Working from home is now the norm, and the way your desk is set up can have a big effect on how you feel and how well you work. The good news is? You don’t have to completely change your setup to make it better. Making a few small changes can make you more comfortable, more productive, and even change your mood. Let’s look at some small but dramatic changes you may make to your home office that will make a big difference.
Lighting Tweaks That Brighten Your Day
The amount of light in a room can have a big effect on how much work you get done and how much energy you have. Bad lighting can make your eyes hurt, give you headaches, and even change your mood.
This is how to make it better:
Light from the sun First: If you can, put your desk near a window. Your body’s circadian cycle is controlled by natural light.
Task Lighting: Use a desk lamp that lets you change how bright it is. Warm-toned LED lights make your eyes less tired.
Overhead Lighting: Use daylight LED bulbs instead of harsh fluorescent lights to make it look like natural sunshine.
The 20-20-20 rule says that every 20 minutes, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Rethink Your Chair Setup
Your chair plays a key role in your overall posture and comfort, especially during long working hours. An uncomfortable or unsupportive chair can lead to back pain and fatigue.
Here’s what you can do:
Get a good refurbished office chair that supports your lower back and has adjustable features. Nulife Chairs specializes in high-end ergonomic chairs that are affordable and fully reconditioned.
To relieve pressure on your lower back, add a footrest. Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle.
Do you want to know more about how to sit properly? Take a look at Enthralling Gumption’s approach to wellness at work.
Declutter for Clear Thinking
Not only does clutter take up room, but it also takes up mental space. Research shows that messy places make people more stressed and less focused.
How to get rid of clutter:
Stop using paper: Use Google Drive or Dropbox to store files on the cloud.
Use drawer organizers or trays on your desk to keep things in order.
Take away cords and electronics that you don’t use.
Clutter Item | Replace With |
|---|---|
Paper stacks | Digital folders |
Old coffee mugs | Minimalist cup warmer |
Tangled wires | Cord organizers or wireless gear |
Add Personalized Touches
To make your home office more appealing and stimulating, it should show off who you are.
Try these things:
- Put up framed pictures, motivational statements, or vision boards.
- Add indoor plants like snake plants or succulents to your space.
- Use colorful notebooks, mouse pads, or art to get your creative juices flowing.
According to a study published by the guardian, people working in spaces with indoor plants reported 15% higher productivity.
Adjust Layout for Better Flow
Sometimes, simply changing the arrangement of your furniture can have a surprising effect on productivity.
Ideas:
- Use the “command position” layout: Put your workstation such that you can see the door but aren’t exactly in front of it.
- Put things you use a lot close by.
- Clear routes for walking to lower the risk of tripping.
Read Enthralling Gumption’s post on Minimalist Home Design for more layout inspiration.
Small Tech Upgrades That Go a Long Way
You don’t need to splurge on high-end equipment to make your office more efficient.
- Budget-friendly tech upgrades: Add a second monitor for better multitasking.
- Use a cordless keyboard and mouse to eliminate clutter.
- Invest in a camera cover and noise-canceling headphones.
Tech Upgrade | Benefit |
|---|---|
Second monitor | Better multitasking |
Webcam cover | Privacy assurance |
Wireless peripherals | Cleaner workspace |
Standing desk converter | Healthier posture options |
Build a Routine Around Your Setup
A nice setup won’t help you if you don’t stick to routines that help you get things done.
How to build an effective routine:
- Start your day with a short stretching exercise.
- Follow a regular work-start and shutdown ritual.
- Keep a daily to-do list and prioritize high-focus tasks first.
Expert tip: Use the Pomodoro Technique; 29 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break—to stay efficient throughout the day.
Conclusion
Revamping your home office doesn’t have to mean spending thousands or undergoing a complete remodel. With just a few strategic changes, like improving lighting, upgrading to a quality refurbished office chair, and optimizing layout and tech; you can create a workspace that supports both productivity and well-being.
Explore more wellness and productivity tips at Enthralling Gumption and take your comfort to the next level with trusted ergonomic options from Nulife Chairs.
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
