Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Space
I’ve been working from home for over 10 years now, and let me tell you, it’s definitely a journey. When I first started, I just plopped down on the couch with my laptop, thinking that would be good enough. Boy, was I wrong. That lasted all of a couple hours before my back was aching and my energy levels were crashing.
As I quickly learned, you need to intentionally design your home office space to work well for you. It’s not just about finding any old table or desk – it’s about ergonomics, organization, and creating an environment that sparks creativity and productivity.
After a lot of trial and error, I finally honed in on a setup that works wonders for me. And you know what they say – when you find something that works, stick with it, right? Well, that’s exactly what I did. But then the pandemic hit, and suddenly my home office became the main stage, not just the backstage area.
Lights, Camera, Home Office!
As Michael Sliwinski, founder of Nozbe, so eloquently put it, “The gradual yearly evolution of my personal home office, from back in 2008 till now – this is the room where it happens.” And boy, can I relate. I used to be able to just hunker down in my cozy little corner, but now, with all the video calls and virtual meetings, my home office has become the focal point.
That’s why, a few months ago, I decided it was time for a refresh. I took a good hard look at the space behind me during those Zoom calls and cringed. It was a jumbled mess of half-finished projects, old school papers, and random craft supplies. Not exactly the professional, polished look I was going for.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Out went the clutter, in came a fresh coat of paint and some strategic organization. And let me tell you, the transformation was nothing short of glorious. As Susan Elford so eloquently put it, “Now, when I walk into my office, instead of seeing all kinds of unfinished business, I am greeted by a warm and inviting space that beckons me to create.”
Lighting the Way to Productivity
But it’s not just about the physical space – the lighting in your home office can make a huge difference too. As Forbes points out, exposure to natural light in the morning can help regulate your sleep and waking cycles, leaving you feeling more alert and focused throughout the day.
And if you’re stuck with less-than-ideal natural light, don’t worry – there are plenty of other lighting options that can help boost your productivity. Circadian lighting, for example, is designed to mimic the natural ebb and flow of sunlight, helping to keep your body’s internal clock in sync.
I’ve been a big advocate of circadian lighting ever since I read about the study that found it can lead to a 20% increase in overall productivity, a 10% boost in focus, and a 38% calmer work environment. Sign me up, right?
Tune In to Productivity
But lighting isn’t the only tech upgrade that can take your home office to the next level. As Forbes also points out, investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a game-changer.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand trying to hear someone on a video call when their audio sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a tin can. It’s enough to make my eye start twitching. That’s why I made the switch to a high-quality pair of headphones, and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer.
Not only do they provide crystal-clear audio, but they also block out all the distracting background noise that can drag down my productivity. And let’s be real, with kids, pets, and the occasional lawn mower or leaf blower, a good set of headphones is practically a necessity these days.
Breathe in, Breathe out
Of course, no home office update would be complete without a touch of greenery. As the productivity experts at Apartment Therapy suggest, bringing in some air-purifying plants can do wonders for your workspace.
I’ve always been a bit of a plant lover, but I have to admit, I used to be a bit of a serial plant killer. That is, until I learned a few key tricks from my green-thumbed friends. Now, my home office is a veritable oasis, with Snake Plants, Spider Plants, and Aloe Veras dotting the shelves and windowsills.
Not only do they help purify the air and boost my mood, but according to Forbes, interacting with the soil can even have an antidepressant-like effect. Talk about a productivity-boosting bonus!
Seeing the Light
And speaking of mood-boosters, let’s not forget about the importance of protecting your eyes from all that screen time. Forbes suggests investing in a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses to help reduce digital eye strain and regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but after trying them out, I’m completely sold. Not only do they help my eyes feel less fatigued after a long day of Zooming and spreadsheet-ing, but I’ve also noticed that I’m able to stay focused and alert for longer stretches of time.
And let’s be real, they’re not a bad fashion accessory either. I’ve even had a few colleagues compliment me on my stylish new frames. Gotta love a productivity hack that’s also a bit of a style statement, am I right?
Creating a Sanctuary for Success
At the end of the day, the key to a truly productive home office is creating a space that you actually want to spend time in. As Susan Elford so eloquently puts it, “If clearing out unnecessary clutter creates physical and virtual space, why aren’t I on top of this?”
Well, my friends, I’m here to tell you that it’s time to get on top of it. Whether that means a fresh coat of paint, a few new plants, or an upgrade to your tech setup, the effort is well worth it. Because when you have a home office that truly inspires you, the productivity and creativity will follow.
And hey, who knows – you might even find yourself looking forward to your workday instead of dreading it. Wouldn’t that be a nice change of pace? So why not take the time to update your home office this season and give your productivity a much-needed boost? Trust me, your future self will thank you.
