Love what you do and how you do it.
Enjoying your job is easier said than done, but it’s possible. Working from home gives you a great deal of freedom with your environment. Still, you might feel undermotivated for a myriad of reasons. Try improving your motivation and productivity by working in an environment that suits you. Find out how to notice the five signs it’s time to update your home office and make essential changes today.
Lacking motivation
When your motivation suffers, so does everything else. Motivation isn’t something you wait for—you must create it. If you feel depressed or underwhelmed when entering your office space, consider revamping it. Maybe you need plants or more vibrant colours to inspire your work. Or you may prefer low lights and a neon glow to help you feel like you’re in your element.
Working where you sleep
Even if you don’t work from your bed, spending the day in your bedroom may influence your sleep. You should upgrade your situation, especially if you find it difficult to go to sleep at night because your work is physically near you. Consider moving to your dining table or setting up a small desk against a wall you’re not using.
You’re short on space
Maybe you share your office with your bedroom or a guestroom. You may feel especially cramped if you share a space with your housemate. Improve productivity when you give yourself a private area to work. You may need to switch the room you’re in or redesign it. One way is by separating a room with rugs. Choose the right area rug shape to maximise your space.
Another way of enlarging your working space will be getting rid of unnecessary equipment which will disrupt the working process. It is important to clarify your tasks and keep only the tools that need to be used. For example, if your work requires only printing equipment, you can invest in desktop printers for office use which will cut costs and increase productivity.
If you have several tasks like printing the document and sending it via fax, you can use multifunctional printers which will give you a chance to work with only one piece of equipment and save your space.
Distractions abound
Loud noises, flashing lights, and bold patterns may cause a great deal of distraction during the day when you work from home. Even more distracting are kids, pets, and the other people living in or around your home. You may need to close the blinds and door to keep your eyes on your work.
Pro-tip
Set boundaries with your distractions to lessen them. Find a child or pet sitter, turn off your phone, and communicate to others when you’ll be busy.
Your health is suffering
Ergonomics are key to office design. If you feel back, shoulder, neck, or hip pain during or after work, you may need more than a massage to solve the problem. Invest in chairs, keyboards, and other equipment that will keep your back straight, hold your head level, and put your elbows and knees at the correct angles.
Often, the signs it’s time to update your home office are obvious. As soon as you’re unhappy with your environment, it’s time for a change. Don’t let your pain, pets, or the lure of your bed distract you when it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the game.
Featured image: Mikey Harris/Unsplash
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