When you work from home, you get to make your own rules. Here are three home office hacks for spoonies to create a workspace that works for you. I had a “normal” job for a long time.

I got up at 5am every day. I curled my hair and did my makeup in the morning. And I prayed every morning that I wouldn’t have a panic attack at work or be in excruciating pain when I walked in the door at night.

By the time I quit, reasonable accommodations like more frequent restroom breaks to manage my Irritable Bowel Syndrome and a more comfortable desk chair for my chronic pain weren’t cutting it. I didn’t have enough spoons to do my nails (a MUST in the circles I ran in) or to walk in even the most comfortable heels.

When I started my Virtual Assistant business, my office was my bed. I wore pajamas, only did my hair when I had a video call with a client, and took afternoon naps almost every day. Honestly, your business will grow whether you have the spoons to shower that day or not.

Now I’ve been a virtual assistant for three years, I’ve used a few home office hacks for spoonies to help keep my business running even on difficult days. I have three primary workspaces: a desk, a comfy chair, and a bed. I have adapted each to my personal needs, which frequently change based on what I’m dealing with at the moment.

Here are three home office hacks for spoonies to help you create a workspace that adapts to your needs:

  1. Learn what makes you productive. You have to find a work routine that signals to your body that it’s time to work. For me, I put in my headphones, open up my time tracker app, and create my to-do list. Once you find this routine, use it to center yourself no matter where you’re working at the moment.
  2. Get comfortable….but not too comfortable. If you’re going to be tempted to curl under the covers to sleep when working in bed, find a different spot. For me, I’m fine in bed as long as I’m propped up with pillows. (A wedge pillow is great for this!) Currently, my comfy chair works well because it doesn’t bother my pressure points AND doesn’t trigger insomnia by spending too much time in bed.
  3. Make your desk work for you. Just like you might when working in a traditional office, look for a comfortable desk chair. I’ve added extra lumbar support to mine to make it easier to sit for longer periods of time. I also have an ergonomic mouse pad and use yoga blocks under my desk to keep my short legs supported. And when I start to ache a few hours into work, I move to another spot.

I think we get a stubborn picture in our heads of what it looks like to be working based on what’s been hammered into us about what working looks like. But when you choose a non-traditional job, you get to make your own rules. Defining what works look like for you outside of a dress code or office set-up is one of the first opportunities you have to figure out what will help you to be productive. Listen to your body and remember that this can be flexible based on your needs in the moment!