Experts Share the Best Ways to Create a Relaxing and Productive Home Office Environment

Prioritizing workplace wellness includes surrounding yourself with an environment that will foster your best work. [Image by Alisa Anton on Unsplash]

We’re working from home now more than ever, but a chaotic home office space can intensify stress and anxiety. A home office with an energy of calm may help you feel more relaxed, productive, and efficient. Prioritizing workplace wellness includes surrounding yourself with an environment that will foster your best work. 

While not having to do a morning commute or get dressed up may be a relief, working from home adds a new set of challenges. Dr. Elia Gourgouris, Founder of The Happiness Center, an organization of world-leading experts in the field of positive psychology and author of Amazon bestseller 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness explains, “We are definitely facing new challenges while working from home. For many folks it means also having to take care of children who are not able to go to school and are e-learning. So you literally have no break from kids (and vice versa) while trying to be productive at work. Major cause of stress!”

7 Paths to Lasting Happiness by Dr. Elia Gourgouris.

Dr. Gourgouris also mentions another situation that many of us are all too familiar with. He shares, “Another issue is that many employees feel like they are never off the clock. Too often we see people working late into the night.” He gives the example of answering late-night work emails as we blur the lines between home and office. 

When it comes to setting an office space up for happiness and success, Dr. Gourgouris offers these great tips:

“First and foremost, make sure your office has plenty of natural light,” says Dr. Gourgouris [Image courtesy of Mikey Harris via Unsplash]

Get Fresh Air and Sunlight

First and foremost, makes sure your office has plenty of natural light. Having no windows is detrimental to your mental health, considering how many hours a day you're spending in your office. If it opens up to a deck, the backyard or a balcony, it's even more helpful. There is no substitute for fresh air and sunlight!

Running Water Soothes Your Senses

I would also recommend having the sound of running water to soothe your senses. This does not need to be expensive, but water is very healing. 

Create Ambiance with Candles or Aromatherapy

Finally, having some scented candles or aromatherapy, which creates a lovely spa-inspired ambiance. Remember, you are spending 50 hours or more each week in that room, so make it your own!

“I know these suggestions might sound somewhat unorthodox, but believe me, they make a heck of a difference. I have them in my home office, so I speak from experience,” shares Dr. Gourgouris.

If you’re feeling stressed during your work day, Dr. Gourgouris also has some important advice to help you feel energized and ready to focus:

“Also, make sure you stretch, hydrate with plenty of water, and eat healthy snacks,” shares Dr. Gourgouris. [Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash]

Take Frequent Breaks

Take frequent breaks—as in every 90 minutes or so.

Get Moving

Get up and go for a short walk...bask in the sun, look at the sky, listen to the birds.

Stretch and Hydrate

REFRESH! Also, make sure you stretch, hydrate with plenty of water, and eat healthy snacks.

Nap for Productivity

If you feel tired, LISTEN to your body and take a half-an-hour nap, and do it without feeling guilty. You will feel refreshed, and therefore be much more productive and efficient afterwards.

Meditate

Meditate and practice mindfulness before you start your work. 

Dr. Gourgouris concludes with the importance of staying connected, adding, “Reach out and connect with others. Loneliness is at epidemic proportions during the pandemic. A balanced life is a happy life!”

Speaking of balance, keeping your office neat and organized will also help you set the right energy for your work environment. We asked Jen Rowe, owner of Neat Method Toronto, for her tips on getting started even when you are overwhelmed by how messy the current state of your home office is. Rowe gives us five easy ways to begin getting things in order:

“Try to have as clear a desktop as possible,” says Jen Rowe. [Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash]

1. Clear off your desktop.

Try to have as clear a desktop as possible. If your desk has limited drawer space, choose beautiful pieces to store items in on your desktop and source modular drawers for below your desk that align with its style.

2. Categorize your items.

By sorting your items into categories and storing each category together, you’ll get a clear picture of how much of a given item you have. This will also help you know which categories could be edited down and either parted with or stored elsewhere as back stock.

3. Divide the space.

By dividing up the interior of a drawer with individual dividers, you can customize the space for the items you use. Be sure to measure the interior of each drawer to make sure your chosen products will fit. Then arrange them in a way that will fit the space perfectly.

4. Choose neutral colors.

For any organizational products you’re using to outfit your space, we recommend neutral colors like white, black, grey or clear. They’re easy on the eyes, reduce visual clutter, and blend in with any decor style, even if you change up the space's look and feel down the road. You can add pops of color in other ways, with wall colours and any decorative items you have on display.

5. Use labels.

By labeling where items belong, this will encourage you to keep the space NEAT. Labels identify exactly where items should be returned to.

With these great suggestions for where to begin in mind, de-stress your office space and create a sanctuary of success with our roundup of products to help you take the next steps. From candles and to water fountains to office organizers and refreshments, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to design your perfect calm and productive office environment.

Home Office Supplies for a Peaceful and Productive Environment

5 Piece Desk Organizer Set - Blu Monaco ($38.97)

This organization set features a mail sorter, sticky note holder, pen cup, magazine file holder, and paper document tray.

Magazine Organizer Sets - Blu Monaco ($35-$40)

These chic magazine file boxes from Blu Monaco will help you get organized. The brand’s sets come in a variety of styles and colors.

Organization Notebooks and Planners from Happy Planner ($10.99+)

The Happy Planner’s planners, notebooks, and accessories are perfect for helping you get and stay organized. Document and keep track of all your daily to-dos with handy notebooks like Gone Wild.

Dr Elia recommends creating using candles or aromatherapy to create a spa-inspired ambiance. Here are some of our candle picks:

Clove, Lavender, Cedarwood - Siblings Sustainable Candles ($22)

This candle blend contains a calming combination of lavender flower, spicy clove, and cedarwood notes.

Scent by The NOW Jasmine Coconut Candle ($48)

This luxurious scent is made of natural pure coconut wax and sustainable palm wax with soft notes of jasmine. Learn more about The NOW.

Stress Relief Eucalyptus + Spearmint Candle - Bath & Body Works ($24.50)

This eucalyptus and spearmint candle from Bath & Body Works is made with natural essential oils to fill your office with a calming scent.

For aromatherapy, we love Earth’s Elements Aromatherapy Roll-Ons infused with therapeutic oils:

Focus Organic Roll On - Earth’s Elements ($19.99)

This awakening blend from Earth’s Elements contains therapeutic oils and sodalite gemstones to promote focus, clarity, and encourage inner peace and harmony in the mind.

If you need a stretch, why not have a yoga mat handy for a quick break for some warrior poses:

The B MAT - B Yoga ($84)

The B MAT Everyday is designed with every yogi in mind. Super sweaty and fast-moving, or room temp with long holds—the B MAT Everyday is for every practice.

I’ve noticed that my neck gets pretty stiff after a long day of sitting in front of the computer. I use a jade roller on my neck to ease muscle tension. Here’s the one I use: 

Dual Action Jade Facial Roller - Province Apothecary ($44)

This unique dual-action jade facial roller from Province Apothecary features a smooth, polished end and a textured, studded end crafted from high-quality Xiuyan jade. 

Starting at a computer screen all day exposes you to blue light which can affect your sleep and more. A pair of stylish blue light glasses may help:

Coastal Blue Light Collection - Blenders ($48 each)

Blenders’ clear blue light lenses are a great way to alleviate the stress of the day-to-day and even add a little Zoom-meeting flair.

Clear the energy with sage:

Sage with Quartz - The NOW ($22)

When in doubt...cleanse it out with this handcrafted sage bundle from The NOW. (Learn how to smudge with these tips. )

For a delicious beverage and a moment of relaxation, have a refreshing cup of iced tea:

Vahdam Teas ($68.99)

Vahdam Teas feature 100% natural ingredients, and come in a wide variety of flavors.

Dr. Elia recommends the sound of water to soothe your senses. These water fountains are small enough to fit on a desk and add an element of tranquility to your home office:

Desktop Fountain Decor - Wayfair ($35.99+)

Image courtesy of Wayfair

You’ll add ambiance to your office with the gentle and soothing sound of flowing water.

Bring some nature and style to the ambiance of your office with a pretty houseplant.

Bird’s Nest Fern - The Sill ($34)

This cool-looking tropical houseplant is perfect for homes with pets, as it is non-toxic. It comes in your choice of ceramic planter color to match your space!

If your home office is feeling dry, a portable humidifier will fit perfectly on your desk:

Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier ($39)

Bring this portable USB humidifier with you wherever you go, or use it for continual hydration at your desk for work. Learn more about Hey Dewy in our interview with Co-Founder Cindy Kang.

It’s always a good idea to have hand sanitizer handy for when you need it.

Touchland Hand Sanitizer($12)

This dermatologist-tested formula is packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and eliminates 99.9% of harmful germs with active ingredient ethyl alcohol 67%. I’m a fan of the watermelon hand sanitizer.

Furnish your home office with inviting pieces and a little personal flair:

Albough Plush Task Chair - Wayfair ($229)

This cute office chair from Wayfair features a thick seat, soft velvet fabric, and lumbar support.

And finally, for those days where you just aren’t ready to get dressed when you first start your work day:

Animal Sleep Sets - Printfresh - ($158)

“I highly recommend ditching those old sweats and tees, and upgrading to nice sets of pajamas,” shares Amy Voloshin, Founder of Printfresh. Read our interview with Voloshin for more about the sustainable pajamas brand.

[Images courtesy of brands]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy