A single event in March 2020 forever changed the way we live; sheltering in place as a result of the global pandemic changed how we view life, how we order food, who is important to us and incredibly how our home actually functions for us. An enforced period of shelter brought up many challenges for thousands of people who had to “pivot” and adapt to a new way of working from home. Prior to this time, apart from the progressive tele-commuters, work was conducted on a laptop or tablet usually on the couch or in bed. Now working at home is more fulltime many people are looking to improve the set up, optimize working environment for comfort and productivity.
Tips for the best results
- Be happy! And when we are spending hours in a space for work it should make you happy. Corporate work environments most often do not reflect the personality of the individual worker- now we know this work from home phenomenon is likely to be at least until 2023 YOU can choose a truly personal look that makes you feel happy, inspires you to do your best work.Remember, if you decide to repaint this work area to choose colors which help with high productivity, natural light and airy vs dark and or deep hue colors (think deep burgundy in a basement with no window- very depressing and not at all cozy)
- Carve a dedicated, quiet space that is functional and comfortable. A spare bedroom, convert a dining room, a shed, part of a garage (climate control would be important) even part of a basement specifically so you can “go to work” shut out distractions- kids, dogs, hustle bustle of household and at the end of the day psychologically switch off as you “leave work”.
- Invest in an awesome chair-ergonomic and perhaps it is time to consider the stand-up sit-down desk. Pneumatic adjustments are easy and relieve the body stress and boredom of working in one position for 8 hours. I found this Airlift adjustable on Wayfair for $400. If space is an issue consider this corner set up by IKEA MICKE series, extremely functional and inexpensive.
- Great lighting is essential – especially for conducting zoom calls and or workshops. If possible, have access to a window..natural daylight helps keep you energized, raise your Vitamin D levels and helps you stay in a good mood. It is lovely to lift the eyes from the tedium of computer work and see trees, or activity of some kind- important for sunlight/daylight and fresh air.Failing that have a live plant on the desk and or tree close by but within eyesight. Scientists now have proven the smell and feel of greenery stimulates the part of the brain that keeps you calm and on task. Touching a tree heightens concentration by 27%
Wall Art. Outstanding Beach Canvas Wall Art: Amusing-Beach-Canvas in Canvas Wall Art Beach Scenes – GotoHomeRepair.com
- Art: Hanging Art of the walls where your eyes may wander when on a phone call is again as incredibly valuable for keeping you calm and on task. Restful scenes of forest, water or beach are proven to lower stress, still the mind, calms and soothes while releasing feel good endorphins. If you don’t have the option of window, sunlight or calming art consider creating a haven with strippable wallpaper murals, there are thousands to choose from and very reasonable.
If you are one of the 90% of people in North America who just cant envision space either from a planning perspective or placement/vision perspective then consider hiring a Certified Staging Professional® whose skills have been measured against an exacting set of standards, knowledge been tested and who have your best interests at heart. They are experts at creating “buy me” environments when people sell and are the perfect partner when redesigning any part of your house for “room therapy” or practical reason. Find out more at www.StagingTraining.com to find help in your area or to work with someone remotely just simply Click Find a Stager
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Christine Rae, is the President of CSP International Staging Training Academy, and accomplished stager, a best selling author & creator/author of the CSP certification program for stagers and real estate agents.
