Working from home is considered the dream for many. Management can’t breathe down your neck, you’re safe from all those annoying colleagues, and you can take your lunch break whenever you want! Sounds fantastic, but anyone who’s worked from home for a while will tell you that even though the dress code might be a little more relaxed, working from home still requires hard work, organisation and an incredible amount of self-discipline. Five, working in a room with the TV, games console and all your other distractions around you isn’t going to be easy!
One way to combat procrastination and enhance your productivity at home is by creating a productive and efficient working environment in which you can thrive and enjoy sitting down to work in every day — wondering where to start? Read on for five tips for creating a productive home office.
Make your life a little easier
Setting up all your work programmes and tech is going to play a big part in your daily productivity. But don’t be afraid to invest in a little extra help to keep your efficiency flowing.
Lighting
Think of the lighting in a traditional office space and you’re probably imagining stark, clinical overhead that is not only unforgiving but completely unnatural. This kind of can play havoc with our body clocks, so when you set up your home office space, opt for plenty of standing lamps with a warm glow rather than a stark bright shine. Plenty of natural light is also a good idea!
Add a little greenery
We spend a lot of time indoors, so adding a few house plants in your home office will make it feel light, airy and add a touch of nature. House plants are good for purifying the air; it and good for reducing stress and lowering your blood pressure.
A good, supportive chair
You’re going to be sitting at your desk for long periods of time, so make sure you’ve invested in a good office chair that is comfortable and supportive. An ergonomic chair will ensure that you, in all the right places, it will help prevent injury in the long term and help you to maintain good posture.
Some light exercise equipment
This one is optional; however; however, if you work at home, you might become conscious of how little you’re moving your body on a day to day basis. Having a set of light exercise equipment such as small hand weights, resistance bands, a yoga mat or even an exercise bike will allow you to introduce a little exercise into your sedentary day.
Exercising on your breaks will also help to clear your head, reduce your stress levels and help you reset before settling back down to work.