These Interior Design Tips Could Improve Your Productivity
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3 weeks ago
Level up your workspace (and beat the winter blues)
The days are short, the weather is dreary, and winter is on the horizon – which means you might find a touch of seasonal depression creeping in. While there are plenty of handy interior design tips to help improve your mood, there are also some easy adjustments you can make to maximise your productivity when working from home. Here’s the rundown.
How To Be Productive When Working From Home: Interior Design Tips
Feeling blue now that the weather has turned? You’re not alone. ‘There are a variety of reasons behind a “low” feeling in winter,’ says fitness instructor and psychotherapist Eloise Skinner. ‘It can be down to reduced exposure to sunlight, colder temperatures, and less time spent outdoors. Many of us also have fewer social plans and a general feeling of turning inwards.’ Hibernation is on the cards, it seems, but there’s still the small matter of productivity: there’s no denying that working from home can feel like a bit of a struggle during the colder months.
Being glued to your dining table in the winter gloom isn’t exactly ideal – but boosting both your mood and your productivity can come down to a few simple interior design tweaks, according to office furniture experts at Slouch.
So, where’s the best place to start? Read on for some productivity tips to help with working from home in the winter.
Rearrange Your Desk Setup
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‘Where possible, position your desk next to a south facing window to help you reap the benefits of the sunshine, which is key in the winter months,’ says Matt Ousby, Chief Innovation Officer at Slouch. (The best place for your home office itself is also a south facing room, since it’ll receive the most natural light.)
Investing in a standing desk is another surefire way to keep you active and energetic throughout the day. Adjustable office desks are a particularly great choice since they can be used alongside walking pads, helping you to boost your step count. Plus, standing desks can ‘improve posture, reduce back pain and improve our circulation, while also allowing us to keep our wrists at a more ergonomic position to prevent wrist strain,’ says Matt.
Focus On Ergonomics
‘Ensure you’re making ergonomic adjustments to your desk chair and desk setup, including keyboards and secondary screens.’ Matt advises. ‘This can help to prevent injuries and discomfort at work, and can also increase productivity and performance.’
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Level Up Your Lighting
Lighting is a vital part of any home office – especially when the days are gloomier. ‘A desk lamp is brilliant, but if you’re short on desk space, use wall-mounted spotlights to ensure your desk is well lit,’ says Lyz Igwe, lighting and interior expert at Dowsing & Reynolds.
Insulate Your Office Space
Nothing can affect your motivation more than a chilly workspace – so easy insulation hacks are key. These include ‘placing a large rug down, installing heavier curtains, and using draft excluders,’ says Jamie Jones, home expert at Open Space Concepts. ‘Whether your home office is your spare room or in a garden room, invest in an energy-efficient heater to help keep the room as warm as possible,’ he adds.