If you are working from home, it can be difficult to separate your work life from your personal life. Oftentimes, not having a proper workspace in your home will significantly lower your productivity and motivation for work.
To help you create a better working environment, here are 9 simple ways to make your home more conducive to work that won’t cost you a fortune:
Separate your Private Life and Work-Life
The first step towards creating a suitable workspace is to select an area in your home dedicated to work and only work. Even if your workspace is just a few steps away from your bedroom, it is important to create this distinct separation between your personal life and work life. It will keep you away from the temptation of entertainment, a quick nap, or the call of the refrigerator, and let you focus on your work alone. It may also be helpful to get into the habit of changing into work clothes before starting your work, so you can switch into work mode immediately.
Decorate the Walls with Motivational Art
Have you ever felt down and looked for motivational quotes and life sayings to find encouragement? Motivational quotes can help a great deal in uplifting your mood and giving you that boost to continue pursuing your goals and dreams. There are so many different motivational art pieces and you can click here to see some religious artwork that can help you get through a tough working day. Whether it is a verse from The Bible or a funny saying which lifts your spirits and pushes you on through a difficult assignment, decorating your workspace walls with motivational or religious art is a great way to get the boost you need whenever you are feeling burnt out from work. With motivational art, you are killing two birds with one stone: you have a beautiful piece of artwork to enjoy during your breaks, as well as a meaningful quote that will help you strive to work harder.
Ensure There is Enough Light
A well-lit workspace is crucial in setting the right mood and improving your productivity. You don’t want to start feeling sleepy after half an hour of working just because your workstation is too dim. Having lots of natural light at your desk is ideal. Natural light can lift your mood and energy and create a bright and fresh environment, thus making it conducive for work. Sunlight also provides much-needed vitamin D that can boost your spirits for greater productivity. Always place your desk next to a big window to get all that natural light and fresh air circulation. If you cannot get natural light for your workspace, it is better to have a mix of yellow light bulbs and white light bulbs, as too many white lights can cause anxiety which yellow lights can help to soothe.
Choose the Right Furniture
Your dedicated workspace does not have to be complicated, you simply just need to get a work desk and a comfortable chair. For a more productive workspace, you should consider choosing a desk with built-in drawers where you can keep files and documents. Wall shelving will also help you keep your books and folders within reach, whilst paying a little extra for an ergonomic chair will ensure that you maintain good posture which will make you more comfortable and prevent any strains or pain.
Adopt a Minimalist Style
The best way to keep your workspace organized is to have less clutter that will distract you from work so try to adopt a minimalist approach. This means having a designated space for everything so that you can easily find things without having to rummage through big piles of files and papers. Knick-knacks can be put in drawers, documents stored in files according to their date or content, and all unnecessary clutter on your desk should be removed. With a clean and organized desk, you will be able to concentrate more on work and things that matter.
Decorate your Desk
Giving your workspace a personal touch is important to make you want to start working every day. The easiest way to personalize the area is by decorating your desk. Whether it’s a photo, a plushie, or your favorite figurine, having a few personal items on your desk will give you an extra sense of motivation and positive energy.
Have a Cozy Area to Relax
In a regular office, we always love those cozy areas where we can relax, have a coffee, and forget our work pressures for a moment. Similarly, it is nice to have a little corner near your workstation at home, where you can sit back and refresh your mind. You can simply get a swing chair, or an armchair placed next to a window to drink tea and read books, or have a musical instrument to play with. Having a break in your cozy corner will allow you to refresh your mind, find new creativity, and prevent work burnout.
Go Green
Have you ever wondered why offices often have plants? They are not just attractive decorative items, but studies have shown that having green plants in your workplace increases productivity by up to 15%. Especially after looking at a computer screen for 1-2 hours, it is beneficial to look at green colors to reduce eye strain. Plants are great for this, and can also improve oxygen circulation in the room. If you don’t have a lot of space, you can get some of those cute little cactus pots. Creating a balance between the natural world and your office setting will make the workspace more exciting, inviting, and welcoming.
Install a Privacy Screen
If you work in a common area shared with other housemates or family members, you should put up a privacy screen to prevent yourself from being distracted by people walking by or doing things. It will also give you some privacy and stop people from talking to you when you are busy with your work.
Whether working at home or in an office, it is important to ensure your workspace is as comfortable and motivating as possible. With these 9 simple tips, you will be able to turn your home into the ideal work environment and improve your productivity. It is never too late to get started, so try these tips today and see if they work for you!
