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From saving money to saving time, working from home is one of the many benefits of being a business owner. How wonderful to not be stuck in morning rush hour traffic to and from work. How amazing to be able to make a healthy lunch every day, wear yoga pants and a tank top to work, and have your family at arm's reach.
At the same time, running your business from your home also makes it easy to work longer hours, settle for whatever workspace you can get, and/or increase your chances of getting distracted and interrupted.
As a business owner, you've got a lot going on so your office space may be the last thing on your mind. However, your office is the environment that surrounds you for a large part of your day, and the physical context from which you are living, talking to clients, and creating abundance. Your office is space that is either positively contributing to your overall well-being or detracting from it.
In this article, I'll share with you seven ways to transform your office into a wellness haven that enhances your overall wellness, boosts your productivity, and reduces stress.
Maximize Natural Light
Natural light has a powerful and beneficial effect on our mental and physical health. According to a recent study, “There is strong evidence that natural light has a positive impact on health.” (2021; Osibona, et al)
Natural light boosts mood, improves performance and creativity, and increases happiness.
It also reduces eye strain, helps you sleep better, and reduces depression, among many other health benefits.
If possible:
Position your home office desk near a window to take advantage of natural daylight.
Use sheer curtains to filter light while reducing glare.
Add mirrors to indirectly reflect sunlight and enhance light in your work area.
If natural light is limited, invest in full-spectrum light bulbs that mimic daylight to energize your workspace.
Important Note: Remember to use a moisturizer or day cream with SPF every day, whether you plan to go outdoors or not.
2. Add Plants & Other Natural Elements
Recent research has shown that workers in offices with natural elements such as plants and sunlight report:
+15% higher level of well-being
+6% higher level of productivity
+15% higher level of creativity
Start with an easy selection of live low-maintenance indoor plants such as colorful succulents, Lucky Bamboo, snake plants, or peace lilies that thrive indoors.
Consider choosing pots and planters that are made of wood or other natural materials to bring more of the outdoors in.
Be sure to read and keep the instructions for each plant.
In my office, I opt for an array of colorful succulents, Lucky Bamboo, and Purple Waffle.
Check out some plant options here, and/or you can add fresh flowers every Monday as a way to celebrate yourself and your business every week.
Pro Tip: Add an essential oils diffuser with calming yet invigorating scents. My favorite scent for the office is eucalyptus. If you're new to essential oils, try a starter variety pack to find your daytime favorites.
3. Declutter to De-stress
Clutter can cause background stress. Take a day to declutter your office. Make it a self-care project. Leave stress, making yourself wrong, and any other judgement at the door.
Choose a date and stick to it. If you don’t have a full day to dedicate to the task, start with one section such as a bookshelf or your drawers.
Select a fun playlist and blast it on speakers.
Have some fun healthy snacks handy such as Himalayan Salt Popcorn or trail mix, in case you get hungry.
Thank the papers, books, and knick knacks you are discarding or choosing to give away for contributing to your life during their season in it.
Schedule your next decluttering section until your office is officially entirely decluttered.
Celebrate your decluttering accomplishment, no matter how small. Welcome in new energy for creativity, prosperity, and abundance.
It will reduce your stress, open up your energetic space, make room for creativity, decrease time wasted looking or sorting through things, and improve your productivity.
Pro Tip: Paper is often a big contributor to clutter in a home office. If you haven’t invested in a paper shredder, now is the time to get one. It makes it easy to get rid of paper clutter safely.
4. Create a Calming Environment with Color and Decor
Think about what colors would bring you joy and consider painting the walls of your space or adding pops of color that match your joy palette.
Do the same for decor. What kind of decor would bring you joy? What would motivate you and/or remind you of your why?
For me, it’s a big flower arrangement in a tall gold vase, sparkly boxes, a pink rug, and a neon sign of The Wellpreneur Life. The picture below was taken at night.
Make your office a happy place where your creativity, joy, and self-expression can flourish. This in itself nurtures your mental and emotional well-being. You are beautiful and you deserve a beautiful space.
5. Encourage Movement Throughout the Day
As a business owner, you likely spend long hours at your desk. Sitting for long hours can cause a whole host of health concerns, from cardiovascular disease to cancer.
Using an automated stand-up desk is the easiest way to incorporate movement into your day. Look for a desk that allows you to automatically set and save your preferred sitting and standing heights so you don’t have to manually adjust it each time.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes with good support or get an anti-fatigue mat.
Make it a habit to take your phone calls standing up.
Conduct walking meetings.
Set your alarm for breaks every 25 minutes to take a 5-minute stretch break, and actually stretch and walk around. This strategy, known as the Pomodoro® technique, has been shown to enhance focus and productivity.
Stand-up desks come in all sizes. I have a traditional sized stand-up desk, but you can also try a mobile desk for smaller spaces or if you want to be able to move from room to room. Think about what you will need or want to put on your desk and how you will use it.
Remember, whether sitting or standing, your desk height should allow your arms to rest at a 90-degree angle while typing. Keep your monitor at eye level to reduce neck strain. When choosing a stand-up desk, check if the adjustment action is motorized, the height options, and desk’s dimensions.
6. Prioritize Ergonomics for Comfort and Posture
Sitting for long periods can strain your back, neck, and wrists. In addition to the standup desk, invest in an ergonomic chair that provides lumbar support.
When selecting a new chair, consider the chair’s:
Adjustability of height, arms, etc.
Sitting position
Weight limit
Price
Durability
Reviews
7. Set Physical Work-Life Boundaries
When you work from home, it’s easy for your work and life boundaries blur. If you cohabitate with others, it's easy for your kids, partner, or other manner of roomies to barge into your office or work area throughout the day, demanding your attention.
Set clear time and space boundaries and/or use a fun sign at your door so others know when you are in the zone, unavailable, or on a call. If you know your co-inhabitants will want to know, add the time to your sign of when you will be available again.
A physical divider will allow you to disconnect at the end of the day. If you don’t have a space with a door, you can set up room dividers, add a curtain, or move furniture around to act as a room divider such as using a bookshelf. You can creative and even make your own divider. Plus, there are tons of Ikea and other hacks online offering budget-friendly and creative options.
Your home office is sacred space. It's where you make a living to live the life you want, contribute to your local and the global economy, and help your clients get what they want. Magic happens in your office and your reason it happens. Honor yourself and your space by transforming your office into a well-being haven. You'll immediately feel the love you've shown for yourself in your spirit and see how your transformed space improves your productivity, reduces your stress, and enhances your overall well-being.
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Vickie Reine | Entrepreneur & Wellness Coach
I work with women entrepreneurs to create happier, healthier, & wealthier lives, starting today.
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