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Are you one of the millions of people that have started to work from home over the last few years?

If so, this is newsletter is for you because I’m going to share 12 years' worth of WFH knowledge.

I’m going to tell you the 8 things that every home office needs plus I’m going to share 7 habits that will make working from home more productive and enjoyable.

The Essential Work-From-Home Gear

Standing Desk: Our bodies were not designed to sit at a desk all day. A standing desk allows you to switch between periods of standing and sitting - which improves posture, reduces back pain, and gives you extra energy throughout the day. I've been using the Fully Jarvis standing desk for years and I absolutely love it. I also recommend pairing your standing desk with an anti-fatigue mat.

49" Computer Monitor: Dual screens are for chumps. Do yourself a favor and invest in a 49” monitor. It is essentially 3 computer screens in one and it will turn you into a productivity master. I recommend Dell's 49" curved screen monitor.

A Good Chair: Buy Invest in a quality office chair that promotes good ergonomics. It’ll improve your comfort while reducing the back and neck pain caused by long hours hunched in front of your computer. A good chair is pricey but your future self will thank you. If budget isn't a concern, Steelcase's Gesture Chair is a fantastic choice. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend this Gabrylly office chair.

Webcam with Light and Microphone: Video meetings are the new norm. Impress colleagues and clients with a professional video setup. To stand out, all you need is a decent external webcam, a nice microphone, and a simple ring light.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones: If you live in a noisy environment or you have noisy roommates/kids/pets, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must-have. They’ll help you stay focused while fending off all those noisy distractions. I love Google's Pixel Bud Pros but Apple Airpods Pro and Bose QuietComfort headphones are also great choices.

Exercise Equipment: Taking breaks throughout the day is critical for productivity. To supercharge your breaks, I recommend doing 5-10 minutes of light exercise. It'll give you a jolt of energy, improve creativity, and help your body stay pain-free. My go-to office exercise equipment includes a set of resistance bands, a pull-up bar, a TRX, and a foam roller.

Yeti Coffee Mug: Work and coffee (or tea) go together like peas and carrots. Buy a Yeti tumbler and give yourself the gift of hot coffee all day long. 

Blue Light Glasses: The blue light that your computer screen emits is brutal on your eyes. It can cause eye strain, trouble sleeping, and even migraines (I've experienced all of these). If you stare at your computer for multiple hours per day, a pair of blue light glasses is a must-have. You can get a cheap pair on Amazon or you can have blue light filters added to your prescription glasses.

7 Habits to Make Working From Home More Enjoyable & Productive

Establish a Routine: A daily routine will improve productivity and help you separate your work life from your personal life. I recommend waking up at the same time every day (ideally early), eating a healthy breakfast, showering, and putting on at least semi-professional clothes.

Take Breaks: Regular breaks can help you recharge, reduce eye strain, and improve overall productivity. Using a Pomodoro timer is a great way to schedule periods of work and rest. If you’re not familiar with a Pomodoro timer, you can learn about it here.

Go Outside: At first, it’s nice not having to go anywhere for work (especially on those snow days) but after a while, cabin fever sets in. To improve your mood, increase energy, and trigger fresh ideas, make sure you schedule time each day to get outside for some sunshine and fresh air.

Stay Connected: Working from home can be isolating, and at times, the lack of human interaction can be a bit depressing. To combat this, I recommend setting up regular video calls, meetups, or happy hours with other people that work from home. If you're an entrepreneur, you can take it a step further and start/join a peer advisory group that meets weekly or monthly.

Set Work Rules: There is no shortage of distractions when you work from home, which makes self-disciple incredibly important. I find that creating a list of workday rules is essential for people that work from home. Your rules could include your daily work hours or things to avoid (i.e. TV, video games, unplanned snacks, and household chores).

Set Boundaries with Friends & Family: For some reason, when you work from home, your friends and family assume that you are “available” all day. They’ll call to chat during the middle of the workday, they’ll stop by out of the blue, they’ll ask if you can go golfing, or skiing, or take them to the airport. It’s hard to say no, but you have to set boundaries with them. Make it clear that working from home does not mean you are available at all hours of the day.

Schedule Time to Unwind: When you work from home, it can be difficult to transition from work mode to family/relaxation mode. One thing that has helped me is scheduling a 30-45 minute walk with my dog (or a workout) at the end of the workday. Giving myself that time to unwind allows me to be a more engaged dad and husband when I walk in the door. 

Get to Work!

Boom. That’s it. 12 years' worth of WFH experience boiled down into 15 products & habits to make your work-from-home life more enjoyable and productive.

Did I miss anything? Shoot me a message on Twitter and tell me about your favorite WFH products and habits.