By Morgen Henderson
With so many people working from home, we now find ourselves not only required to change things like how we work, but even the environment in which we work. Lucky for us, there are plenty of ways we can improve our work from home experience through the use of technology and wellness practices. These small but powerful changes can help us be the most productive and happiest versions of ourselves as we adjust to the “new normal” and the changes that come with it.
Create a Good Atmosphere
When you work in an office, you don’t have the option to control things like the lights or the air of the room. One great perk of working from home is that you can light a candle, tweak the lights by adding a lamp or have full reign of the thermostat. You can also breathe a little easier and stay a little bit healthier by taking advantage of the benefits of a humidifier. Humidifiers are great for things like allergies, asthma and can prevent nosebleeds. Warm mist humidifiers can even kill harmful mold and bacteria that lurk in your home. They can even make your room feel warmer, which can help you save big on your energy costs.
Schedule Breaks
You may not be working in a “real” office anymore, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo the breaks you once looked forward to. By still allowing yourself regularly scheduled breaks, you can maximize your efficiency during work time and allow yourself time to genuinely relax, guilt-free. It’s also a good idea to do things that will benefit your physical and mental well-being, such as designating time for stretching or meditation.
Get Greener
Adding a few plants is one of the simplest ways you can improve your home office. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they can also help reduce stress and anxiety. This can have a direct effect on both your mood and your productivity. Houseplants are also powerful warriors when it comes to improving the air quality of any indoor space. They can boost the oxygen content of the room, reduce noise levels, and help regulate temperature and humidity levels. Spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies are a few options that are not only easy to care for but rich in health benefits.
Set the Space
When it comes to keeping your productivity and mental wellness in check, it’s vital to keep your work and home spaces separate. Create an at-home office zone that’s separate from anywhere you plan to sleep, eat, or spend time with family. It doesn’t have to be a typical office-and-chair type setup—you can create a comfortable spot with whatever aspects you like so long as it feels comfortable and functional to you. The important thing is that it is its own designated spot free of distractions, so you can focus on work where it matters, without letting it affect other aspects of your life.
Encourage Momentum
Finding ways to keep a sense of forward momentum going is vital to your success in your work from home experience. One way to keep the creative juices flowing is to always have a designated spot to jot down your thoughts. A fun chalkboard, a whiteboard calendar, or even a simple notepad are all wonderful places to write down a few side thoughts, so you can return to them later but stay on task with your current assignment. Planning your workload ahead of time is another way to stay on task without getting caught up on one assignment for two long. Working from home can be a tough adjustment to have to make, so it’s important to find ways to stay motivated. By allowing yourself the freedom to think freely while staying committed to important tasks, you’ll find a healthy balance and a more enjoyable work experience overall.
