According to a June 2020 report from Stanford 42% of the workforce is now clocking in from home.
While this brings many stresses of work home, we are also experiencing numerous benefits such as less time on the road, more time with family and the ability to create a more nurturing work space.
Here are a few tips to help you create a home office that works for you, not against you.
Choose a Spot With Natural Sunlight
Start by choosing a home office space that can allow natural light to spill in while you’re working.
Because you are spending more time indoors, it will be important to bring as much of the outdoors in.
Several studies show this can increase your productivity. Sunlight provides boosts of serotonin, which is a chemical in your brain that gives you more energy and improves focus.
It can also help with reducing eye strain, improving sleep, and enhancing your mood.
Make Sure You Are Comfortable
Your home office should provide you with the comfort you want and need. A few details can help you stay focused for longer and feel better at the end of the day.
Start with a chair that supports your back and posture as much as possible.
Place your most-used documents, tools, and references at a close arm’s reach.
Avoid cluttering your office space with distracting items that don’t need to be there--keep the laundry in the laundry room!
Choose Decor Colors That Make You Feel Good
Your workspace should be as productive as it is inspiring.
Be sure it inspires you by considering your color palette .
Studies suggest that certain colors help stimulate your brain, while others may have calming effects that can reduce stress levels.
Typically, warmer colors like yellows, pinks, light blues and oranges, are said to create a more calm, relaxing vibe. It’s important to customize the space to your own preferences, though. After all it is yours!
Add a Scent
Picking the perfect scent is one thing, but ensuring that it is made with quality ingredients is something else altogether. Our soy candles are created from 100% all natural soy wax. That makes them an easy choice to bring into your home office where you spend so much time.
You can also leave a bottle of our premium room sprays on your desk for an extra boost of energy and focus throughout the day. As in you inhale and exhale, sync up with your favorite scent, center your thoughts, and refocus on your tasks at hand.
It can become a part of a therapeutic experience.
Add a Bit of Yoga
There are many different activities you can do to remain focused and healthy when you work from home.
The basic principles of yoga can be woven into your daily workflow. When you are able to take a break, squeeze in a few yoga stretches that are known to reduce fatigue, tension, anxiety, and relax your muscles: child’s pose, corpse pose, extended triangle pose, and cat pose.
You can also incorporate quick yoga breathing exercises to your work day.
Click here to learn a few including three-part breathing and alternate nostril breathing.