Many of us spend eight to ten hours a day in the at work.
Even if we love our jobs, there are times when we look around our office and feel like we’d rather be at home surrounded by the things that bring us joy, or outdoors in nature getting a boost of rejuvenating sunshine and air.
Offices don’t have to be drab and sterile. They can be an expression of our creativity and still be professional. And studies have shown that an enjoyable office space can lead to better productivity.
There are ways to bring the comforts of home and energy of the outdoors into our office spaces to create a place that we enjoy spending time in.
Below are 10 cool setups to make your office feel like an oasis
1. Air Quality
Office air can be permeated with smells of printer ink, electronics, and copy paper, not horrible smells but not inviting.
Also, if your space doesn’t have windows that open, the air can become stale or even full of pollutants and CO2. This can lead to difficulty focusing and less productivity. If ventilation isn’t an option, it’s a good idea to invest in an air purifier.
Another option is adding an air freshener. Different odors, such as lemon, jasmine, and lavender not only smells nice but can promote endorphin production.
2. Make it Personal
Sure, it’s important to have the basic office necessities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a touch of “you” into the mix. Everything from laptop covers to the color paint on the wall can be an expression of your personality.
And even if your personality is a little off the wall, so be it. Feel free to add decor that you love and would want in your own home. If you need an office lamp, make it a vintage lamp, or add some kitschy throw pillows to the couch or on that mid-century chair.
There’s nothing wrong with going all out and creating an office environment that exudes your personality. That’s why your clients chose you to begin with.
3. Funky Art
Speaking of off the wall, continue that expression of you by changing up the artwork.
Say no to inspirational quotes and southwest deserts and yes to vintage rock posters and pop art for your new cool setup. Why not display a wall of vintage typewriters? Or wallpaper the walls with pages from your favorite novel?
4. Green is the New Black
Plants look good, make you feel good, and even increase creativity. When it comes to plants, the more the merrier. Be sure to get a variety of plants that will survive without watering over the weekend.
Include plant care and watering as part of your daily routine, and you’ll find that the new routine is actually meditative, so extra bonus to for your new cool set up.
5. Declutter
Busy work often means papers piling up. But those stacks of paper on your desk, on the shelves, on the chair, do not make a good impression.
In addition, a messy office space is not only not conducive to productive work, it can make a person feel down, overwhelmed, or even depressed, further decreasing productivity. A clean and organized space is ideal.
Try to calendar an hour a week to organize those piles. Throw away what’s not necessary, file what is, and reduce those piles to one priority pile.
You will see an overall increase in happiness and productivity if you do.
6. Get a Comfy Chair
If you’re going to invest a bit of money on just one thing, make it a good quality office chair. Your back, neck, and derriere will thank you.
Chances are that you spend a good chunk of your 8 to 10 hour work day in that chair, so you want it to be comfortable, classy and supportive of good posture.
A good supportive chair and also the right desk layout means a healthier workspace. The place you work should be designed with you in mind, not just as far as a creative expression but practical applications. A good setup and proper office tools allow for you to perform your job optimally.
Office design has a huge impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.
7. Noises On
Some people are far more productive with ambient noise, and silence can actually be distracting. A bit of noise, or music rather, can be uplifting and beneficial.
It might be worth investing in Pandora or Spotify, or any program that will modify the music to your tastes so you don’t have to think about it.
If music is not your thing, then a add a small desktop fountain with the sound of flowing water to your cool setup. It can help make your office feel like a tranquil oasis.
8. Ambient Light
Overhead fluorescent lighting is no longer considered optimal office light. It’s often too bright and not conducive to staring at a computer screen.
Adding as much natural light as possible can create a positive psychological response. Studies have shown that a lack of vitamin D can lead to mood swings and even depression. Natural lighting can prevent the effect of vitamin D deficiency.
Poor lighting can cause eye strains, headaches, and increased stress. An office space that offers sufficient natural lighting can prevent that. Invest in good quality blinds, like BBD Life Style blinds, which allow you to adjust the optimal lighting for your needs and set up your desk to prevent unwanted glare.
In addition, proper lighting can help with the afternoon sleepies, that time in the day when you’d rather nap than work.
9. Good Nutrition
The need for an afternoon nap could be prevented, not only by proper lighting and a good night’s sleep but also with nutrition and exercise.
Keep your office stocked with healthy snacks like protein bars, nuts, and fresh fruit.
There are a ton of studies that say that drinking coffee not only keeps people alert but helps your brain function better. A coffee pot with choice coffee selections is essential for your cool setup.
Make sure you have several mugs that make you happy to drink out of too.
10. Fish tank
Your dentist’s elaborate saltwater fish tank in his office might inspire you to have a smaller version for your office.
There are many reasons why having a fish tank in your office is a good idea. The fish are fun to watch. They’re low maintenance. They have a calming effect.
People may want to stop by just to look at your fish, which may seem distracting, but overall will lead to a happier office space.
Cool Setups are Easy
It doesn’t take much to turn an ordinary workspace into an extraordinary workspace.
Even adding a few of the above suggestions will lead to a more productive and creative work environment. If you use these cool setups, you may never want to leave your office.
For more tip and life hacks for your office or home, check out our blog.