5 Ways to Create a Kick-A** Productive Workspace that Also Promotes Wellbeing
Whether you work from home or in a traditional office space, the environment you surround yourself with is incredibly important for productivity. If you find your attention lacking or happiness dwindling, maybe it’s time to switch things up!
Here are our top five tips for designing a workspace that will not only boost productivity, but increase well-being too!
1. Let the Sun In!
There’s a reason why that sun-filled corner office is so highly coveted–sunlight makes us feel good! Natural daylight has been shown to increase productivity as well as boost overall mood. Sunlight helps us to regulate hormone production and leads to better sleep, which in turn, increases productivity the next day. If you don’t have access to large windows, a natural light lamp can mimic the sun’s rays.
2. Go Green!
It’s a no-brainer that adding a green companion will help to boost your productivity. Plants help to filter out air, and better air quality means increased productivity. It’s also been shown that looking at nature reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) significantly and the color green has been associated with increased creativity. If you’re a first time house-plant buyer, this article can help you narrow down which plant to buy first.
3. Declutter Daily!
Keeping an organized space will help you stay on track because… less distractions! Get into the habit of putting things back where they belong as soon as you finish using them and take an extra five minutes at the end of the day to organize so that you can start your next day with a fresh mind. Remove anything that’s not helping you with productivity and set boundaries so that you can create your best space.
Remember that this applies to your digital space as well. Make it a habit to organize your emails and schedule out your to-do list for the next day so that you can start your day fresh and ready to go.
4. Personalize Your Space (In Moderation)!
Adding personal items to your work space can increase your emotional ties to work, which might motivate you to be more productive. At the same time, having too many things may be distracting and prevent you from doing your best work. Strike a balance by keeping the things that might motivate you more (like photos of your family or a photo of that dream vacation) but clear everything else out.
5. Focus on Flexibility!
We’re all human and even if your workspace is set up perfectly, there are going to be days when focus is a challenge. Give yourself space to make mistakes; not every single day is going to be productive, and that’s okay. Allow yourself to bend the rules and lean into the flexibility. If a task is taking too much time because you’re simply not invested in it for the day, move on and return to it later.
