Working from Home? 5 Ways to Create a Productive Workspace

Unusual times have forced many people to start working from their homes. For some, moving work to the kitchen table with other family members is a seamless process. For others, it may be a foreign activity. While so much is changing around us, establishing a set workspace and maintaining a work routine can boost energy and productivity throughout the week.

If you don’t have a designated office in your home already, create a designated workspace. Find an open corner or section of a room to transform into your office (a fold-up table, spare nightstand, coffee table or even your kitchen table is all you need). Once you have your space, these five tips can help you be your most productive self: 

1. Fill your space with natural light. The Harvard Business Review lists natural light as the number one office perk. They explain the presence of natural light helps people feel more awake and alert throughout the day. Natural light can also help decrease eyestrain that comes from looking at computers and other devices. Keep this in mind when choosing where to set up your home office. 
    
2. Find your ideal noise level. If you’re someone who likes to work in silence, make sure you set up your office somewhere quiet or find a pair of noise-cancelling ear buds. If you love the hustle and bustle of a busy office around you, find a playlist that mimics the noise level you’re used to. 
   
   
3. Choose a scent. Scents are an important part of human interaction because they’re tied to the part of the brain linked to memory and emotion. They can also evoke different responses. For example: 
   - Coffee can help with problem solving by enhancing analytical reasoning
   - Lemon and citrus can improve performance by opening the senses and increasing alertness
   - Cinnamon, peppermint and ginger can help with attention by increasing motor response, enhancing  memory accuracy and fighting fatigue
   - Lavender is known to recharge and improve concentration
   
   
4. Keep your space and your routine organized. Keeping a daily routine or to-do list can decrease stress and make you feel more on top of things. Use items around the house like shoe boxes to store important papers or create a DIY filing cabinet. 
   
   
5. Get dressed. Though it may be tempting to stay in sweats all day, getting dressed can reduce stress and increase productivity. Getting dressed can help set the tone for the whole day. When you’re dressed for the day, you’re also more likely to spend time on work, rather than on the couch or in bed.   

Though working from home may not always be ideal, at times like these, it may be necessary. To make yourself feel less alone, conference calls and video chats can help you connect to coworkers and loved ones. Take precautions to take care of yourself, so you can be the healthiest and most productive version of you.