7 Ways to boost focus in your home office
Working from home can be a challenge, with distractions like family, pets, and household tasks vying for your attention. Rest assured because it is possible to create a home workspace that allows you to stay focused and productive in your work, as well as to leave work at the “office” when you’re done for the day.
Here are our top tips for designing a functional and effective home office space:
1. Declutter Your Space: A cluttered workspace leads to cluttered thoughts. Keep your desk tidy and organized. Only have essential items on it and put away everything else. Spend a few minutes each evening straightening up your surroundings so that in the morning you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.
2. Separate Work and Home: Maintain a clear boundary between your work area and living space. Even a designated chair at your dining table can serve as an effective workspace. Position your workspace to minimize distractions, consider using noise-cancelling headphones, and use room dividers or partitions to physically separate your workspace from the rest of your home.
3. Appeal to Your Senses: Enhance your workspace with elements that engage your senses. Maximize natural light as much as you can, as it boosts serotonin levels and lowers blood pressure, among other health benefits. Studies have shown that access to natural light can significantly enhance productivity. Supplement with floor lamps or add a table lamp to your desk if needed.
4. Leverage Color: According to the principles of Color Theory, Ayurveda and Feng Shui, colors can impact focus, productivity, and organization. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to paint your office walls! Simply incorporate pops of color with artwork and accessories like lamps, vases, or plant pots to inspire energy and productivity. Here are colors that boost focus.
5. Scent and Sound: Utilize scents that promote focus and relaxation. Essential oils in a diffuser can help, with options like peppermint for energy, rosemary for concentration, and lavender, rose, or sweet orange for anxiety relief. Introduce background noise or white noise into your workspace, using a fountain, a white noise machine, a fan, or soothing music to maintain a productive atmosphere.
6. Temperature Control: Ensure your workspace is comfortable by regulating the temperature. Have a space heater, warm sweater, and blanket on hand if it's cold, or use a fan and stay hydrated if it's warm.
7. Bring the Outside In: Incorporate biophilic design elements into your home office. Biophilic design means, more or less, bringing the outside in. The idea is that maintaining a connection to nature in your space can help relieve stress and anxiety. An easy way to do this is to incorporate plants into your workspace and throughout your home. If you’re not sure you can keep plants alive, try something low-maintenance like cacti or succulents.
Creating a functional and appealing home office space is essential for maintaining focus and productivity when working from home. Implement these tips to make your remote work experience more successful and enjoyable.
