Hey, I’m Raven.
I’m 28, I work remotely three days a week, and I used to hate my home office.
Not in a dramatic way—just in that slow, draining way where you sit down to work and immediately feel unmotivated. Distracted. Uncomfortable. Like you’d rather be literally anywhere else.
For a long time, I thought that was just part of working from home.
Turns out, it wasn’t.
After making a few intentional changes to my setup, my productivity improved, my focus came back, and honestly… I started enjoying my workdays a lot more.
If you’re working remote (even part-time like me), here’s exactly what made the difference—and what I’d recommend if you’re trying to build a better home office setup.
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1. I Stopped Working From “Wherever”
For a while, my “office” was:
- The couch
- The bed
- The kitchen table
- Sometimes all three in one day
It felt flexible, but it was killing my focus.
Once I created a dedicated workspace, something clicked. My brain started associating that space with work, and it became easier to get into a productive mindset.
It doesn’t have to be a full room. Mine isn’t.
👉 Even a small desk in a quiet corner (like this one) is enough—just make it consistent.
2. My Chair Was the Problem (Not My Motivation)
I used to think I was just bad at sitting still.
Turns out, I was just uncomfortable.
A cheap chair had me constantly shifting, adjusting, standing up… anything but focusing. Upgrading to a supportive ergonomic chair made an immediate difference.
This was probably the single biggest upgrade I made.
If you’re uncomfortable, you won’t stay focused. It’s that simple.
👉 Upgrading to a supportive ergonomic chair (this one made a huge difference for me) made an immediate difference.
This was probably the single biggest upgrade I made.
If you’re uncomfortable, you won’t stay focused. It’s that simple.
3. Lighting Changed Everything
I didn’t realize how much bad lighting was affecting my mood.
Dim lighting made me feel sluggish. Harsh overhead lighting felt distracting.
What worked for me:
- Natural light during the day
- A soft desk lamp for early mornings or evenings
It sounds small, but better lighting made my space feel calmer and more intentional—which made it easier to actually sit down and work.
👉 A soft desk lamp (I switched to something like this) for early mornings or evenings made a huge difference.
It sounds small, but better lighting made my space feel calmer and more intentional—which made it easier to actually sit down and work.
4. I Reduced the “Visual Noise”
This one surprised me.
I didn’t think clutter bothered me… until I cleared it.
Once I removed random items from my desk and kept only what I actually use, my mind felt less scattered.
Now my desk has:
- My laptop
- A notebook
- One pen that actually works
- A drink
That’s it.
Less distraction = more focus.
5. I Built a Simple Routine Around My Space
The setup matters, but what really made it stick was routine.
Now when I sit down at my desk, I:
- Open my laptop
- Make my drink (usually tea)
- Start my first task
Same process, every time.
It sounds basic, but consistency creates momentum. And momentum is what makes remote work feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
My Go-To Home Office Essentials
If you’re building your own setup, these are the types of upgrades that made the biggest difference for me:
- A simple, sturdy desk (this is a great example)
- A comfortable ergonomic chair (this is the one I’d recommend)
- A soft desk lamp for better lighting (something like this works perfectly)
You don’t need to go overboard—but having the right essentials makes a huge difference in how your space feels and functions.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t need a Pinterest-perfect office.
I just needed a space that worked for me.
If you’re struggling to focus or stay motivated while working from home, don’t assume it’s you. Your environment might be working against you.
Fix the setup—and everything else gets easier.
— Raven