Although most of us have tired of the pandemic, it’s clear that the pandemic hasn’t tired of us. As COVID-19 cases continue to soar in the United States and England goes into lockdown once again, it’s clear that many of us will need to continue working from home for the foreseeable future.
With 58% of homeowners saying they plan to spend money on home improvements this year, this is as good a time as any to give your home office a little facelift. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to hire a contractor or buy all new furniture, however. In many cases, the little details can matter the most. Here are just a few small changes you can make you create a cheerier workspace this fall and winter.
Let There Be Light
Good lighting is an important part of any workspace. You’ll undoubtedly notice a big difference in your productivity and overall state of being when you’re in a room with lots of natural light (especially when compared to fluorescent overhead options). It’s ideal if your workspace has access to at least a window or two so that you can get at least a little sunlight during the day. But if there’s only a small window or no real natural light at all, you might want to get a little creative. Adding a wall mirror can bounce some light around the space, while a lighter paint color can make the room feel more open. Add a floor lamp and a desk lamp, as well, so you can reduce eye strain. Consider switching to more natural light bulbs, rather than traditional incandescents, for the same reason.
Decrease the Clutter
A cluttered space is undoubtedly going to be difficult to work in. If you found yourself becoming distracted and overwhelmed working from home before, it could be because your home office was filled to the brim with clutter. This time around, you may want to focus on organization by eliminating messes and getting rid of items you don’t need. Whether your desk is covered in loose papers or your office has become a catch-all for storage bins, you’ll want to make your office as free of clutter as possible in order to reduce stress and promote greater focus. Rather than feeling your blood pressure spike when you walk in each morning, you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Add Some Art
Did you know that 78% of people agree that having art in the workplace can reduce stress? Around 64% also say that workplace art can encourage creativity. That makes sense, as blank and boring walls aren’t exactly inspirational. While adding a pop of color can be highly effective, you should also surround yourself with some kind of art that makes you feel motivated, relaxed, and ready to take on the day. That might include framed prints from your favorite artist, posters with your go-to quotes, or photographs of scenes that bring you joy. Figure out what kind of art tickles your fancy and don’t shy away from personalizing your space in this way.
Don’t Forget the Flowers
Aorund 83% of people say they like to receive flowers unexpectedly, but buying them yourself can have a number of major benefits. Having fresh flowers or potted plants in your office setup can reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being. In many cases, they can even increase the room’s air quality! There’s no doubt that looking at a fresh bouquet or a small plant can instantly make you feel more joyful. Even if you don’t have much of a green thumb, this investment doesn’t cost much — but it can make a big difference in your general mood.
Let’s face it: no one wants to endure another lockdown. There’s even talk that this one could last well into December. And for Americans, it’s entirely possible that widespread shut-downs may be looming. But if you take the time now to make your home office a more pleasant place to be, you’ll probably be a lot less cross about having to work remotely.
