Whether you’ve been working at home before quarantine or it’s a newer adjustment, distractions are never that far away. I’ve always done a majority of my blogging and podcasting at home, but it’s never easy getting out of bed and automatically going from sleep mode to work mode. I found that taking the time to create a productive work-at-home space is key to a healthy and relaxed workday and environment. Working at home can be a major benefit. It gives you the freedom to create your own space that’ll fit your needs – and a comfortable and organized workspace will boost your productivity. It can maybe even help you better achieve that elusive work-life balance! Here are 7 steps to creating a productive work-at-home space.
Pick the right location
Setting up your office for productivity starts with location. You’ll want to pick a space that isn’t easily distracted by the outside world. So not highly trafficked areas like the living room or kitchen. I try not to work in spaces that my brain usually associates with relaxation and distractions, like my bed, the couch and the kitchen table. It can confuse your brain and make it harder for you to switch into work mode. I like to find a quiet corner to minimize the noise and any distractions – and being next to artwork or a window with a nice view makes all the difference!
Prioritize comfort
Prioritizing comfort when setting up your workspace will help you be more focused and productive. Don’t get so comfortable that you start to feel tired – but it’s hard to get things done when your eyes start to strain and your body aches from how you’ve been sitting. I’ve found ergonomically correct positions to be so helpful. You can up your comfort level with things like anti-glare screen protections, blue light blocking glasses or standing up and taking a stretch break after sitting for too long.
Declutter your space
I find it hard to work when I’m surrounded by clutter, whether it’s piles of paper, a stack of books, empty coffee cups or pens lying around everywhere. I make it a habit to constantly declutter my space of anything that doesn’t serve an immediate purpose. Investing in a cute storage and organization system will help keep your mind clear and focused – and give you something nice to look at!
Decorate with greenery
A houseplant or a vase of your favorite flowers is a great way to add a breath of fresh air to your workspace and improve your mindset with its health benefits. They’re proven to clean the air, absorb sound, reduce sickness, help lower stress levels and boost creativity and focus. Succulents, cacti, aloe vera, ZZ plants and pathos plants are a few low-maintenance houseplants that don’t need a lot of attention. Or you can set up your workspace in front of a window to get some of the same effects!
Diffuse essential oils
Smells can trigger memories and emotions and influence brain activity. So lighting that candle that helps you unwind at the end of the night wouldn’t be the best thing to improve your productivity during the day. Pick a scent that isn’t already associated with your house! I love using aromatherapy while I work. Essential oils have numerous health benefits, like antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, activating the immune system, calming the nerves and stimulating digestion. If you don’t have an essential oil diffuser, you can add a few drops of essential oils to a spray bottle filled with distilled water and spray as needed, rub diluted essential oils onto the appropriate areas of your skin or place a few drops on a cotton pad and take a whiff whenever you need an energy boost. I love diffusing lemon, jasmine, peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary oil to help boost my mood, memory and productivity.
Turn on background noise
Working at home means you can’t distract your coworkers – which is perfect if you work better with background noise. Sounds always keep me moving and my brain from being stagnant. You can play your go-to work playlist, turn on a meditation, listen to instrumental music or even listen to an audiobook or podcast (I listen to these podcasts weekly!). Whatever works best for you!
Don’t stay in the same place
Picking a few different locations throughout your house can provide a change of scenery, help refresh your mind and change the flow of energy. Moving around throughout the day always keeps me feeling fresh and gives me a spark of creative inspiration.
How do you like to create a productive work-at-home space? I’d love to hear your favorite tips!
