6 Home Office Items You Might Not Have Considered (But Can Be Very Helpful)
Working from home numbers have increased dramatically over the last couple of years and will continue to rise in the future. Itâs a new way to combine your professional and personal lives and, on the surface, can include a ton of positives.
If youâve worked from home for more than a few hours though, you will understand that it is harder than youâd initially expect.Â
Many business websites, especially those creating content for small businesses, are talking a lot about remote working recently by providing great advice. Hereâs some more advice for you for you to consider if you are looking to be the best remote worker you can be.
Your home desk and office is extremely important to your success and itâs crucial to design it in a way that encourages success. Here are some items you should have in your home office (and on your home desk) if you want to be the best remote worker you can be:
(1) Indoor Bike
By buying a great indoor bike for my office, I have encouraged myself to stay active, take a break from work when needed and, in turn, improved productivity.
Remote work can stifle physical activity and leave you feeling sluggish and lazy. This new indoor bike gives me the motivation I need to burn some energy in the middle of the work day and keeps my blood flowing.
You can find an affordable and high-quality indoor bike quite easily these days and they donât take up much room. Do yourself a favor and get some sort of fitness equipment for your home office so you can stay active and give yourself a mindful break when you need it.
(2) Fidget Gadgets For Your Desk
Fidget gadgets are the new normal and can serve as a great mindful mid-day break while working from home.
Non-tech gadgets like a fidget spinner can keep your mind busy, but also pull it away from the stress of work. After just a few minutes of busying yourself with a fidget gadget, youâll feel refreshed, recharged, and re-engaged.
(3) A Small Speaker
A little bit of background noise is a good way to keep you feeling calm and level-headed. Find a small speaker, put it near your desk and have something playing in the background as you work.
I recommend a soothing podcast or music that you enjoy. Try to turn something on and let it play rather than change it every few minutes. This will have the opposite effect of positive and could actually impede on any productivity you are working toward.
(4) An Item of Motivation
This item is really up to you and might change often. An item of motivation will be different to each individual person and could mean a number of things. It could be something with an inspirational quote or an image of your dream house or a statue that provides you with a sense of desired success.
Find something that, when you look at it, encourages a strong work ethic and promotes success. This will motivate you to keep going when times feel tough and youâre ready to give up.
(5) A Favorite Photo
A favorite photo will provide you with the sense of thankfulness when you need it.
If you have a photo of your loved ones sitting near you, just one look could serve as a way of keeping you calm and focused on success. Personally, a photo of my family can instantly bring me back through all of my hard work, the support I have, and show me who I am working for.
(6) A Whiteboard
My whiteboard is the favorite item in my home office because it can do just about everything. It keeps me motivated, keeps me focused on my goals, allows me to fill in an up-to-the-minute to-do list, and reminds me of any upcoming appointments I have upcoming.
Whiteboards are not expensive, take up no room and can serve a number of purposes!
Conclusion (and counterpoint):
While I suggest these great items â and stand by the points I made about having them on your desk â I must also mention that there is something nice about having a simple home office and desk. You know the saying âA cluttered desk means a cluttered mindâ?
Well, itâs true and an empty desk can really improve productivity and help you stay on task. Find the items that help you succeed, but eliminate any items that you donât need. This should keep your mind from wandering and ensure you always have your eyes on the prize.
Find out what type of home office works best for you and create it. It could be the difference between being successful as a professional or allowing your personal life impede on your professional goals.
