Guest article provided by Vivek Mukherjee of inspiredexpatriates.net

 

Hybrid or fully remote work schedules have many benefits, but they can also interfere with a healthy lifestyle. It’s all too easy to let things slide when you’re at home. The following home-updating tips from Dana Lapointe with Xcellence Realty can help you work productively and relax under one roof.  

1. Plan a Suitable Location

Whether you opt for a corner of your living room or a spare bedroom, designate an area in your home for job-related tasks. Avoid working in multiple locations to minimize distractions. 

 

If possible, place your workstation near a window and install a skylight and ceiling fan for natural light and cross ventilation. This configuration promotes your body's production of vitamin D3 and circulates fresh air to optimize concentration and energy levels. If you don’t have access to natural light, you can add some lighting in your office for uniform illumination. Poor lighting can actually cause eye strain and fatigue, so take some time to get the right lighting for your workspace.

 

Painting the walls, installing music speakers, and infusing the air with an uplifting fragrance contributes to a pleasant work environment.

 

If you want to make major changes to a room or even add on space for your home office, you’ll want to get professionals involved. Frontdoor helps you manage your home by connecting you with well-reviewed contractors by simply answering a few questions. Then just call a few for quotes before accepting an offer. When renovating or designing your home office, it’s a good idea to take photos and keep receipts for any work you have done. If you ever decide to sell your home, these updates may boost its value. Dedicated home offices, in particular, are a valuable feature for your property to have.

2. Create a Functional Workstation

Avoid working on your couch or bed, which may cause poor posture, cramps, back pain, and other health issues. Instead, invest in a supportive ergonomic desk and chair and equip your work area with everything you need to function efficiently, including:

  

• Computer 

• Printer

• Internet connection

• Lighting

• Phone

• Supplies and storage

 

Take time to remove obstacles and clutter that interfere with comfortable movement or lead to disorganization.

3. Consider the Transitions

Transition rituals demarcate your work and personal time when you telecommute. For example, try creating a comfortable seating area away from your desk, where you can mentally prepare for your workday while sipping a warm beverage, listening to music or reading. Likewise, establish a different routine to mark the end of your workday.

4. Make Room for Physical and Mental Well-Being

Telecommuting creates opportunities to promote your well-being. For example, clear a space on the floor where you can stretch or practice breathing exercises to stimulate circulation and combat fatigue. Brita explains that placing a water station near your desk reminds you to hydrate to improve concentration and body function. 

 

Working from home alone or among others can be stressful. Creating sanctuaries throughout your living space where you can take soothing baths, meditate, play a musical instrument, or enjoy non-work activities can help you decompress.

5. Create a Soothing Bedroom 

Resting is critical for your physical and mental health when you work and live in the same place. You can prepare your bedroom for restorative sleep by:

 

• Installing automatic light dimmers to encourage a healthy circadian rhythm 

• Setting your thermostat to a sleep-promoting temperature 

• Installing noise-reducing curtains to mute sounds from outside

6. Include Greenery

Plants are cost-effective additions that beautify your work and living space while improving your concentration and outlook. Decades of research have concluded that plants significantly improve health and increase productivity by:

 

• Reducing stress 

• Improving air quality

• Absorbing sound

• Maintaining comfortable humidity levels 

 

According to prominent researchers from the Netherlands, decorating with plant images produces the same mood-boosting effects as live plants.

7. Give Kids and Pets Their Space

Working from home while practicing self-care with kids and pets presents unique challenges. In addition to adjusting your schedule to work during quiet times, be sure to create play, homework and meal stations that reflect your children's degree of self-sufficiency.

 

Remember that pets are comforting but can also be distracting and need a place to enjoy favorite toys or activities while you work.   

Enjoy Your New Workspace

As the number of telecommuters increases, multi-functional and optimized homes are invaluable for a healthy, happy and productive workforce. Find ways to make your workspace more comfortable and low-stress, like adding sufficient lighting and ergonomic furniture. And keep track of any remodeling so that you can use it if you choose to sell your home in the future. With these tips, you can make the most of your workday and your time off.

 

If your current home simply can’t support your new work from home lifestyle, contact Dana Lapointe with Xcellence Realty to start searching for your next one!