Technology has made it easier than ever for people to work from home. Working from home can be very convenient, but it is essential to have a space that allows for and encourages work-life balance. Even those with in-person office jobs could benefit from having a more peaceful working area in today’s busy and often overstimulating world. Distractions can occur both at home and in a public office setting, which may make it more challenging to do your job. Here are some ways to build a more relaxing workspace.

Incorporate Natural Elements

If possible, make sure to include natural elements in your workspace. Studies have shown that plants, for example, can reduce stress and negative moods as well as boost productivity and creativity. This makes plants especially useful to have in a work environment where you need to focus, get things done, and think of creative solutions to problems. Some plants that are easy to take care of include:

  • Aloe, which does not require much watering 
  • Peace lilies, which do well in low lighting conditions and moderate temperatures
  • Cactii, which are hearty and do fine being largely left alone
  • Herbs, which are not only easy to take care of but provide fragrance for the room and flavor for food once they have matured 

Along the same lines, natural light provides benefits such as improved sleep due to its assistance with the body’s circadian rhythms. If you only have a small window, consider placing a mirror in the room to make the most of what little natural light does come through your window. If you cannot have natural light in your space, consider bringing in some lamps with soft lightbulbs rather than using harsh fluorescent lighting.

Communicate

Communication is often high on lists regarding mental health tips, and for good reason. One of the intangible factors that go into building a relaxing workspace is communicating your expectations to others. For example, if you work from home, let your spouse know the hours that you wish to not be bothered. Communicate this with your kids or anyone else you live with as well, provided they are old enough to understand these boundaries.

If you work in an office with others, let coworkers know, in a polite and diplomatic manner, that you wish not to be distracted while working and to contact you via email for urgent matters. You can always catch up and chat during lunch as well as before and after the workday.

Be Mindful of Noise

While some people can easily ignore or brush off auditory distractions while working, others find noise very distracting. If you fall into the latter group, take steps to reduce or eliminate the amount of noise you hear from your office. If you are able to work from home, consider arranging for your home office to be in a room that does not face the street. If you work in a building with others and have little say over where your workspace is located, consider:

  • Wearing noise-isolating or noise-canceling headphones 
  • Closing your door when you are trying to concentrate 
  • Inquiring about working different hours from the majority of your coworkers, if possible 
  • Investing in a white noise machine to use at your desk

While it is not possible to eliminate all distractions, it is possible to reduce some of their effects.

Decorate

If you are able to personalize your office, take advantage of this. Put up some paintings that bring you joy, for example, or keep some small knick-knacks that have sentimental meaning on your desk. Remember that cool colors such as shades of blues, grays, and greens have calming effects, while bright colors like yellow have more energetic effects.

Many people spend most of their waking hours at their desk, whether in a busy office or a dedicated workspace in their home. So, investing in wireless charging under the desk is a great idea as it will make your space free from cords.

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