How would you describe your home office?
Is it a comfortable space that contributes to open communication and productivity? Or is it a cluttered mess that makes focus and client calls an impossibility?
With many life coaches now working from home and serving clients virtually, setting up your home office for success is more important than ever before. Working from home has its perks, but it also has its challenges. It can be even more difficult to focus when you have so many distractions and chores right at your fingertips.
In order to set yourself up for success while working from home, it’s critical that you create an inspiring space that you love to be in and allows you to be productive, creative and do your best work with your clients.
In addition to the 4 tips below, make sure that your workspace is just for work. Too often at-home workers will use their kitchen tables, couches or coffee tables as their workspace. But this is counterproductive! Keeping your workspace just for work will help you maintain a boundary between work and home life, reducing stress and helping you be more productive.
4 Tips for Creating a Zen Office Space
Creating a Zen-like office space at home doesn’t take much except for a little time and creativity. The idea of Zen centers around freeing yourself from incessant thoughts and allowing yourself to become calm and centered. When we talk about creating a Zen home office, we mean that we want to create an environment free from unnecessary distractions. It is characterized by simplicity, nature and calming lines and colors.
Organize and De-clutter
When our desk is a cluttered mess, our minds are unable to focus on the task at hand. Clutter prevents us from clear, focused thinking. Plus, stacks of papers, dirty coffee mugs and yesterday’s lunch doesn’t create the inviting, calming environment that we are going for.
Start by organizing any papers by using a keep, file or discard system. Only keep the papers you are working with on your desk. When done, file the papers away in a drawer or filing cabinet. Clear any office supplies that you do not regularly use and bring dishes and cups to the kitchen.
Bring in Some Green
Did you know that green is the color of peace and calm? Incorporating some live plants and flowers into your home office space can increase feelings of well-being. Bright, vibrant flowers can be a great energy boost while also creating a beautiful space that you want to work in. If you don’t have a green thumb, succulents are not only beautiful, but they are easy to care for and require very little upkeep.
Get the Right Light
Sometimes we underestimate the power of good lighting. Poor lighting can not only impact our energy levels, but it can even cause eye strain and headaches. When creating your Zen office space, increase the natural light by choosing a location with lots of windows. Leave the windows open to let in fresh air and the sounds of nature. If natural lighting is unavailable, choose light bulbs with soft light and make sure that the lighting is spread evenly throughout the room.
Say Yes to Affirmations
Your home office is your space to do the work you love. Why not fill it with positive affirmations that support and inspire you? Choose a simple quote or affirmation that resonates with you and post it where you can see it throughout the day. Repeat it to yourself when your energy or motivation is running low or when you need to refocus after a client call.
Designing your workspace using some of the tips above will help you create a place where you can feel inspired and most effective in your work. And even if you don’t work from a home office, these guidelines can help improve your productivity and well-being in any type of office setting.
Good luck in creating your Zen-like home office space!