Have you ever sat down to work and you just can’t focus? Or you get 30 minutes into your work day and you’re already uncomfortable? It can be so frustrating trying to get in a full day’s work while having roadblocks in front of you. Here are 10 ways to optimize your work environment.
Before you can optimize your space, you’re going to need to know what you’re optimizing for. Do you enjoy working for hours straight without stopping, or do you work better with something like the Pomodoro Technique?
If you work best being very hyper focused, you’re going to want to have a space you can stay in for a long time. Make sure you have easy access to temperature regulation, and a comfortable chair with excellent lumbar support.
It’s also important to keep your computer/laptop/monitor at a height that allows you to keep your posture. You’ll want your arms and wrists on a flat surface, with your keyboard at an arm’s length away. To help your neck, you’ll want to keep your body at a 90 degree angle with your monitor.
I say manage because some people need certain distractions to focus best. Some people work better with a certain amount of chaos, music, or white noise.
That being said, if you work best in short spurts, you’ll want to keep a handle on the amount of distractions you allow in your space. It’s easy to work for 40 minutes, stop for 5 minutes, and then your 5 minute break turns into a 30 minute break…
However, listen to what your body needs. There’s some trial and error in finding the right distraction vs. sensory input balance.
If you’re working from home it can be a struggle to get into work mode. Your brain could be focused on a multitude of things, as your environment feels like home, as opposed to the office. There are a few simple things you can do to enforce the office “vibe” in your work area.
Try choosing one spot to work from, and only working from there. You’ll want it to be comfortable and private, and most likely sectioned off. This helps almost Pavlov yourself, in that when you’re in the same space it’ll be easier for your brain to think about work-related things.
It can also help to make the space one that you enjoy being in. Almost like a sanctuary that you get to visit on your work days. It will be easier to spend time in the space if it makes you feel happy and comfortable.
We’ve all had that feeling of, “Ugh I don’t want to work today…” And you will continue to have it. But if you find yourself in a loop of “Ugh I don’t want to do this” it won’t help you in the long run.
Trying to change your work mentality into a positive one will help your work be more enjoyable. There are still going to be times when you dislike working, but it’s something you have to do. Why not make it as fun as you can?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this week’s blog post. Hopefully these tips help you in your work from home journey! If there’s anything in particular you’d like to read about, leave a comment, or reach out to us on social media.