Does the physical environment of your workspace stress you out? Maybe your work area is excessively untidy, or your associates are too noisy; Perhaps your manager is continuously looking over your shoulder, or you can't stand the florescent lights. Whatever the cause, there's a decent possibility it's influencing your state of mind and productivity.
2020 hasn't been the kindest on us all *cough* covid-19 *cough*, and most of us have found ourselves working remotely from home instead of being physically in the office. Aside from running BYKRYS, I actually work part time in the healthcare industry as a clinic assistant. I don't know about you, but I get distracted very easily, especially if my work desk is cluttered, because it doesn't give me a conducive environment to work at.
You probably know at least one friend who’s read “The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo, and wonder if it is really that amazing and life changing.
It is.
Susan Kousek, a Certified Professional Organiser (CPO), says that “Our productivity is impacted by our level of organisation, ...Disorganisation bothers most people and causes stress. The clutter of disorganisation drags many workers down.”
Having a simple and relaxed space helps you to focus, and minimises the stress of having too much paper clutter or distractions that keeps you from being productive at work.
Here are some tips on creating a relaxing space for a stress-free environment:
Add Personal Touches
If your workspace stresses you out, try adding some personal items to your desk, cubicle, or office. Be it photographs of loved ones, an inspirational quote, a decorative item that has a special meaning to you, or even a book.
Clean and Organise the Workspace
As mentioned above, it is difficult to focus when your desk is filled with clutters. Get an organisation system in place, and keep things neat and tidy. Dorothy Spira, the community expert at Evernote says that a messy desk or office results in lost ideas and documents, interrupted workflow, and reduced productivity.
If you’re having trouble deciding what should stay what what should go, ask yourself a series of questions, such as:
“Does this item have a purpose?” “Do I use it on a daily basis?”
“Am I keeping this because I need it, or because I might need it? If I need it, when?”
Do you remember that this was here? Clutter exists because our brain tricks us into thinking that everything is important. Ask yourself these questions, and you should know what to do with it, even if you don’t like the answer.
Play Some Music
Put some upbeat music on to kickstart your day, or relaxing tunes to help you concentrate on a busy day. This Workday Zen Playlist by Spotify is a great one to listen to.
Incorporate Relaxation Exercises
If you’re allowed to, take a couple of minutes at least once a day to do some stretching, meditation, or go for a walk for some fresh air. Being cooped up in the office can drain you mentally. Breathing in some fresh air can help you to clear your head and put some thoughts into perspective, which can help to spark creativity!Add Plants
Flowers are soothing, both visually and aromatically. If you don’t have green fingers, try getting a succulent or cactus, which requires less attention. The lemon balm plant is great as well, as it can survive in direct sunlight or shaded areas. Lemon Balm has been studied for its reported mood-boosting abilities. The pleasant smell of lemon that this plant releases is enough to make you feel better throughout the day, according to a study by Ohio State University.
Use a Diffuser, Candle, or Essential Oil
Treat yourself to a spa-like environment or make your workspace feel more like home by having a diffuser on the desk. Some diffusers come in aesthetically pleasing glass jars, and choosing a favourite scent can help to make you feel better throughout the day.
Go the extra mile to burn a candle, or massage a drop or two of essential oil on pressure points like your temples or wrists during the day to relieve tension and uplift your spirits.
Calming scents like Lavender, Rosemary, or Jasmine can fight physical exhaustion, headaches and mental fatigue. Peppermint or Lemon are great refreshing and invigorating scents as well.
Extra: Keep a Journal!
Journaling is a form of therapy that can raise self-esteem and make you feel happier overall. Expressive writing can also bring healing — emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Dr. Pennebaker, author of Writing to Heal has seen improved immune function in participants of writing exercises.
Stress often comes from emotional blockages, and overthinking. Journaling increases your emotional intelligence, as it helps you process your emotions and increases your self-awareness. This internal familiarity becomes a bridge of empathy, you’ll better intuit and understand what others are experiencing.