People decide to work from the comfort of their homes for numerous reasons. Whether they are freelancers or they use remote working options, they have to get work done. Just like anybody else, they have to go to their office and work. The main difference here is that their office is located within their own home so they don’t have to commute long. But, just like those who work from a company office, they have to be productive. Learn how to turn your office from boring and uninspiring to productive.
Clear the clutter
Any room in our home can be easily swamped in clutter. Piles of unfolded laundry on the living room sofa might not be the issue when you’re watching TV. But, the clutter in your office can be distracting and lead to an unproductive day. Aim to keep your office or your office nook in the corner of your bedroom clean and tidy. Used coffee cups, piles of paper, empty bags of snack and used plates shouldn’t be a permanent installation on your desk. Clear them out during breaks or at the end of your workday.
Organize your desk
Depending on the job you do, you’ll definitely use a number of certain objects in your day to day operations. Even if you do everything online, you’ll still need a pen, planner and colourful sticky notes. If you want to be productive, you need to organize your desk. Since your computer is the most important tool, organize everything around it. This way you won’t be disturbed by them during your work. You’ll have enough space on both sides of your working area to set up things you need. Once you’re done using a pen and a planner, put it back to its designated space.
Add some plants…
A bit of greenery can have a positive effect on your mind and stress levels. It will bring life into your office, and turn a boring space into a lively one. Put at least one potted plant on your desk. Make sure to position it somewhere safe, so you won’t trip it with your arm. Include one tall plant next to your desk to improve air quality in your office. You can also use these plants as a way to reduce eye strain by looking at them when your eyes need a break.
…and some calming scents
A nice smelling office is a productive office. Certain essential oils have this property so you should add a diffuser into your working space. Not only will they stimulate your senses, but they will also improve your mood. Try a few different scents until you discover the perfect one. Lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, peppermint, and cinnamon should be on your next to-buy list. You can even test one scent per month and find the one that stimulates the perfect workflow.
Block away any distractions
When setting up your home office, you should position your desk facing the natural source of light. If you can, place your desk in front of the window. This way you’ll have plenty of natural light and a nice view. Source of natural light will energize you but it can be distracting as well. To reduce too much light, and keep your privacy, choose motorized blinds available at Marlow & Finch. Translucent blinds will still maintain the natural light but also keep your privacy and limit distractions. Tech can also distract you a lot during your day. Create a no-phone policy during your work hours so you won’t be distracted five times per hour.
Play with decor and details
By adding some character details into your decor, you make it a personal oasis. When you personalize your office decor with inspiring details, you make it more productive. Choose inspiring wall paint like blue or something else that is not neutral. You can also use a biophilic wallpaper so it will feel like your office is in nature. Add a few decorative touches like paintings, pictures and some crystals like Black Tourmaline or Selenite to improve productivity and focus.
Create an exercise nook
Even when you work from home, you need to take regular breaks. Your eyes and your spine will appreciate this. Looking at the screen all the time puts a lot of pressure on our eyes. Whereas, sitting all the time affects our neck and spinal health. Aim to work without distractions for 50 minutes and then take a five to ten-minute break. You can use some light exercises when you take a break and work on your physical health. Lack of physical activity is the downside of working from home because you don’t have to commute to and from work daily. But, if you equip your home with basic fitness equipment like dumbells, resistance bands, and a mat, you can exercise at home.
Also, when you work from home, dress for the part. Don’t just work in your pyjamas, because no one’s looking. Dress up and enjoy your upgraded home office.