How To Upgrade Your Home Office Space
Most of us have now been working from home for the past year, and may continue to do so for the foreseeable future. This transition into the work-from-home space may have been a blessing or a curse for you, depending on your situation. Either way, you may find your energy, inspiration, and focus draining after so many months working from the same locale. One way to inject some life into your work ethic? Revitalizing your workspace! We have some ideas for ways freshen up your home office and ensure it’s the most productive and enjoyable workspace for you. Let’s dive in!
Up Your Lighting Game
Proper lighting in your workspace can mean the difference between alertness and productivity, and fatigue and sluggishness. Natural light plays a large role in signaling to your brain to remain alert and focused, so if possible, set up your workspace in a room with ample natural light. If you’re working in the evenings or at night, make sure your lamps are bright and close to your desk to keep that energy up and prevent eye strain.
Give Yourself A View
As we mentioned above, natural light can be a game changer, not only in energy levels and productivity, but also in mood boosting. A way to boost that mood further is to give yourself a view. If possible, consider positioning your desk in front of a window for optimal natural light and a peak of the outside world. If your window’s view is lackluster, see if you can spruce it up with plants and bird feeders to attract some winged friends. Take occasional breaks from the computer screen to look outside, take a breath, and release any built up stress. It’s simple things like this that make all the difference when dealing with work woes.
Find The Right Chair
Everyone has different requirements when it comes to determining what makes a desk chair comfortable. Whether you need arm rests, lumbar support, the ability to recline and swivel to keep that inner child happy, or room to sit cross-legged at the desk (hey, whatever makes you coziest), one of the best parts about working from home is that you’re not stuck using whatever chair is available at the company’s office. You’re going to be sitting in it a lot, so treat your tushy to a chair that fits your needs.
Give Yourself Ample Workspace
This is a big one. Make sure your desk provides you with enough workspace to do what you need. That cute, trendy, 30-inch desk might look great on Instagram, but does it give you room for more than a laptop and a cup of coffee without feeling cluttered and disorganized? If you have the floor space, opt for a wider desk so you have plenty of space for your computer, notes, books, planner, and yes – coffee. You may find that you have a large enough desk but clutter has consumed it. Take this as a big ol’ sign telling you to get organized and declutter that desk! It will transform your headspace, efficiency, and ability to focus tenfold.
Consider A Lounge Area
Sometimes, you need to just not be sitting at a desk. Whether you need to brainstorm that next bright idea, read through a report, or hop on a conference call, consider creating a seating area in your workspace to allow you to kick back in a comfortable chair or on a cozy couch while you keep those productive juices flowing. Maybe even allow yourself some extra room for stretches in between Zoom meetings and emails.
Bring in Some Greenery
Another mood booster here! Plants are scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve productivity, and up creativity levels, not to mention their air-purifying benefits. Consider introducing some greenery into your home office for a mental lift. If you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, choose plants that are low maintenance and require little attention. But please, no plastic plants! They just don’t work the same, nor are they good for the environment. Need some “plantsperation” to get your started? Check out this list of 17 easy-to-care-for plants!
Add Your Personality
Last but not least, to truly make your home workspace your own, add some personality. One of the luxuries of working at home is that you get to be surrounded by things that bring you joy and inspiration. Paint the room a color that soothes you, incorporate patterns and color palettes that make you feel comforted, and add tidbits that will keep you motivated, whether they be inspirational quotes, photos of friends and family, that weird lamp you’re obsessed with, a painting that means something special to you, or an inspiration board of your goals for the year. You’re at home, work like it!
