Remote working has become the new normal for many of us, and I used to experience fatigue and feel uninspired when stuck in overly familiar surroundings. Minor inconveniences, such as a cluttered desk, an uncomfortable chair, or poor lighting, sapped my motivation and energy. As the week wore on, cabin fever would set in, and I would find myself climbing the walls in my desperation to get out of the house.
The good news is that it’s cheap and easy to transform your workspace into a Zen-like environment that inspires and reengages you with your work. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can create the ultimate work-from-home setup that boosts productivity, sparks happiness, and makes your workday feel less like a chore.
Create a dedicated workspace that inspires you
Design a space that sparks creativity and minimizes distractions
It is important to establish a boundary between your professional and personal life. By creating a purpose-built workspace, it is easier to focus on the task at hand and relax elsewhere when you have some time out. Even if you don’t have a dedicated office, choose a spot with minimal distractions and enough space to put your essential work items.
I ensure that my workspace is truly dedicated, featuring a desk, a few desk trinkets, framed photos, and plants for aesthetic purposes, as well as a whiteboard and stationery to support my workflow. By having an intentional workspace, you are telling your brain that it’s time to focus, which boosts productivity and helps you enjoy your work.
Enhance your tech setup for smooth productivity
Choose reliable tools and streamline your digital workflow
Minor frustrations like a lagging internet connection and cable clutter can hamper your day. Making simple upgrades, such as boosting your Wi-Fi signal and adding a wireless keyboard and mouse, can significantly improve your workflow. A second monitor can also significantly improve efficiency, especially if you frequently multitask.
Adding a docking station to my desk has revolutionized my workspace. Not only does it tidy my desk and power my laptop, but it also facilitates twin HDMI monitor connections and provides power and connectivity to all my peripherals (webcam, external sound card, external hard drive, and wireless phone charger) using a single power outlet.
Upgrade your seating for all-day comfort
Improve your posture and stamina with ergonomics in mind
Never overlook the importance of comfort. If you only work from home occasionally, it’s tempting to pull up a dining chair, plop a cushion on it, and get straight to work. However, this approach is counterproductive and can lead to back pain and fatigue in the long run.
Investing in an ergonomic chair with an additional lumbar support cushion makes a world of difference. It’s also essential to maintain a good working posture. Adjust your seat so your feet lie flat on the floor, and keep your screen at eye level. If you use a laptop, consider adding a laptop stand to avoid hunching over your desk. These simple tips will help you remain energized and focused throughout the day.
Improve lighting to boost mood and focus
Balance natural and artificial light for an energizing environment
Poor lighting can put significant strain on your eyes and negatively affect your mood. Natural lighting is the best remedy if you can position your workstation near a window, or, failing that, invest in a high-quality lamp with adjustable brightness or a full-spectrum bulb that mimics daylight.
I have a dual-toned lamp that I use, switching between a warm tone for a cozy atmosphere when working late into the evening and a cool white light to keep me alert during dull days. Be sure to position your screens away from windows and light sources to prevent glare, thereby further reducing eye strain.
Incorporate wellness breaks into your routine
Refresh your body and mind with intentional pauses
There’s more to upgrading your workspace than adding furniture and gadgets—it’s also about how you use that space. Be sure to schedule regular wellness breaks to boost your energy, improve focus, and prevent burnout. It’s tempting to overcompensate while you’re away from the office, but it’s just as important to take time out.
Try standing up every hour, taking some fresh air, or doing a few stretches to keep your body active and energized. My Fitbit fitness watch tells me when it’s time to move, which is very helpful. To this end, I bought an affordable treadmill, which I keep beside my desk. Every few hours, I’ll take a 20-minute brisk stroll while watching some YouTube videos.
Working from home is something worth celebrating
We’ve all felt emotionally drained and lacking inspiration from the work-from-home lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be this way. By making a few thoughtful changes to your routine and environment, even if it’s as simple as improving your workspace or taking dedicated breaks, you can positively transform your attitude toward your work.
These upgrades don’t require significant expense or a major renovation, but their impact on your productivity, comfort, and happiness could well be priceless. Having made these changes for myself, I look forward to logging on and tackling my daily tasks with renewed energy and a positive mindset, while enjoying all the comforts of home.
