Have you ever considered that your home office environment could be impairing your productivity?

It’s true. In a sense, where you sit or even what you sit on can have a dramatic effect on your efficiency. Some call it common sense, while others believe it to be a kind of office feng shui.

No, that doesn’t mean I’m going to suggest you buy a turtle to increase wealth, or show you how to balance yin and yang for optimum chi flow. It’s just a fact—you will be more creative and focused on your work if you are in comfortable, inspiring surroundings.

So how can you create a more inviting workspace? This week, I’ll share a few techniques with you that really improved my workspace…

Keep Your Desk Clutter-Free

Believe it or not, your messy desk is the #1 cause of distraction in your office. Since your desk is the central point of interest in your office, untidiness can not only distract you, but also cause unnecessary stress while you work.

To ensure that you utilize all possible free space to its fullest, clear everything off your desk and follow these simple guidelines to keep your desk free and clear:

• Keep all computer cords neatly off your desk – Invest in a wireless mouse and keyboard to eliminate cord clutter. You can also use twist-ties to bundle the necessary cords together. 

• Ditch the desk calendar – While you’re at it, ditch the desk clock too. In fact, rid your desk of anything that can be hung on the wall. A wall calendar and wall clock will free up your desk space and add to the atmosphere of your office.

• Only keep what’s necessary on your desk – Do you really need that executive Zen garden or character bobblehead taking up precious room? If you have a bookcase in your office, these items may be best placed on top of it. While a printer is a necessity, but it would be best placed on the floor or under your desk if possible.

By sticking to these guidelines, you’ll be able to maintain your desk space and your sanity!

Use a Natural Light Source

This is actually one of the best ways to “open up” your office. There are many benefits of using a natural light source, like a window, to brighten your workspace. For instance, let’s look at sunshine therapy. The concept of sunshine therapy is that natural sunlight lifts your mood and is also powerful at beating chronic depression if employed regularly. Why not open the blinds and enjoy this benefit for yourself?

Rearrange Your Office

I could tell you to move your desk to the north side of the room and strategically place mirrors to reflect doorways and windows, but instead I’ll just suggest that you arrange your office furniture to maximize your light source and minimize stress.

First and foremost, don’t sit with your back against a door or a window. If your back is to the office door, you’ll have to twist your neck around every time a visitor comes in, and if your back is to a window, you’ll have a glare on your computer screen and the natural light may be interrupted.

Make sure the door is in your line of sight, and that the windows can evenly distribute natural light to where you are. This will alleviate eyestrain and will take away a lot of stress!

Inject Some Life into Your Office

A great way to improve your home office is to add some life to it. A potted ficus tree or a small fish tank goes a long way. Not only can these items improve your morale and creativity, studies have shown that office plants can improve the air quality as well.

Remember, your office environment and surroundings will influence your mood, and in turn affect productivity and efficiency. A few simple changes can really make a significant difference!