It is likely that you spend time and effort making sure that your home is a pleasant, calming space – but do you do the same thing for your workspace?
Many people simply put up a few pictures and get to work, but in reality it can be very beneficial to create a calming, beautiful workspace. After all, most people spend around a third of their lives at work, so it can have a big impact on your mood (and your productivity)!
Thankfully there are lots of ways to make your workspace more relaxing. Whether you are self-employed or work in an office, here are five tips to help you create a calming workspace.
1. Creating A Calming Workspace: Adjust The Lighting
If you want to create a calm workspace it is important to consider the lighting. This is because the lighting has a big effect on both your mood and your health; research has found that dim or blue toned lighting can make you stressed and cause eye strain. So make sure the bulbs in your office are warm toned and bright enough, and consider adding a lamp so you can adjust the brightness of the room throughout the day.
2. Add In A Little Noise
Some people work better in silence, but studies have found that many people are actually happier and more productive when there is a little noise while they are working. You could play calm music (such as jazz or classical music), or you could buy a small water fountain for your desk to create the sound of flowing water. Try a few different sounds to see what works best for you!
3. Sit In An Ergonomic Chair
You can also improve your health (and therefore your mood) by investing in an ergonomic chair. The NHS report that sitting in a non-ergonomic chair can cause back problems and nerve problems, and this can make you feel stressed and frustrated. Thankfully there are lots of affordable ergonomic chairs out there – but we do suggest trying a chair before you buy it. This is because everyone is built differently, so some chairs will be better suited to you than other chairs.
4. Declutter
You can also create a calming workspace by decluttering your desk. Throw away everything you don’t need (including old files and documents), and consider buying some cute storage boxes so that it is easier to stay tidy in the future.
5. Boost Your Mood With Plants
Finally you can boost your mood by adding some greenery. The RHS say that plants make people feel calmer and happier, and the plants will also produce oxygen to clear out the air in your workspace. Just make sure to go for real plants rather than fake – otherwise you won’t get the fresh oxygen benefits!
