Community Investors Inc.

More people are working from home than ever, whether in Louisiana, or elsewhere. One side effect of this trend is the danger that the workspace will usurp the other important functions of a home, like its importance as a sanctuary and a place to feel secure and relaxed. But there are many strategies for keeping work separate from the rest of life, including creating spaces within the home dedicated to different modes of being.

Define Your Work Space

Working from any old location in the home doesn’t work for most of us. According to health experts, you want to keep a clean line between work and everything else. So, define a workspace (even if it turns back into a guest room or breakfast nook at the end of the workday). Have everything you need close to hand and get comfortable, but also set and keep regular boundaries on the workday. This will help prevent racking up too many hours, which can be stressful and diminish the many benefits of working from home.

Eliminate Clutter

Clutter and things like procrastination and depression tend to go hand in hand. Productivity strategies include daily decluttering for 10 minutes, keeping computer desktops and email in-boxes tidy, and also using focus exercises to keep the mind clear of mental clutter. Putting everything into its place helps preserve calm in both the living and working areas of the home.

Create Calm With Color Palettes

Designers know that certain colors reduce stress and create a calm environment. So when it comes to painting your living or workspace, choose neutral and light colors. They reflect light and soothe the soul, which can help you keep it together at work, yet also relax when the workday is done.

Wallpaper also has a place within this strategy. Peel and stick wallpaper, which goes up fast and easy yet remains removable and repositionable, can help you create an elegant and distinctive work area that isn’t necessarily permanent. You can even choose an inspiring design that speaks to your occupation. Order the type of wallpaper that’s printed on-demand, and you’ll be able to customize the design as well as never have to worry about it being out of stock.

While you’re working on calming color, it’s a good idea to have your AC unit serviced as well. Nothing ruins calm like not being about to cool off indoors, so recharging your home air conditioning unit is a must. You can find several local companies online who can come out and perform the service. Be prepared to pay around $300.

Keep It Natural

Bringing a bit of the natural world inside can do wonders for both productivity and relaxation. Green is especially easy on the eyes, so consider indoor plants with lots of foliage. Natural materials such as bamboo, cotton, and wicker also add texture and interest. 

Let in as much natural light into your workspace as possible, and diffuse it for maximum productivity if you’re using a computer. Natural light has multiple health benefits, from boosting vitamin D to warding off depression so it’s worth a bit of effort. For darker areas with no access to natural light, install stylish but functional pendant lights that provide ambient illumination.

Also for maximum health, keep your bedroom dark for sleep, with blackout blinds or heavier curtains to promote more restful nights.

Stress-free Solutions

Use these tips to keep your home and work area stress-free. You’ll feel better and work better, too.

Community Investors is a Louisiana-based nonprofit dedicated to assisting people with basic needs. Please visit our website for more information.