Reader
Here we are mid-way through January (that happened fast!) and if you’re following the trends, then you are either decluttering or thinking about decluttering. I'm a fan of this trend not only because of what I coach, but because it’s one that makes sense after the downshift of the holiday season plus it fits with the freshness of the new year. We are ready to “get back to it” and to “make things happen” and our environment needs to be conducive to those goals.
As a productivity coach with hands-on experience as a professional organizer, I have witnessed how our physical environment can impact our mental space and overall wellbeing. The clutter and disorganization in our workspace is a visual distraction that stresses us by providing too much stimuli and acting as constant reminders of unfinished tasks. And it’s not just about clutter. Your workspace can foster productivity when it’s designed the right way for you.
In episode 243 of the Positively Living® Podcast, I share 8 key elements to consider when designing a home office that will boost your productivity and inspire your creativity.
Here’s a summary of those tips. How many have you considered (or already implemented) for your office?
- Ergonomics - Invest in a comfortable chair and keyboard to maintain good posture and reduce strain. (I just did this for myself. I had the chair, but I was working with a laptop and it wasn't cutting it.)
- Lighting - Maximize natural light, use adjustable task lighting, and incorporate soft ambient lighting. (I have a mix of task, video, and natural light. And I use twinkle lights because the ambience makes me happy.)
- Space to Work - Choose a desk that provides ample support for the type of work you do. (I ended up with a small-scale L-shaped because I like to take lots of notes.)
- Organization + Accessibility - Arrange your space to minimize unnecessary movement and keep frequently used items within reach. (I keep my podcast mic and Rocketbook within reach! If you're curious about those, click here for my gear and here for my writing + journaling favorites.)
- Color Psychology - Select colors that evoke the desired mood and energy level. (My office has a deep teal color on the walls similar to what you see in this email. Check out my Instagram profile if you want a peek at my setup.)
- Personal & Inspirational Decor - Incorporate photos, artwork, and vision boards that motivate you. (I have silly signs like "I don't need another inspirational quote, I need coffee" and a huge whiteboard, plus artwork created by family.)
- Plants + Nature Views - Introduce greenery and seek out nature to improve air quality and cognitive function. (I struggle to keep plants alive, but I have a fabulous Snow-white-worthy video of the great outdoors.)
- Maintenance - Establish a daily habit of tidying up and resetting your workspace. (I call it "back to neutral" and it's something I coach and I do myself because those few minutes give you back so much time!)
By creating a home office that supports your unique needs and preferences, you can unlock your full potential and achieve greater productivity and creativity.
If you’d like more details on these tips, I encourage you to listen to the full episode and if you’re ready to take the next steps, how about a chat with me?
Did you know that a Coaching Consultation Call is a bit like free coaching? During our video call (Zoom) we have ample time to get to know each other and to identify your priorities, whether or not working together is your next best step. After our chat, you'll walk away feeling encouraged and focused and already feeling more productive!
If that sounds good, click this link and schedule a time: https://www.positivelyproductive.com/call
And until we meet, keep focusing on what matters to you.
♥
Lisa
If you are a DIY fan and ready to declutter, you'll love this on-demand workshop with a 6-step system that works no matter the clutter! This workshop includes a dedicated workbook and is a lifetime access product.
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$25.00
[On-demand] Whole-life Decluttering Workshop
[On-demand recording] Whole-life Decluttering: Make Space for What Matters -- In this 60-minute workshop you’ll learn... Read more |