5 Ways Your Office Setup Can Save Your Energy
As a therapist living with a chronic or invisible illness, you are constantly aware of your body—your symptoms, your energy levels, your limits. Unlike many others, you don’t just "go to work." You manage your body while you’re holding space for someone else’s mind. That’s why how you set up your space matters more than most people will ever realize.
Therapists with hidden illnesses often push through fatigue, pain, or cognitive fog while still showing up with care and compassion. But the truth is—if your workspace doesn’t support you, it will slowly chip away at your energy, your presence, and ultimately your longevity in this field. The goal isn’t just to make it through your day—it’s to sustain yourself within it.
Here are five small but powerful ways to adapt your physical environment to protect your energy, increase comfort, and ensure your practice supports you as much as you support others.
1. Invest in Ergonomics (Even If You’re on a Budget)
If you’re spending hours a day seated, the wrong setup can take a real toll. Whether it’s a supportive chair with lumbar support, a rising desk that lets you alternate between sitting and standing, or even a cushioned floor mat, your physical alignment matters. For me, a standing desk with adjustable height has been essential—I can lower it when my back flares or raise it when I need to lean and stretch. Every inch of flexibility gives me an ounce of energy back.
Pro tip: Comfort is not a luxury—it's a strategy. The more physically supported you feel, the less you drain your reserves.
2. Keep Movement Within Reach
Even minimal movement can keep circulation going and ease mental fog. I use under-the-desk pedals like these to help me stay alert during sessions. They offer gentle movement without needing to leave your seat. For therapists who may forget to stand, stretch, or even eat during a long day, this small habit can be a game-changer.
3. Create Sensory Comfort with Small Touches
Living with a chronic condition can make you hypersensitive to temperature, light, or overstimulation. Add soft textures to your chair or throw blanket. Light a calming candle. I rely on aromatherapy because the right scent soothes my nervous system and increases my ability to focus. These aren’t just aesthetic choices—they're functional tools for emotional and physical regulation.
Bonus: Incorporate a plant or two—nature is a powerful grounding force, especially when you can’t get outside between sessions
4. Design a Space That Feels Like You
Therapists often curate calm for their clients—but don’t forget about yourself. Add a few small, joyful objects that reflect your personality or bring comfort: a favorite mug, a piece of art, even one favorite photo. A tidy, creative space can help your brain associate your environment with peace—and that helps you regulate energy across your entire day.
5. Choose a Mantra & Put It Everywhere
Words matter—especially when they’re chosen with intention. Pick a personal mantra and place it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Let that mantra be your anchor when fatigue, doubt, or pain creep in. Let it return you to yourself.
(Want to hear more wisdom like this? Watch this clip from my friend Teresa Martino-Woods and her branding expert on the importance of your mantra.)
Your space is part of your care plan. Every decision you make, from seating to lighting to mantras, can support or deplete you. You deserve to work in a space that helps you keep working, keep healing, and keep showing up for your clients without sacrificing yourself in the process.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
I’m Karen—a therapist, mentor, and fellow chronic illness warrior. I help other therapists like you create practices that support their bodies, minds, and lives. If you're ready to balance your business with your illness, without unnecessary overwhelm, book a free consultation with me HERE.