phone; this can easily lead to a daily dose of doom scrolling, which isn’t the best way to get you in the right frame of mind.

Workspace Changes

Another important aspect of your WFH routine is obviously your surrounding environment. The most important thing is to make sure you have a dedicated space; the worst thing you can do is work from a living room sofa or dining room table, where you may constantly be distracted by other members of your household, not to mention the discomfort.

Speaking of comfort, you’ll want to tweak your home office interior for optimal comfort. This includes everything from your lighting to your furniture. You’ll want to ensure the lighting in your office is flexible. Purchasing blinds in Watford is a great way to do this, as they allow you to switch between natural light and privacy depending on your needs.

Think of your furniture as an investment, too. You may be spending long hours sitting in the same chair, working from the same desk, so you’ll want furniture that offers comfort and support. While the best office chairs can be expensive, they will massively help your productivity and concentration levels.  

Finally, keep your office free from clutter. A clear working space should lead to a clear mind, while a cluttered space may prevent you from being at your most productive.

Mental Clarity

We’ve already touched on your morning routine, but there are plenty of other small changes you can make throughout the day to ensure that you stay on task and keep your mind clear. Taking regular screen breaks is a great starting point, so make sure you allow yourself time to go for a quick stroll, listen to music or any other activity that keeps you away from your screen for 5 to 10 minutes. You could even take regular breaks to stretch your muscles and joints. Not only does this keep your mind clear, but it also prevents physical issues that can arise with working at a desk for long hours.

Try to have your day planned out too, and use a to-do list (physical or digital) to keep track of what needs doing and what’s been completed. This again helps you to stay on task and can prevent procrastination. 

Finally, you should treat your office like a sanctuary and keep unwanted smells and mess at bay. This means eating meals away from your desk, which should also help you to break your day up and avoid spending too long sitting in the same spot.

Final Thoughts

An entrepreneur’s day can change in an instant, whether working from an office or remotely. But if you are working from home whilst running a business, having a clear routine and a comfortable working environment can help your day go as swimmingly as it possibly can. It’s also important to consider how you communicate with team members if there is more than just you in the business. Following the steps above is a great starting point and should help you to stay productive while working from home.