Are you feeling the blues when working from home? You’re not alone! Many remote workers report feeling stressed, disorganized and are struggling to focus when working from home. While there’s no one-size-fits- all type of solution, organizing your home office and creating a zen space will certainly lift up your spirit!
Why is a well-organized and calming space important? The perks of a clutter-free home office go beyond just the aesthetics. Such spaces bring us psychological benefits like less stress, anxiety and more ability to focus and be creative. So, how can you create such space?
- Clear space and a clear mind
In a cluttered and untidy space, we tend to feel overwhelmed. Visual chaos impairs our cognitive functioning, making us feel stressed and overpowered. Even though stacks of paper, empty mugs, pens, and sticky notes seem harmless, each item takes away mental energy, chipping away your mental clarity!
While decluttering may only take up to 15 minutes, its positive effects are immense. Cleaning your desk and working space fosters a sense of accomplishment and control. On top of that, you will have more mental energy to focus on your work and improve your performance! Clear space contributes to a clear mind.
- Peace without distractions
Distractions are productivity’s arch nemesis! Social media, notifications, calls, and emails shift our focus from one source to another, making us inevitably more tired and frustrated. Even though nothing can guarantee 100% peace and silence while you work, you need to discipline yourself and create a space without distractions.
Put your phone to silent mode and turn off your social media while you’re working from home. Also, consider getting noise-canceling headphones that will diminish background noises from your family. Minimizing distractions will prevent your brain from “switching gears” all the time, which reduces stress and anxiety while maintaining your cognitive power.
- Lighting for focus
Did you know that lighting in the room can affect your ability to focus? If you’re sitting in a dark, gloomy corner, chances are you won’t be able to concentrate on your work. That happens because, in unlit areas, we strain our eyes and brain more, making it more difficult to be productive! Add lighting to your office to prevent that.
Besides the artificial lighting every room needs, your home office should have access to plenty of natural light. Sunlight is not only better for your eyes but can also improve your mental well-being! Vitamin D from the sun boosts your mood and ensures your focus on the task.
- Calmness with greenery
For improved mental state and mood, say goodbye to boring spaces and introduce nature to your home office! Numerous researches show that plants have a positive effect on our mental health. From boosted focus to increased creativity, lack of greenery can be the reason why many employees struggle while working from home.
In addition to a pleasant view, indoor plants also filter out the air. Stuffy rooms with a lack of ventilation can cause numerous health issues that certainly affect our psyche as well! So, ensure your home office has plants in it for improved mood, productivity, and overall physical and mental health!
- Furniture for continuous flow
If you’re working from a home office, you’ve surely experienced the negative sides of sedentary life. Sitting for 8 hours in one place can surely be depressing and bad for your overall well-being. Therefore getting adjustable furniture for your office helps you shake up the routine and keep the flow. What kind of furniture do you need?
An ergonomic chair and adjustable desk are a must-have for a home office. While sitting down can feel monotonous, a standing desk will help you maintain your focus even though you feel like you can’t be still any longer. On top of that, such a desk provides you with numerous physical benefits and helps you posture during those long hours!
- Mental health nook
While focusing on your work and staying productive is important, you need to take a break once in a while and let your mind rest. Being overworked and under pressure all the time leads to burnout, which affects mental health and can lead to serious emotional issues. To prevent that from happening, create a mental health nook in your office that lets you relax and rewind.
This office corner allows you to express your creativity and adjust your space according to your needs. You might want to take a yoga mat or an armchair to complete the space. Also, by decorating and personalizing your nook you are one step closer to improved mental health. Design it to suit your needs and make your home office a more bearable space.
Final thoughts
Zen workspace comes with a good organization as well as a calming state of mind. It’s a creation process that continuously evolves according to your needs. That’s why having adjustable and adaptable elements is crucial for your physical and mental well-being.
Take time to understand your needs and explore the psychological benefits each change brings. After all, your home office should be your productivity oasis, so work towards that goal!
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