Image via Pexels
How to Create a Home That You Can Both Work and Relax In
Your home is your safe space away from the world, a haven where you can retreat when you need to take a break and recharge. You want to make sure it's a place where you can feel at ease while also being productive when necessary. This is especially true if you work from home and need to balance your personal and professional lives under one roof. Read on to find out how you can make your surroundings conducive to both work and relaxation with these tips from Southern Diva Designs.
Eliminate clutter throughout the home
Â
Before you start making changes to your space, get rid of the things you don't need. Clutter takes up unnecessary room in your home. Plus, it's been shown to cause anxiety and interfere with productivity. According to Balance Through Simplicity, decluttering offers many benefits, making it easier to find things, improving efficiency, and reducing stress. You can take the things you no longer need after decluttering and donate or sell them, depending on their condition.
Create a healthier, safer environment with small fixes
Â
Once you've gotten the extra stuff out of your home, give it a thorough assessment. Look at your space as if you were a potential home buyer. What fixes or improvements would you want to make? You can do many basic projects to spruce up your house yourself. Examples of possible DIY tasks include hanging wallpaper, fixing a leaky pipe, and replacing a faucet. For more technical tasks, like replacing lighting fixtures, turn to a professional.
Choose décor that fits
Make sure you decorate your space in a way that appeals to you. Whatever your taste and style, your home should reflect those qualities. Many times we use what we have available out of necessity or simplicity. This is especially true if you are new to working from your home. It might get the job done but it isn’t always best. Having the wrong items for your space can hinder productivity. Take an inventory of what you need to make your space more work friendly and search out those pieces online at sites, such as Amazon, at dollar stores or even thrift shops. It doesn’t take a fortune to redo your space and adding vintage pieces can be fun. For interesting decor pieces and assistance designing the perfect space for you, visit Southern Diva Designs today!
Â
Set aside a separate area that's only for work
Â
If you work from home, it's important to have a distraction-free spot where you can focus on your job. Set aside a dedicated space that's exclusively for work. If you don't have an extra room, try using a corner of your bedroom. This is an ideal spot because there isn't a lot of foot traffic, unlike the kitchen or living room. It’s important that your workspace is equipped with what you need to do your job. It’s also wise to make yourself keep a rigid work schedule when working from home.
Create plenty of light to promote alertness and add plants. Research suggests that greenery can help reduce stress and boost productivity.
Â
Create a space that's dedicated to a hobby you love
Â
In addition to having a space that's just for work, consider creating a nook where you can practice a hobby you love. Having a hobby is a great way to turn off your "work brain" and disconnect from the stress of your career at the end of the day. That this kind of disconnection is essential to a good work-life balance. Hobbies like knitting or painting are also great for stress relief, leaving you happier and more energized.
Â
Establish a dedicated wellness area
Â
Finally, consider dedicating an area of your home to wellness. This could be a spot where you simply go to work out or meditate, for example. There are many ways to foster your well being at home—no fancy gym membership is needed.
If you struggle to relax or get work done under your own roof, it may be time to make a change. Consider using the tips above to ensure your house or apartment is more work/life friendly.