Style Spotlight: Easy Upgrades for a Happier, Healthier Home Office

The opportunity to work from home seems like a dream come true. After all, who wouldn’t want to trade time clocks and micromanagement for more time with loved ones, a flexible schedule, and all the comforts of home at your fingertips at all times?
 
But if you’ve been lucky enough to achieve that dream, you know all too well that it comes with its own set of challenges. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable and uninspired when you settle into your home office, it can be all too easy to succumb to distractions and actually get things done.
 
Setting aside a dedicated work space that’s comfy, creative, and ergonomic - a place you’re excited to go to work in each day - can do wonders for your productivity. Whether you’re just getting started or have been at it for a while, these home office upgrades can amplify creativity, eliminate distractions, and create a healthy environment you’ll be proud to work in.

​Standing Workstation
 
Studies have shown that too much sitting can be hazardous to your health, even if you exercise regularly. Not only does it increase the risk of debilitating diseases and early death, a sedentary lifestyle has also been shown to negatively affect the brain, impairing the crucial regions that are responsible for memory formation.
 
By the time I started working from home, I had over a decade of constant sitting under my belt, courtesy of a long-term desk job that didn’t allow many options for getting up and moving around. So when I got the opportunity to work from home, I jumped at the chance to create a standing workstation to help mitigate any damage caused by years of sitting all day.
 
This Stand Steady desk platform has been a lifesaver for me. It’s easy to assemble and adjust to fit your height, and it’s even easier to use. Perch it on top of your usual work surface and you can comfortably tap away at the keyboard for hours in a standing position. If you feel like resting your feet, it’s light and easy to move out of the way if you ever need a break from standing.
 
For additional comfort, an anti-fatigue mat provides extra support to help protect your feet and joints. I cover mine with a square of soft, fuzzy, purple faux fur that feels luxurious between my toes and adds an inviting splash of color to my work environment.
 
A Breath of Fresh Air
 
A home office can get stuffy and stifling, especially if it’s small, and especially during the hot summer months. Luckily, there are a few options that can help.
 
Air purifiers help remove dust, pet dander, and other impurities, clearing the air and helping you breathe easier. They’re especially beneficial for allergy sufferers. An air purifier in a compact size can fit easily into a smaller space. Or, if your work area is more spacious, you can choose a larger option to accommodate more square footage.
 
Admittedly, I haven’t yet jumped on board the air purifier train, but many people rave about their benefits. In my home office, I choose to go a more natural route with the cleansing, soul-soothing power of plants. They’ve been shown to clear the air naturally and help calm the mind, and they look great at the same time! I’m a fan of the hanging variety to help save space.
 
Artsy Enhancements
 
If your office is drab, dull, or boring, it can be tough to get those creative juices flowing. Decorating your walls with colorful art - whether homemade or by a favorite artist - is an easy way to upgrade your style and create a more inviting work environment.
 
I’d offer more options here, but far be it for me to tell you which art should adorn your office. Art is an intensely personal thing, and only you can choose what inspires you the most. Like beauty, art is in the eye of the beholder. Feel free to get creative!
 
All in all, the best thing about working from home is having the freedom to make your space work for you. These are just a few ideas for helping to make your workspace happier, healthier, and more conducive to productivity. If you feel healthy, comfortable, and inspired while working, you’ll be in a much better position to be effective, and to catapult your career into new heights of success.