Your home office space has pretty much become your only office space. By now, people across the world have moved their work back into their homes but that does not mean the transition has been easy, especially since it’s one we all were forced to make quickly. If you are in need of inspiration in a time when it might be hard to find, here are some items to consider adding to your home office.
Nothing can hinder productivity more than unnecessary clutter. When working from home, your environment should have a calming effect on you. A chaotic workspace can lead to additional feelings of stress, which we definitely do not need at this moment. To solve this, consider getting some shelves for your desk to make sure everything has it’s own dedicated space. You can place documents, pens, sticky notes or even snacks inside so that fewer physical items take up your desk space. When it comes to clutter, out of sight can really mean out of mind.
One of the best parts of working from home is working in an environment tailored toward your taste. Traditional office spaces can sometimes feel static no matter how much effort you put into your own dedicated workspace. After all, it is your HOME office. One item you should have in your home office space is storage containers for your pens, pencils and other supplies you will need. You can have fun with these containers by painting or decorating them that tailor them towards your style. Whether it’s your favorite color, pattern, or even stickers, you can really feel more inspired if your space feels like your own.
It’s not unusual for people to have pictures of their loved ones in their workspace. Back when we used to travel for work (has it really been that long?), we wanted to feel connected to friends and family when we couldn’t be with them all the time. Although things have certainly changed, you definitely want your home office space to be personalized towards you. This is why having picture frames with pictures of your loved ones is essential for keeping on your desk. If we really want to get sentimental, seeing these pictures can really inspire you to keep going when times are hard.
One way to make sure your home office has a sense of vibrancy or life is to include items that are actually alive. We’re not talking about pets, but at least now no one can stop you from having your fishbowl right next to you while you work. Having a vase of flowers can be a fun way to add life but also some color to your workspace. This makes them perfect additions since they are decorative and also functional. If a vase of flowers is a bit much for you, having a few succulents are also a great way to have plants in your home office. They might be small, but they fit perfectly on your desk and you could also argue that they each have a personality of their own.
This is one of the little things, but you’ll be glad you have these in your home office space. Pens in different colors can come in handy when it comes to organization (shout out to color-coded enthusiasts) or just for fun. You, of course, have the traditional black and blue for formal usage, but sometimes you might need a pink or purple to stand out from the rest. Even if you have the urge to doodle for a while, you can at least have fun with it by having all the colors you will need.
With your multicolored pens, you will need something to write on. Having different types of stationery for different occasions is important for your home office. Sticky notes are helpful for the little things like tasks or important info. For more important things to write down like due dates and deadlines, use stationary that is a step above the average piece of paper. Pages with colorful designs and patterns will make your lists more visually appealing which can help inspire you to use them more often. You’ll be glad you wrote them down to make sure you stay on top of things.
Having something to sip on can help make your work seem more a bit more enjoyable. Warm beverages usually put us in a more comfortable mindset which is why it would not hurt to brew some coffee or tea before settling into your home office space. A mug that suits your personality should have a place on your desk, whether it’s your favorite color or something that makes you laugh. Mugs can really let your personality shine, even if you are the only one in your office.
When you really need to focus but want to avoid complete silence in your home office space, there are plenty of options. The best type of music is ambient music due to its lack of lyrics, slow tempo, and overall calming nature. There are a plethora of playlists on streaming services, so pick when that you will dedicate to working. Other great options are nature sounds as ambiance such as rain, ocean waves, and forest sounds. They have the same effect as ambient music, but lets you feel as though you are somewhere else besides your home office. This might be as close to the beach as you get for now. Click the image below to explore music options that are perfect for working.
You will want your home office to feel welcoming as soon as you walk in. What better way to be greeted with a pleasant smell. A lit candle or oil diffusers are great options to make your home office space a room that you would want to spend time in. Calming scents like lavender and vanilla are great options but feel free to choose scents you like.
If you are in need of constant inspiration, try to find motivation in the form of quotes. Having a poster on the wall or small one on your desk will give you something to look at and hopefully give you an extra push to continue doing your best. It’s something that can be hard to find in times like these, but having a source of inspiration in your home office can be one of those little things that can help you keep going. There is no shortage of motivational quotes, so you will be sure to find the one that is perfect for you.
Everywhere you look along Kent’s campus you find these cute little fuzzy squirrels. Theses squirrels are not any ordinary animal,…
Partying may seem like a no-brainer, but here at UConn we take our fun very seriously. It takes practice to…
Ahh finals, don’t you just love that week where you cram for finals, drink lots of coffee, and hope that…
It’s no secret that JMU hosts the best college parties. Every weekend, guys and girls from all over come to…
Joining a sorority is a great way to get involved at any involved at any university. Although it may not…
It’s no secret that the University of Miami has made onto countless party school lists over the years. Even though…