Designing a Peaceful Home Office That Improves Your Productivity

The new normal is the “work-from-home” set up!  If you work from home, you can definitely design an environment that will help you feel relaxed while accomplishing more.

Below are some helpful suggestions for maximum productivity.

Creating a Peaceful Setting: 

1. Select a soothing color scheme.
   There are plenty of tranquil hues to choose from. Blue may be the most obvious choice, or rose or earth tones.  You can probably find a soft shade in any of your favorite colors, save more dynamic tones for accent pieces.
2. Maximize your space.
   If space is at a premium, look for furniture that doubles as seating and storage or take advantage of wall space by installing hooks and shelves. Strategically placed mirrors can open up any room, and careful furniture placement will make things feel less cramped.
3. Light up your office.
   If you have a window, make the most of the natural light and outdoor view. Sufficient lighting around your workstation will minimize eyestrain. Adjustable lamps add additional comfort. Keep in mind that the darker the room, the more light you’ll need.
4. Introduce some fragrance.
   If you have windows for natural light, try some easy-care plants like lavender or mint. Aromatic oil diffusers are also simple to use and long-lasting. Different scents such as frankincense, chamomile, marjoram, and sage are known for their calming and centering qualities.  For more invigorating scents, try lemon or wintergreen.
5. Play music.
   One of the nicest things about working alone is being able to enjoy music without distracting anyone else. Instrumental music is best when you’re trying to concentrate. Play anything you want if you’re doing mostly routine tasks. Internet radio stations give you a huge selection.
6. Add personal touches.
   Post inspirational sayings or keep a book of favorite quotations handy. Spread around some treasured photos or vacation souvenirs.

Getting Organized: 

1. Banish clutter.
   Plan for sufficient filing and storage space to help you keep de-clutter. Go paper-free whenever possible. Regularly sort through your materials for things you can archive and/or discard.
2. Clean regularly.
   Vacuum and dust every two to four days. Do a thorough once-a-month cleaning. This will help protect you from germs and create a more hospitable environment.
3. Separate your personal and business activities.
   When you work from home, it’s helpful to create boundaries to keep your life in balance. Keep distractions like laundry out of the office, and office items such as files out of the rest of the house. This will help you to focus and will also reduce the risk of losing things.
4. Minimize interruptions.
   Some people may not understand that you’re busy when you’re at home. Let your family and friends know the hours when you need to minimize calls or other interruptions. Avoid checking your email too frequently and put your phone on voice mail when you need some quiet time.
5. Stay connected.
   Take steps to avoid feeling isolated. You may go out to lunch with colleagues at least once a week or find local chapters of organizations relevant to your business and attend the meetings. Networking is also good for your career and personal happiness.

6. Give yourself a break.
   Setting your own schedule means you need to plan your own breaks. You’ll be more effective at work if you stay active and refresh your mind. Go to the gym before you settle down to work in the morning. If you find yourself working long hours, pick one afternoon to take off and see a movie.

Working at home can be a wonderful experience if you create a setting that dispels tension and fatigue. Use these principles of design and organization to feel better and make working from home more effective.