Who wouldn't want this? Instead of waking up early to avoid traffic jams, you can roll out of bed and right into your own workspace. It's not always possible, but if you are able to work from home, it can be wonderful. No rushing in the rain, no waiting in the cold at the bus stop, no frustration with yet another traffic jam. Instead, you make yourself a cup of coffee and settle in at your desk. That’s why it's so important to create a comfortable work environment for yourself. Spending an entire day at home and staying focused requires a space where you can work in peace.
Here are 5 tips to create a pleasant workspace
- A Quiet Workspace To work effectively, a calm environment is crucial. Choose neutral colors for your workspace with light-colored walls, and avoid using too many different types of furniture and materials. You can add some plants to keep the air fresh; they look nice and have a calming effect. If you're working at the dining table, make sure the area around you is tidy, so you're not constantly distracted.
- Sit Comfortably with Your Computer at Eye Level Sitting comfortably is only possible if your chair is adjusted to your desk. The three key elements for the best posture are: your feet flat on the floor, sitting upright, and your arms able to rest on the chair’s armrests or the table. A good office chair can help you easily adjust these. Your computer should be positioned so that the top of the screen is at eye level and ideally at arm's length. Special stands are available for this, but stacking some books can work just as well.
- Let the Light In Good and sufficient lighting is essential for productivity throughout the day. If you have a workspace with natural light, position your desk so that the light comes from the side. You can control the amount of daylight with window coverings or blinds. Also, have a desk lamp or wall lamps for when there’s no longer enough natural light. If you're working at the dining table, lamps with dimmers are recommended so you can adjust the light to your needs.
- A Tidy Space Works Better Keep your desk clear by giving all your papers and supplies a fixed place in folders, boxes, and pen holders—this also makes it easier to find things. There are plenty of nice accessories to help keep your workspace organized and tidy. Keep your ideas separate from loose notes, for example by using a wall board. If you’re working in the living room, opt for a desk that you can close at the end of the day. It takes up little space, the desktop slides away, and all your belongings can be stored neatly in compartments. A tidy space is a tidy mind!
- Take Breaks Finally, a whole day of work without phone calls, colleagues, or other distractions! But even though it’s nice to get a lot done without being interrupted every 10 minutes, taking regular breaks is important to relax from time to time. Research has shown that you're more productive if you take a small break every two hours. So go do some shopping, pick up the kids from school, or enjoy a nice cup of tea while thinking about absolutely nothing!