After years of remote work, you'd think we'd have this figured out. But I visit people's home offices and see the same mistakes over and over.

Let's fix that.

Mistake #1: Bad Lighting

Working in dim lighting or harsh overhead light is destroying both your productivity and your eyes. The fix:

• Position your desk perpendicular to windows (not facing them)
• Get a desk lamp with adjustable brightness and color temperature
• Aim for 300-500 lux on your work surface

[AFFILIATE: Quality desk lamp]

Mistake #2: Your Monitor Is Too Low

If you're looking down at your screen, you're straining your neck for 8+ hours a day. The top of your monitor should be at or slightly below eye level.

A $30 monitor arm changed my work life. Seriously.

Mistake #3: No Visual Boundary

Working from your couch or bed destroys the mental separation between "work" and "rest." Even if you don't have a dedicated office, create a specific spot that's ONLY for work.

Your brain needs the signal.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Audio

Open plan living + video calls = nightmare. Good headphones with active noise cancellation aren't a luxury for remote workers. They're essential.

[AFFILIATE: Recommended headphones]

Mistake #5: No Plant Life

This sounds trivial but studies show plants in your workspace:

• Reduce stress
• Improve air quality
• Boost productivity by 15%

Get a snake plant if you kill everything. They're basically immortal.

The Quick Wins

Start here today:

1. Raise your monitor
2. Add a plant
3. Create a "start work" ritual

Your future self will thank you.

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