5 Things to Stop Doing If You Want to Stay Sane While Working From Anywhere

Working from anywhere sounds amazing—until you're halfway through a Zoom call at a café with no charger, no notebook, and no idea where your notes are. Flexibility is powerful, but without a few ground rules, it can feel more like juggling than freedom.

Here are 5 common habits to break—and what to do instead—to make mobile work smoother, lighter, and a little more enjoyable.

1. Stop “Winging It” Every Morning

There’s a certain thrill in picking your desk of the day. But showing up unprepared—no plan, no setup routine—means you’re wasting brainpower before you’ve even opened an email.

Do this instead:
Create a simple daily start-up ritual. Set out your gear in the same order. Take 3 deep breaths. Maybe even name your notebook. It sounds small, but repetition builds calm—and calm builds focus.

Bonus tip: A consistent layout (even in different places) gives your brain a familiar anchor. That’s where a mobile toolbox earns its keep.

2. Stop Carrying Around Your Entire Office

If your bag sounds like a maraca, it's time to lighten up. Hauling three cables, two notebooks, a mug, and a mystery snack “just in case” adds weight—literally and mentally.

Do this instead:
Limit yourself to daily essentials. What did you actually use yesterday? That’s what you pack. Your shoulders will thank you, and you'll stop digging through chaos to find a pen.

Pro tip: Keep everything in one compact, organised home—portable, tidy, and designed for motion.

3. Stop Waiting for the “Perfect” Workspace

The sun’s too bright. The desk’s too wobbly. The music’s too loud. Perfect conditions are rare. If you’re always waiting for ideal, you’ll end up working in gaps—not flow.

Do this instead:
Make your workspace about you, not the place. Bring your own comfort—noise-cancelling headphones, your favourite playlist, even a little plant or photo. Instant familiarity, anywhere.

Small but mighty: Your setup doesn’t need to be fancy. Just functional. Just yours.

4. Stop Skipping Structure

Just because your location changes doesn’t mean your schedule should vanish. No routine = mental fatigue, forgotten tasks, and 4pm regret.

Do this instead:
Stick to a few key rituals:

Same start time
Mid-morning stretch
Scheduled lunch
A finish-line task to wrap the day

Framework = freedom. The more stable your rhythm, the more flexible you can be.

5. Stop Being a “Stealth Worker”

Working remotely doesn’t mean disappearing. If your team never knows where you are, or when you’re online, they can’t support—or respect—your work style.

Do this instead:
Let people in on your rhythm. Share your availability. Set clear boundaries for when you're deep in work mode. Flexibility should feel empowering, not isolating.

The quietest person in the room often has the best system. Let them see it.

Wrap-Up:

Working from anywhere is an art. It’s not about perfection—it’s about personal systems that travel well. Keep it light. Keep it consistent. And make your space feel like yours, no matter where you land.