Having a tidy workspace frees up your energy field from frustrating distractions and allows your creativity to flow smoothly. What better place to free up clutter than the place where you are most creative (at least, I am)?
I do a lot on my computer, from updating my blog, to working on my latest designs, to writing and reading. It only made sense to make my workspace a source of creative energy while having it reflect my own personal style.
Here are some points to keep in mind when setting up your workspace:
ONLY KEEP WHAT YOU NEED ON YOUR DESK
It’s easy for your desk to become overwhelmed by all the stuff you “think” you need, but in reality, it will just clog your energy and it will be difficult to get work done.
HAVE A BRIGHT SOURCE OF LIGHT TO FILL THE ROOM
During the day, if it’s sunny, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if you’re staring at a computer screen late into the night, your eyes will need that extra light to see by, or they’ll get strained, and you’ll be kicking yourself the next morning.
KEEP YOUR PHONE CLOSE (BUT NOT TOO CLOSE)
This one is hard. We feel we need to be connected at all times, and this can interrupt your workflow if you feel the sudden urge to check your Instagram again. Keep it in the same room so if you receive a text or call, you can check, but you will have to get out of your seat to do so.
ALWAYS HAVE A SMALL TRASH CAN HANDY
It’s always good to have one place to toss that granola bar wrapper or banana peel, and that place shouldn’t be your desk! Pens run dry, staples get bent, and they only belong in the trash. Refer to #1.
STOCK UP ON HEALTHY SNACKS
Yes, eating healthy is so important, especially for us computer jockeys who don’t take our full 10,000 steps a day. Stuffing yourself full of empty calories that you may not burn off, not only makes you unhealthy, but it will affect your concentration.
SIT NEAR A WINDOW
This isn’t just for a light source. It’s always a good idea to take your eyes off the screen every now and then to rest them, and what better way than to enjoy the bounty of Mother Nature? Bonus points if you can situate yourself near a balcony where you can step out for fresh air!
INVEST IN A GOOD, COMFY CHAIR
This is as important as eating healthy. Since you plan on spending a good chunk of time in your chair, why shouldn’t it be comfy? A cushioned seat and back, with lumbar support (that’s lower back in plain English) and you’ll be sitting pretty while you polish off those emails. Armrests optional.
KEEP A JAR OR CADDY FOR YOUR PENS AND PENCILS
Pens? Pencils? Do people still use those? Yes, they do. It can be infinitely more handy to write down a phone number or address while you talk on the phone, and then copy that into your phone or email address book. Keep at least two of each, and your caddy will keep them from rolling away and getting lost (argh!)
PAPER IS STILL ‘IN’
This goes with the previous point. No, you are not an antiquated old biddy if you keep a pad of paper next your computer. Every now and then, I get a design idea that can only be expressed (if only primitively) with pencil and paper. Later I take that idea to my computer and work on the final output. It’s also awesome for making lists. Come on, you know you love your lists.
I hope these tips help inspire you the next time you sit down at your desk to write, design, or set out to be totally awesome. Now, go out and conquer the world!
What “rules” do you follow in order to have a more inspiring workspace?
Photo by Alizee Marchand on Pexels.com
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