As much of the world continues to adjust to a new work from home routine, understanding how to create an at-home workspace that supports our mental and physical well-being has never been more important.

USGBC National Capital Region sat down with D.C.-based interior designer Lida Lewis for insights on how to make home offices work better for us. Lewis is a highly valued, longtime USGBC volunteer and former Market Leadership Advisory Chair. She holds WELL and LEED AP credentials and currently serves on the Global WELL Mind Advisory, the ASID Codes and Standards Committee’s Sustainability and Wellness Subcommittee and the International WELL Building Institute‘s COVID-19 Task Force.

Here are her tips for simple ways remote workers can create a home workspace that promotes physical and mental health:

Ergonomics. In all likelihood, we are going to be working from home for quite some time. Think through how your workspace can be arranged to maximize efficiency and productivity while avoiding factors that can lead to musculoskeletal problems. Set up your desk and chair so you can sit upright, with your elbows at relatively 90 degrees and your feet on the floor. A Wall Street Journal video features an ergonomics expert who will walk you through how to set up your desk and chair.

Air filtration and ventilation. Even if you are the only person using your space, you are constantly reintroducing pathogens. Try opening windows and letting in some fresh air. If you can’t or have allergies or asthma, you can purchase freestanding HEPA air filtration systems to purify the air. Good ventilation supports our health and can reduce other contaminants that gather in the home, like those created by cooking or cleaning products.

Natural light. Sunlight has been shown to inactivate some kinds of viruses and kill some kinds of bacteria. It also has the great side effect of making you look better on conference calls. So move your desk closer to that window, open the shades a little, or at the very least, take calls or walks in the sunlight when you can.

Mental health. Avoid burnout! Many of us are now handling multiple jobs—worker, teacher, child or elder care provider—while others may feel more isolated. It can add additional pressure to be “on” and available all the time. Make sure to schedule time for self-care, relaxation and connecting with others outside of work. Create some work-life separation by having a set area you have to enter and leave in order to do office work. If your space doesn’t allow for that, make setting up and taking down your work area part of your daily routine.