10 Things Our Team Can’t Live Without
Author’s Note: As part of The Good Lemon’s 10-year anniversary celebration, we’re sharing what we’ve learned and laughed through over the last decade. Each installment tackles 10 lessons, truths, or tips that have shaped how we work and how we help clients thrive. In our last blog, 10 Questions We Always Get Asked (and Our Honest Answers), we pulled back the curtain on what it’s really like to work in digital marketing. Now, we’re shifting gears to spotlight the everyday essentials that keep our team running strong.
Ten years in, we’ve learned that the secret to doing good work is the small comforts, habits, and hacks that keep us grounded and energized through it all. From the practical to the cozy, these are the 10 things the TGL team can’t live without.
1. Mug warmers (and the hot drinks that come with them)
There’s something luxurious about sipping your morning fuel without watching it go cold between meetings. The unofficial mascot of Team TGL, mug warmers are the secret to keeping our brains sharp and vibes cozy. They’re also a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment instead of rushing through.
A warm drink that stays perfectly heated all day long? That feels like a small victory on our busiest days. We’ll take it!
2. Walks and screen breaks
When the screen fatigue starts to set in, nothing helps us reset like stepping outside for a walk. Dog walks have become a teamwide ritual — a chance to stretch our legs, get fresh air, and remember that there’s a whole world beyond our inboxes. Whether it’s a quick stroll around the block or a longer weekend hike, those moments away from the screen often spark our best ideas.
3. Asana
The Good Lemon + Asana = 🫶
It’s where every campaign, blog, brainstorm, and to-do list lives. From color-coded tasks to satisfying checkmarks, Asana helps us balance creativity with clarity. It keeps our projects flowing, our deadlines visible, and our team perfectly in sync, no matter where we’re working from.
4. Cozy office setups
There’s something to be said for creating a workspace that feels like you. For us, that means lap blankets, space heaters, plants, and desk decor that makes us smile during and between meetings. These small touches make remote work feel less like a corner of the house and more like an intentional, inspiring space to create.
5. Water bottles and hydration heroes
We’ll admit it: we’re a team of chronic water bottle enthusiasts. Whether it’s an oversized tumbler, a reusable bottle, or just a giant glass refilled a dozen times a day, staying hydrated keeps our energy (and focus) up. It’s a simple thing, but it’s one of the easiest ways to show ourselves a little care during a busy day.
6. Spotify Daylist
Music is a must in our workday rhythm, and Spotify’s Daylist feature has become a favorite discovery tool. Every day brings a different vibe: sometimes upbeat and motivational, sometimes mellow and reflective, perfectly matching our creative flow. It’s like getting a personalized soundtrack to the workday, and it makes even the most routine tasks feel a little more inspired.
7. Exercise breaks
When our days start stacking up with meetings and deliverables, movement is our reset button. Whether it’s hopping on a treadmill, stretching out with yoga, or simply doing a few laps around the living room, those short bursts of movement help us shake off the mental clutter. They’re a small but mighty reminder that a healthy body fuels creative thinking.
8. The Notes app
Sometimes our best ideas don’t wait for the right moment; they show up mid-walk, mid-meeting, or mid-shower. That’s where the Notes app comes in! Simple yet effective, it’s our catch-all for half-baked ideas, content hooks, quotes, and reminders. No matter where inspiration strikes, we can jot it down and return to it later. It’s the digital equivalent of the sticky note-covered wall, just a little more portable.
9. Good pens and satisfying to-do lists
As much as we love our digital tools (we’re talking about you, Asana), there’s something about putting pen to paper that never gets old. The action of crossing an item off your never-ending to-do list is very rewarding. Daily and weekly lists keep us grounded in the bigger picture, helping us see progress one satisfying checkmark at a time.
10. Candles and good scents
Creating the right atmosphere is a form of self-care, and for us, that often starts with scent. A candle burning quietly nearby can instantly transform the mood. It’s a small, sensory reminder that our environment matters just as much as our workflow.
Every team has its essentials, the rituals, routines, and comfort items that make the day smoother and the work stronger. As we celebrate 10 years of The Good Lemon, we’re grateful not just for the tools that help us thrive, but for the people (and pets!) who make every day worth showing up for.