There are more people currently engaging in remote work than ever before. Likewise, more and more students are choosing to pursue higher education from the comfort of their own homes through online courses and self-study.
While not everybody has an entire dedicated office space in their home, those of us who work and study remotely all have a desk. But did you know that creating the right environment can not only boost productivity but improve mood, too? No matter how small your working or studying space is, it can be upgraded with a few simple tweaks that will make it a more pleasant and motivating environment. Let's get into how.
1. Make it Motivational
Whatever you use your desk for, make sure there's something present in the space that helps motivate you for the tasks at home.
Let's say you mostly use your desk for work. Why not place a small whiteboard on your desk and use it daily to replace and tick off your to-do list? If motivational quotes are your thing, print them out and scatter them around your desk to remind you to work hard. If you have quantifiable targets, write them down on a piece of paper and stick them to the wall behind your desk.
Whatever your reason for spending time at your desk, make sure your motives are clearly laid out for you every time you sit down there. The more motivational your environment, the more productive you will be.
2. Include Health and Fitness
When we think about sitting at a desk all day, there's one thing that certainly doesn't come to mind. Fitness. From being in dangerously close proximity to that delicious packet of biscuits to lacking the movement needed to maintain a healthy body, sitting at a desk can have negative health impacts that stretch into the long term.
But one way you can make your workspace much more conducive to long-term wellbeing is by investing in a standing desk or height-adjustable desk, such as these stylish options offered by FlexiSpot.
With standing more often boasting a plethora of health benefits, swapping out a traditional seating desk for a standing or height-adjustable alternative is a great way to boost your fitness. Plus, many people with height-adjustable or standing desks will opt to get a treadmill mat underneath the desk, allowing them to get those all-important steps in even during the working day.
Just think - the next time you're having a catch-up call with your manager, you could be walking your way to your daily step goal without having to take any time out of your day.
3. Add Some Greenery
One of the easiest ways to liven up a space without having to spend a lot of money or adopt DIY is to add in some plants. From flowers in a vase to a green hanging plant over shelves, adding a touch of greenery to your desk will make a bigger difference than you think.
And it won't just be aesthetics that benefit. Plants can actually improve the air quality of a space, so sprinkling greenery around your office does wonders for your health.
4. Consider Lighting
Do you know what's even more tiring than a busy day at work? A busy day at work with inadequate lighting. If you work in a dark room, you can easily start to feel fatigued and drowsy and struggle to concentrate.
By decorating your desk with colourful, quirky lamps, you not only make the space look much more inviting, but also boost your productivity.
5. Display Pictures
One easy way to give your desk a more personal touch (and give you something lovely to look at when you're having a bad day) is to display photos of you and your loved ones. Place the photographs in colourful, attractive frames that complement the decor in the rest of the room and you'll transform your desk into somewhere that feels more personal.
You can use these images for motivation, too. Working hard to pay for a family holiday? Frame a picture of your dream destination to remind yourself why you're putting in the hours.
6. Opt for Colour
Think working at your desk is boring? Why not spruce things up with a pop of colour? Instead of sticking to the greys and blacks typically associated with technology, you can buy a colourful mouse and keyboard to plug into your computer and keep things bright.
If you're using a laptop and can't swap out the colour of the keys, opt for brightly-coloured accessories instead, such as a colourful wrist rest or laptop stand.
Decorating your desk doesn't have to be difficult or break the bank. Once you've chosen the right desk for the job, such as a height-adjustable or standing desk, you can begin to put your own personal touch on it through lighting choices, plants, pictures, and colours. Your work and study time will never feel dull again.
