I believe most of us are getting more acccustomed to be working from home and it seems like it is probably going to be the new norm in the near future. If you are struggling with focusing when working from home, let’s look at some tips to transform your work environment to be cozy yet productive. While you may not be able to follow every ideal recommendation, these home office design tips show how everything from lights and plants to good organizational techniques can keep you productive in your home office.
Tip 1 – Office Chair
A good office chair can boost productivity by allowing you to stay comfortable and focused for longer periods of time. The back is usually the first part of the body to suffer from sitting down all day. So look for a chair with back or lumbar support, which usually comes in the form of extra cushioning on the backrest. Not all office chairs come with armrests, but these are good to have as they give you extra support if you need to lean on something. Another thing to look out for is adjustability. The best office chair in the world is pointless if it’s too high or low. Armrests and tilt may also be adjustable.
Tip 2 – Air Purifier
Consider getting an air purifier as several studies show that breathing clean air is good for your brain as well as your body. “Even if your health isn’t compromised to the point where you need to take a day off from work, small changes in your well-being, like watery eyes, a runny nose, or a scratchy throat, can worsen your productivity,” says Matthew Neidell, the lead researcher of the study and an associate professor of health policy and management at Columbia University.
Tip 3 -Green Light
Bringing nature into your home can make a big difference as well. Plants help give life to the space and remind us that there is a living, breathing world outside of work that exists whether the work gets done or not. Surround yourself with plants on cabinets, shelves and desk so you have many places to rest your eyes. Every 20 minutes, make sure to look away from the screen to something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds—and greenery can provide that perfect break.
Tip 4 – Organized and Clean
Just as with any room in the house, you’ll need to figure out your storage and organization for your home office so you have the peace of mind to work productively. Consider to have dedicated space for different categories of items or supplies so you don’t have to spend time searching for them when you need them. Make use of floating shelves, cabinets and carve out some space on your desktop to keep these items.
