Whether you’re working from home in Montreal or looking at office space for rent in Melbourne’s CBD, your workspace and your health are closely linked. Neglecting this vital connection can leave you working in a cluttered and unpleasant space that drags down your motivation and shoots up your stress levels.
5 Simple Tips for Creating a Healthy Office Workspace
Fortunately, creating a healthy workspace doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Instead, a few simple changes can improve your physical and mental health, boosting your motivation and productivity. Below are five easy ways to get started:
1. Organize the clutter
Cluttered workspaces lead to cluttered minds. As papers stack up and knick-knacks multiply, it becomes a struggle to find what you need amid the chaos. This clutter wastes time by creating stress and distraction.
To overcome it, devote time to decluttering your desk and surrounding area. Organize your paperwork systematically, discard anything unnecessary, and invest in desk organizers to ensure everything has its place.
Just as a cluttered workspace leads to a cluttered mind, the opposite is also true. A decluttered workspace leads to a mind that’s clear and focused. So make decluttering a daily task you use to get in the zone for work.
2. Add some indoor plants
Alongside looking good, a touch of nature in your workspace can significantly improve air quality. Snake plants, spider plants, and other low-maintenance indoor plants help remove toxins and allergens, creating a healthier environment.
In addition, the presence of plants can also reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better concentration and cognitive function. So, to feel more calm and clean, add a touch of green.
3. Invest in ergonomic furniture
Spending hours hunched over an uncomfortable desk can wreak havoc on your posture and overall health. Investing in ergonomic furniture is a simple way to avoid that damage in the first place.
Whether it’s an adjustable chair, a keyboard wrist rest, or a monitor stand that sits at eye level, use equipment that supports your back, wrists, and neck. In addition, take breaks throughout the day to stretch and move around. This helps prevent muscle tension and fatigue.
Remember, the benefit of an ergonomic setup isn’t simply to be more comfortable at work. It’s to prevent all the long-term health issues associated with poor posture.
4. Let in natural light
Natural light regulates your circadian rhythm and influences your mood, which in turn boosts your energy levels and fosters a positive environment. So, wherever possible, open the blinds and curtains to let in natural light.
If that’s not possible, invest in lamps that emit a warm, natural glow. In addition, avoid harsh fluorescent lighting as it can contribute to eye strain and headaches.
5. Encourage physical movement
Sitting for a long time not only affects your physical health but can take a toll on your mental health as well. To mitigate that risk, take regular breaks throughout the day to move your body. Perform a “deskercise” routine, walk around the office a bit, or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
You may also want to invest in a convertible desk that allows you to alternate between standing and sitting during the workday. Another way to work movement into the day is to encourage walking meetings or collaborative sessions outdoors.
A healthy office workspace doesn’t require a complete makeover. By organizing clutter, using ergonomic furniture, letting in natural light, adding indoor plants, and scheduling movement breaks, you can take small steps to transform your workspace into one that supports health and productivity.
