If you were working in an office environment before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, chances are you’re not there now. With the “new normal” of so many people working from home now, your humble abode has to deliver on so many more fronts. With so much upheaval and newfound stress these days, we all want – and need – working from home to be as comfortable and convenient as possible. Here are a few of my favorite ways to create a work environment you’ll love:
💻 Use Pinterest responsibly.
The inspirational offices you’ll find there may look appealing, but they aren’t set up for a 50-hour work week. First and foremost, your space should be functional – and beautiful second.
🪑 Splurge on a great chair.
This crucial piece of furniture should inspire you to put in the hours, otherwise you won’t want to work in your office.
📚 Limit clutter and distractions.
The art of feng shui means keeping the good energy flowing. Too many papers and cords around will clutter up your mind and sap you of energy and focus.
☀️ Embrace natural light.
Avoid fluorescent light as often as possible and invest in a great lamp with a soft glow and interesting design.
🌿 Add greenery.
Nothing makes us happier than bringing the outdoors inside, so plants and flowers should be a staple. Even if they’re not real, your subconscious can’t tell the difference.
🏆 Personalize thoughtfully.
Focus on awards, industry accomplishments, and visuals of where you’re going instead of where the past has taken you. I have a vision board in my office to remind me daily of where I see myself in the future.
🔌 Hide things you don’t want to look at.
If printers are depressing and a jumble of cords gives you anxiety, put them in another room and go cordless as much as possible, or invest in creative ways to hide them, then bring them out as needed.
🛋 Create some comfy space.
Incorporate a soft, luxurious throw, and a relaxing chair for reading and thinking, so you’ll want to take creative breaks. A desk is where you do your active work. A soft, comfortable space is where you do your creative thinking.
💡 Ask yourself what elements inspire you or drain you.
Take a look at your office and ask, “What is the purpose of and the impact of each of these things?” Adjust accordingly.
Work can and should be inspiring and invigorating, whether done from home or in a tried and true job setting. Don’t just “make do” if your home also functions as your workplace. If it’s a space that gives you motivation and energy, you can carry that – instead of stress! – into all the other things you do around your home that make everyday life more rewarding.
Leave a Reply
Leave a comment