Working from home has recently become an indispensable part of our lives. Although it is sometimes tempting to sit at the computer in comfortable home clothes, we need to make some changes to increase our productivity and create a comfortable working environment. If you have problems concentrating while working at home or feel tired at the end of the day, you are in the right place! Here are 5 steps to create a comfortable and productive working environment at home.
1. Choose the Right Space
One of the biggest challenges of working at home is the intertwining of work and living spaces. For this reason, you should first designate a dedicated workspace for yourself. You can choose a room or a corner according to the size and facilities of your home. If you do not have a separate room, you can organize a corner of your living room or part of your bedroom as a workspace. The important thing to consider here is that the area you choose should be as quiet and free from distractions as possible.
When choosing your workspace, make sure to choose a place with natural light. Natural light keeps your energy levels high and has a positive effect on your mood. If possible, a window seat with a nice view is a great option. Also, placing your desk with your back to the door allows you to see people coming in and prevents sudden interruptions.
It can also be helpful to politely let family members or roommates know that you don’t want to be disturbed during your working hours. This makes it easier to focus on your work and minimizes interruptions.
2. Prioritize Comfort
Working at a computer for long hours can be very tiring for our bodies. In order to avoid back, neck and wrist pain, it is very important to create a comfortable working environment. First of all, you should get a chair that is comfortable and provides lumbar support. If you don’t want to buy a new chair, you can make your existing chair more comfortable with lumbar support pillows.
The height of your desk is also very important. Adjust the height of your desk and chair so that your arms and wrists are in a comfortable position. If necessary, you can create a more ergonomic layout by using a laptop stand or an external keyboard and mouse.
For eye health, make sure your monitor is at eye level. Keep at least an arm’s length away from the screen and adjust the screen brightness according to the ambient light. Also, every 20 minutes, look away for a short while to rest your eyes.
3. Improve Lighting
The right lighting can both increase your productivity and reduce eye strain. Make sure your workspace is bright enough. Natural light is best, but you may need additional lighting later in the day or when it is overcast.
It is helpful to have a good desk lamp on your desk. By choosing an adjustable lamp, you can direct the light as you like. Make sure that the light source doesn’t reflect on your screen and irritate your eyes. You can also create a more comfortable environment by using warm-toned lights.
If your eyes are sensitive, you can use bulbs with blue light filters or screen protectors. This way you can work comfortably even in the evening. By improving the lighting, you will improve your performance and feel less tired at the end of the day.
4. Maintain Order
A cluttered workspace also clutters your mind and negatively affects your concentration. Therefore, it is very important to keep your desk and its surroundings organized. Eliminate items you don’t use and keep only the materials you need on your desk.
You can organize your stuff by using storage solutions. File folders, drawers and boxes will help with this. You can use pen holders or desk organizers to organize your pens and small office supplies.
Also, don’t neglect your digital organization. Organize your files neatly into folders on your computer and keep your desktop clean. Check your email inbox regularly and delete unnecessary emails. An organized workspace keeps your mind clear and helps you get things done faster.
5. Personalize
Personalizing your workspace can increase your motivation and desire to work. By incorporating your favorite colors and objects into your workspace, you can create a warmer and more inviting environment. For example, you can hang a favorite painting on the wall or add a small plant to your desk.
Family photos or notes with inspirational quotes can also boost morale. However, be careful to avoid distractions when making these personalizations. Your goal is to make your workspace both comfortable and productive.
You can change the atmosphere by using aromatherapy candles or natural scents. Scents such as lavender or mint can reduce stress and improve concentration. Small touches according to your own tastes will make the time you spend in your workspace more enjoyable.
Creating a comfortable and productive working environment at home is possible with a few simple steps. Choosing the right space, paying attention to your comfort, improving lighting, maintaining order and personalizing your workspace will greatly improve your work experience.
Remember, your workspace is under your control. Small changes can make a big difference. Enjoy working at home by setting a work routine that works for you and following these steps. After all, a comfortable working environment not only increases your productivity, but also your satisfaction with your work.
