10 Tips to Create a Motivating Working Environment at Home
*Making the decision to leave the office and work from home is a lifestyle choice more and more people are making today. No matter what line of work you are in, it’s essential that you arrange your working environment to maximize motivation and productivity. Whatever your budget or space restrictions, there are many simple and effective methods for establishing a stimulating and rewarding workspace.
When working at home its important to separate your domestic life from your work, by creating both mental and physical boundaries. Working on a laptop sat at the kitchen table or even in bed may seem like attractive scenarios, but the best way to create a motivating and productive environment is to have a dedicated workspace. Ideally this will be a separate room in the home converted into a study or studio. In houses with less space, set aside an area of another room, the sitting room for instance, and create a space assigned specifically for work.
It’s the place where you’re going to spend a considerable amount of time, so it’s essential that your desk and chair are comfortable and ergonomic. Make sure your monitor, keyboard, mouse or laptop are positioned at the right height and angle so that you aren’t hunched awkwardly. Give yourself ample legroom and take regular breaks to stretch your legs. An ergonomically designed office chair is a great investment, ensuring that you can concentrate on your work and avoid future back problems.
A clutter-free workspace helps a clutter-free mind. Take a minimalist approach to your desk by removing unnecessary jumble and trinkets, piles of books, letters, and unwashed mugs. Untangle wires and cables and hide them away as far as possible. Keeping your space clean and tidy can promote an efficient approach to your daily work.
A second monitor can improve a workspace’s organization. When working on a project you sometimes find yourself with many windows open and at times it becomes confusing; it’s useful to have an extra monitor to keep related documents and websites open while your ‘main’ monitor is dedicated to real-time work.
Visual stimulation such as posters and paintings can help inspire and motivate. If possible position your desk near a window so when the eyes tire of the computer screen you can gaze at the sky and regain your thoughts.
6. Carefully Light and Colour Your Workspace
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It is proven that the colours can greatly influence mood, so carefully create a colour scheme in your workspace to enhance productivity. The quality of light also directly modifies your mindset, so make maximum use of natural light and choose soft, warm coloured light bulbs for a pleasant ambience.
A whiteboard, or even a good old-fashioned blackboard, is great way to jot down ideas when brainstorming, work out plans and make notes for future reference. While it’s likely you will make use of digital calendars and personal organizers, a paper calendar on the wall helps with mapping a work schedule and keeping track of deadlines.
The addition of some plants can notably improve your working environment. A little greenery is aesthetically pleasing, freshens the air, and the occasional watering and pruning proves a welcome distraction from the pressures of work.
Background music can influence your mood so attach some speakers to your computer or install a sound system in your workspace. Choose music or radio to suit the project you are working on and heighten your creativity.
It’s important to take breaks during the working day, so set up a relaxation area or couch away from the desk where you can unwind and take your mind off work for some time. Even better, get out of the house and take a walk, when you return you are sure to appreciate the inspiring and productive working environment that you have created within your home.
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