There are only so many Zoom calls one person can take. If you started working at home, you might feel antsy and agitated, which is completely normal. You might be surprised that you’re not enjoying the change as much as you thought, but remember that it’s a huge transition to go from working in a populated office to working solo at home.
The best way to adapt is to make your space more personal; you want to feel like your new Boxroom Office is home, and you’ll need to learn how to lay the groundwork for a comforting work environment. By the way, a boxroom office is a name coined after the nickname for spare bedrooms in the UK. Often called box rooms, these extra rooms are becoming for many folks home office space today.
Whether you’re spending your days doing accountancy or art, here are five tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your home office.
1. Stock Up On Snacks
Medical experts agree that eating well is the key to productivity and happiness.
Ditch the sugary biscuits and fill your home office with nutritious food. Your brain and waistline will thank you for it. Snacks like nuts, cereal bars, and fresh fruit provide slow-release carbohydrates and nutrients to nourish your body and brain.
Eating consistent healthy meals gives you a reliable source of fuel and stops the mid-afternoon slump that happens when your blood sugar suddenly drops. This is essential to keep you full of energy throughout the working day.
2. Treat Yourself To Artwork
Add something pretty to your home office to brighten your mood. Whether it’s a photo of your loved ones, a copy of a Picasso, or simply a nice picture of a sunset, these personal touches will make you smile when it catches your eye.
You can even take some time to make a collage of all your happy memories or a mood board of the things you want to achieve to motivate you on long days.
Make your Boxroom Office a place you enjoy going and spending 9-5 in there won’t feel as tough.
3. Turn the Temperature Down
Studies show that if your home office is too hot, your productivity will go down.
The highest productivity level is reached at around 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can vary from person to person. Adjust the temperature by a few degrees for a boost of brainpower.
4. Get a Houseplant
Not only can a plant brighten up the feel of your Boxroom Office, but it also offers a wide range of health benefits.
Living and working with some greenery in your home office has been proven to:
- Reduce stress
- Improve attention span
- Lower fatigue and headaches
Plus, they make your indoor space look exciting and attractive.
Some plants that are low-maintenance and easy to grow in your home office are Aloe Vera, Snake Plant, and Birds Nest Fern.
5. Invest in an Ergonomic Chair
You’ve just finished a long day at work, you stand up ready to relax and — ouch. You’re hit with a sharp spike of back pain. Sound familiar?
Although backache has plagued office workers for decades, working from a home office puts you even more at risk. Chairs in normal offices are handpicked to support your back, but working from your sofa can put serious stress on your body.
Investing in a specialist chair is definitely worth the cost. It’s easy to find affordable options and adjust them to ensure you’re making yourself as comfortable as possible. A good place to start your search would be this list of the top 5 office chairs.
Conclusion
There are lots of great things about working from a home office: no stressful commute, more time with loved ones, and getting to wear sweatpants all day. And it’s easy to make your Boxroom Office a calm and productive space where you can truly enjoy working.
Just follow these simply tips and you’ll love your workspace in no time.