Working from home certainly has its perks, like no commute and wearing your pyjamas all day. However, it can also present some unique challenges to staying focused and productive. Setting up a functional and inspiring home office environment is key to success when working remotely. Follow these tips to create a workspace that will set you up for success.
Set Up a Dedicated Space
Having a designated office area is essential when working from home. Working from your bed or sofa trains your brain to associate those areas with relaxation instead of work. Set aside a room, a corner of a room, or even a walk-in wardrobe to serve as your office. Consider working spaces like treetop cabins (read more about treehouse cabins here) if you have outdoor space. Having a dedicated physical workspace helps your brain switch into “work mode” when you sit down.
Invest in a Good Chair and Desk
Since you likely spend huge chunks of your day sitting at your home desk, invest in an ergonomic chair and adjustable desk. Poor posture and uncomfortable furniture can lead to back and neck pain over time, not to mention serve as a distraction. Prioritise finds that allow you to properly align your wrists, legs, arms and eyes to your screen and accessories.
Add Personal Touches
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean your office shouldn’t reflect your personality. Hang inspiring artwork and display favourite photos, books or travel mementoes. Visual reminders of things that make you happy can boost your mood throughout the day.
Establish a Routine
When you don’t have to commute to an office each day, it’s easy for one workday to blur into the next. Establish set hours for yourself and create a consistent morning routine for preparing for the workday, including showering, dressing, breakfast, etc. Maintaining work hours ensures you stay productive during the day, have personal time to relax in the evenings, and prevent burnout.
Minimise Distractions
Whether you live alone or with family, distractions can easily derail your workflow when working from home. Request family and roommates to minimise noise during your set working hours. Turn off notifications on your computer, mute your phone, and close tabs unrelated to your current project. Doing so trains your brain to focus on the task at hand instead of jumping to whatever dings or buzzes next.
Boost Natural Light
Studies show exposure to natural light during the day benefits energy, mood and sleep cycles. Ensure your home office setup takes advantage of any natural light from windows, glass doors or skylights. If natural light isn’t accessible, consider investing in a sunlight therapy lamp. The bright white lighting mimics sunshine, giving you an added mood and energy boost.
Take Regular Breaks
Staring at a computer screen for 8+ hours can strain your eyes, zap your energy, and cripple productivity. Build mini breaks throughout the day to stand up, stretch, grab a snack, hydrate, or even step outside for fresh air. Taking deliberate breaks helps boost blood flow and refocus you mentally so you return to your task feeling refreshed and centred.
Working from home definitely comes with some adjustment, but setting up the right environment for yourself goes a long way towards happiness and success, even when the “office” is down the hall. Follow the above tips to create a functional, distraction-free, inspiring home office space catered to your needs.
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