Working From Home -5 Tips For A Realistic And Productive Workspace
Working from home has been a scenario that Many are still figuring out and continually adapting to. However, we are entirely here for the business on top, cozy on the bottom work from home attire. Many have found one challenge, especially when they share their home with family, friends, or roommates, that work routines can be hard to stick to.
Distractions are inevitable when so many are also forced to wear many hats while performing their work task. Like the distraction of dishes in the sink, homework help, kids endlessly needing snacks, packages being delivered, dogs wanting their ball thrown, the noise of the news being on loudly all day, and the tequila bottle staring at you at 9 AM.
The topic of routines is quite a popular one. Pre 2020, you could find endless youtube videos (We watched Many), TikToks, and books written on creating habits. The subject seemed to die down as 2020 came, and out the window went our planners. While we are still huge advocates for self-care routines, ideally early in the morning or before bed, we have found that the more fluid we try to be with our daily schedules, the less likely we are to feel like we were trying to swim against the current all day.
How do you keep your deadlines, zoom meetings, and goals when routines seem to be in such flux? Environment! Yes, the setting and environment you set up are just as essential or even more important than trying to stick to a regimented schedule. Setting up the proper workspace for yourself is key to those times when you need to be dialed in so you can head directly into a zoom call focused, or for you to feel creatively in your flow. Having your office set up similarly each time allows your brain to adjust to working mode with less resistance due to the environment's familiarity.
It is worth acknowledging that when referencing "an office," this is a loose term as we have had offices in the form of kitchen counters, desk in the bedroom, working on the steps by the front door, the car, closet, garage, couch, outdoor bench, the park, to name a few locations. When your office is not a set location, we have found having office supplies and your personal setup similar each time key in finding the optimal mindset.
5 Tips For A Realistic And Productive Workspace
Work Next To Natural Lighting
Working next to a window or space that receives natural light throughout the day is ideal, particularly in locations that are heading into winter months. Natural sunlight is not only great for getting in your daily Vitamin D. Besides helping regulate your serotonin levels, sunlight counters our electronic gadgets' blue light and aids the body's circadian rhythm. Overall natural sunlight is beneficial for our eyes, bodies, and minds; beyond that, natural light is more flattering and ambient when making video calls. When working next to a window, it is vital for the eye and the muscles surrounding your eyes to look out the window, helping ease eye strain and headaches that many of us experience. Another benefit to staring outside is that it's tremendously constructive to let your mind wander, without being distracted, letting thoughts and ideas unfold or be reimagined.
2. Find Your Sound Track
Another way to help turn your attention to focus no matter the setting you are working in, is having a set playlist. This playlist can be, of course to your preference, may it be ambient music, podcast, audiobook, or another audio form that inspires you and allows you to turn your focus to the project at hand. Having a familiar playlist helps our mind with something habitual being a natural cue to where your focus needs to be, also aiding in drowning out distractions surrounding you. Having a playlist also sets a Atmosphere, notice how certain businesses, retail stores, Restaurants all use music to set the pace of the space, by having a playlist for your various moods or projects you can aid your mindset into the task at hand while easing some of the stress of the work location.
Yet there always seems to come a time when your music or what you’re listening to is just getting old. For inspiration we love to check out Youtube which has many wonderful free playlist that range in their genres, Spotify and Amazon Music also have great playlist, and TikTok videos also have great suggestions at new music. and everyday there seems to be a new podcast from wonderfully talented host ranging the Gambit in topics, so starting a new one has never been more easier. we also love to listen to audiobooks which Keeps us engaged especially helpful when you are doing work task that are more on the daunting or on the tedious side.
3. Use Your Sense Of Smell
Another advantage to take when you need to focus on work is taking account of your sense of smell. A smell can also set an environment; think about how the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte Signals that a Starbucks is near, and that Fall is close, even if the temperatures don't show it. Try setting the same "smell environment" with a candle, essential oil, brewing tea, etc. Make it a scent that you enjoy. A tip we love is rubbing a few drops of essential oils on our wrist (warming the oil by rubbing your wrist together) then while gently cupping our eyes so that our wrist Are inline with our nose, and taking about five deep breaths. We have found this quick practice helps us pivot our minds and bodies to be more centered when moving onto the next task. Besides, who doesn't like to be or walk into a room that is your favorite scent? using a Particular scent for a task is powerful in triggering our memory, again aiding our minds in a non-stressed way to focus and be prepared for work.
4. Organize Your Space
As we know, our office setting varies with layout, space, and functional differences. However, organization is critical, especially when space is short. One of the biggest triggers to frustration is not knowing where your work supplies are. Some simple solutions we have found that work best, especially when a classic desk/office layout is unnecessary or not feasible, are putting things in a classically cute office storage box. The storage offers protection for your paper, notes, and computer while concealing your supplies like cords and earbuds so they can be found easily in one spot. and when you are done for the day your work is out of sight, and the box can be easily tucked away in a closet or even under your bed.
Another organizing option is using a backpack or tote bag dedicated to your work supplies. Having a work bag is especially helpful if you travel or your location around the house moves. The tote still allows you to have everything you need contained in one spot while still staying organized and Keeping your stuff out of the way so sticky hands are less likely to make Their way onto your computer screen.
5. Protect Your Eyes
After long days on the computer or looking at the screens of our devices, you have most likely experienced sore eyes, headaches, or trouble sleeping. these symptoms dampen not only your productivity but also symptoms can worsen, making it physically impossible to finish your work. When trying to avoid eye strain, here are a few helpful tips so you can stay working Productively.
Periodically look away from your screen. It is best to look at something far away, preferably an object outside. Looking at distant objects can help lessen eye strain by offering your eye and its surrounding muscles a chance to relax and recalibrate.
Gently place your palms over your eyes, "gently cupping" them. The darkness offered by cupping your eyes is another way to provide your eyes relief from the light given off by the screen which can Cause fatigue.
See if Blue Light Blocking glasses or computer glasses are the right options for you. We have found blue-blocking glasses help us, and many we know from having headaches and other issues that arise when working on screens for long periods. Eye strain can also be attributed to blurry vision and your eyes not seeing the screen. A pair of reading or computer glasses may be a great option that you and your ophthalmologist can talk about.
Consider placing a salt lamp near your work area. the closer to your computer the better. We are not suggesting it as a work light, more for the care of your eyes and circadian rhythm. The sun or natural light gives you the full spectrum of UV light, while your computer mostly gives off blue light, which can strain your eyes and through off your body's rhythm, especially when working later in the day. A salt lamp is a great option to counterbalance some of the blue light coming from your screen. An Added Bonus Of Using A Salt Lamp are that they emit negative ions, which work like natural ionizers that purify and clean the air by neutralizing allergens, dust, pollen, mold, fungus, pet dander and odors. This is known to be very beneficial for respiratory health. Salt lamps also minimize the effect of positive ions from electro magnetic fields and electronic devices.
A Few OF Our Favorite THings
