One of the many ways in which the pandemic has affected our lives is in the way we conduct work.
According to Stanford research, 42% of America’s workforce now work from home full-time, and will likely continue to work from home for the foreseeable future.
For many of us, being able to focus and effectively conduct work from your own home poses numerous new challenges. With this new normal, it is very important to establish a home office that is conducive to your individual needs. These simple suggestions will help you make the best use of your house while working from home.
Designate a Distinct Working Space
Depending on what kind of home you live in, it might be very easy to designate a clear working space. If you already have an office room, it will be very easy to establish a distinct work area. However, a lot of people don’t have a room dedicated just to work. If that’s the case, just make the most of the space you have.
Try to pick a room where you have the ability to close the door. If you have kids, pets, or just get easily distracted, being able to close the door to your workspace will help you focus on the tasks at hand.
Set Physical Boundaries.
When working from home, it is critical to separate home life and work life.
This is so important for not only your productivity, but also your mental and physical health.
For example, you can set boundaries by never working in your kitchen. Sitting at your kitchen counter may trick your brain into thinking it is time to eat or snack. Your brain is programmed to associate your kitchen with eating. As we all know, trying to accomplish work tasks when hungry just isn’t a good idea.
The same goes for your couch or bed. Working from the comfort of your soft mattress makes your brain think it is time to relax. This can make you feel sleepier during the workday and also make you unable to shut your mind off from work projects when it’s actually time to sleep.
Don’t Stay In The Same Place
While it’s a good idea to establish a more permanent workspace, it’s also a smart idea to change up your scenery once in a while. Moving locations helps stimulate your brain and may inspire more creative thinking patterns. If your living room gets lots of natural sunlight in the morning, maybe try working there for a few hours at the start of every day.
You can always transition back to your designated home office once you grow tired of one space.
Keep A Clean Workspace
A clean work area is one of the most important ways to help your mind focus. Maintaining a clean desk while at home can be very challenging. But there are ways to control the clutter.
Start by investing in some good storage space. If your home is conducive for extra shelving, consider buying an extra bookcase or set of shelves to store books, stacks of papers, etc. If not, buy some simple baskets, bins, or file holders to store your extra paperwork.
Keeping a clean work area not only helps your mind focus but will also help you feel accomplished and in control of your own space.
Decorate Your Area
One of the best things you can do for your work-from-home space is to add a personal flair. Studies have shown that incorporating elements from your house that you love in your home office will help you stay happy and reduce stress.
Add some personal touches to your space like a family photo, vase of bright flowers, or nice scented candle.
Also, if you’re a caffeine person, brew some coffee throughout the day to fill your work area with the aroma. The smell of coffee is said to actually stimulate creativity and productivity.
Personalizing your work area will make you happier, improve your mood, and make the workday a little easier.
Get Your Questions Answered
The pandemic has changed the way we do a lot of things, including working from home. Another sector the pandemic has altered is the real estate market.
If you have any questions about buying or selling your home in the current market, real estate agent Kim Clark is a knowledgeable source for anyone living in or near Kosciusko County. Call her today and get your questions answered.