It has been three years since working from home became a thing and even got its own acronym (WFH). So, it’s not hard to understand why some people are approaching burnout when it comes to their home office set up.
While lots of people have returned to the office, many businesses saw great advantages in allowing staff work from home, including saving themselves money in rent.
However, after three years of being perched on the end of the breakfast bar or not having colleagues to interact with, some people are getting fed up with working from home, which means it could be time to revamp their ‘office’ environment.
Make an office
The first thing you need to do is create a designated working area. If you have been working at home for years, it is unlikely you will go back to being in the office full-time, so treat yourself to your own study.
Some people renovate a bedroom or build a wooden garden office, as this allows them to shut the door on their work for the day when they ‘return home’.
One of the reasons why people are suffering from WFH burnout is because they can never switch off from their job. However, having a distinct office space provides that physical, and mental, separation, which could make all the difference.
Plenty of natural light
When creating your office space, make sure you allow lots of natural light in the room. Have plenty of windows and sit beside one, if possible, instead of relying on artificial lighting.
“Natural light is the best light to boost your mood and energise your body,” SELF reported, while also noting that task lights are important to invest in as these can help you focus on jobs that require concentration.
Good desk chair
If you haven’t got a permanent backache from using your bed, sofa or kitchen chair to sit on by now, it’s a miracle. Nevertheless, you’ll reap the rewards of buying a good-quality desk chair that supports your back and neck.
Pain can be really distracting, which is not what you want when working, and can make you feel depressed and miserable long after you clock off. So consider ergonomic office chairs that have adjustable seat heights, lumbar support, and a flat bottom cushion.
According to physical therapist Stephanie Weyrauch, it is also a good idea to have a stool underneath your desk, as this will “decrease strain in the legs and improve posture”.
Have office plants
Another thing to put in your new home office is plenty of house plants. Not only do these make the space feel more cosy, greenery helps to boost focus and encourages feelings of calm.
When it comes to plants that are known to be stress-relievers, choose peppermint, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, or aloe vera. These will chill you out and reduce anxiety while you’re hard at work.
