Working in an office all day doesn’t have to mean that your workspace has to be unhealthy or uninspiring—rather, the opposite! Making a few thoughtful changes will help your mood & productivity, and they don’t have to be anything too drastic! Here are ten ideas to transform your workspace into somewhere far healthier. You’ll make it into a place where you’ll actually enjoy spending time!
Featured Image Credit: AllaSerebrina/Depositphotos.com.
Get Ergonomic Accessories
You might feel some discomfort after long hours at your desk—ergonomic accessories, like keyboard trays & mouse pads with wrist support, will help with that. They’re designed to keep your body in a natural position by reducing the strain on your muscles and joints. This helps you avoid issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, which will keep you feeling good throughout the day.
Take Regular Screen Breaks
Staring at a computer screen all day really tires out your eyes, so you should set up reminders to take short breaks—it’ll stop eye strain. Just looking away from your screen for a few minutes every hour makes a huge difference and you should use that time to stand up & stretch. When you get back to work, you’ll probably find it a lot easier to concentrate since your eyes aren’t hurting anymore.
Use Blue Light Filters
If you’re not able to stop staring at your screen, try getting some blue light filters on your devices or blue light blocking glasses. Staring at screens all day affects your sleep & strains your eyes, but blue light filters reduce these effects. Many devices even have built-in settings or apps that adjust the screen’s color temperature, which will help you filter out blue light in the evenings.
Incorporate Movement into Your Day
Likewise, sitting at your desk for hours takes a toll on your body but that doesn’t mean you have to do anything too extensive to avoid it. Instead, you could try doing some desk yoga and standing up to walk around & stretch every so often. Incorporating movement into your day fights the effects of sitting too much and helps with your overall physical well-being—it’s rather easy to do.
Keep Your Workspace Tidy
Speaking of focus, a cluttered desk makes it hard to focus and could even make you more anxious, which is definitely not what anybody wants! Keeping things organized will minimize any distractions and all you need are some desk organizers or filing systems. A tidy workspace makes it easier to find what you need and you’ll get more done without feeling overwhelmed.
Adjust Your Monitor Setup
Having your monitor at the right height & distance also makes a difference and you should position the screen so the top is at or just below eye level. It also needs to be about an arm’s length away to reduce neck and eye strain, which will make it more comfortable to work for longer periods. You may even want to invest in an adjustable monitor stand to improve your posture and prevent any aches.
Bring in Natural Light
Try setting up your workspace near a window to enjoy some natural light, as natural light helps your mood and increases energy levels, which makes the workday feel less draining. It also stops you from relying on artificial lighting that’s harsh on your eyes. Just be mindful of any glare on your screen and use blinds or shades when you need to control the brightness.
Keep Healthy Snacks Handy
Having some healthy snacks at your desk will keep your energy up throughout the day and stop you from hitting the vending machine for a sugary treat. Simply grab something nutritious like nuts or granola bars because these are better for your blood sugar levels. Keeping healthy options within reach makes it easier to make good choices when hunger strikes—that’s great for your concentration.
Install an Air Purifier
Keeping the air clean in your workspace is always important and that’s where an air purifier comes in—it removes dust & allergens that could be floating around. This will reduce your allergies and make it easier to breathe, which is particularly necessary in closed office spaces. Improving the air quality could help you feel more alert and comfortable throughout the day.
Use Anti-Fatigue Mats When Standing
Using a standing desk is a good idea and so is adding an anti-fatigue mat to your setup, as these mats give you extra cushioning under your feet. This reduces strain on your legs and lower back, making standing for longer periods far more comfortable. That’s good news for your posture & circulation—best of all, it’s quite a simple addition!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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