As someone who’s worked out of home for over 4 years now, I value the importance of a quiet space that inspires and motivates me.
It can be my little desk, minimal yet functional.
It can be the dining room table from where I can view the sunrise (or the sunset!).
It can even be the bedroom where I am surrounded by my family and can participate in my daughter’s pretend play while catching up on email.
Your home office may not be ideal. Heck, it may not even be a real workspace (think my dining room!)
But it should be a place where you’re inspired, motivated, encouraged and most of all, happy to be in.
Answer these questions:
- Does your workspace make you feel irritable?
- Do you dread sitting down to work?
- Do you finish work feeling grumpy, in physical pain, or just a general sense of gloom?
Chances are you need a change of scene, a change in where you work.
If you’re like me, and live in a rental apartment, you may not be able to break down a wall and create a separate home office. But what you can do is:
Shift to a Work Area That is Naturally Lit
Yes, natural light can do wonders to our mood. We are fortunate to have large glass doors and windows that let plenty of sunlight in, so much so that we sometimes, have to draw the curtains. However, if you can move your desk next to a window that looks out onto the garden or even, the backyard, do it.
Add a Few Fresh Flowers or Greens to Brighten Up Your “Desk”
Flowers make me happy. Whenever I’m having a lousy day at work, I try to get a bunch of carnations or daisies and place them in a little vase on my desk so that when I come there the next morning, I’ll start off feeling positive and happy.
If flowers aren’t your thing, get some indoor plants and place them next to your desk, you’ll be surprised at how calm they make you feel.
Personalize Your Workspace with Inspiring Quotes, a Photo, or Something That Makes You Smile
If you have a designated workspace, see if you can charge it up by putting a framed quote that inspires you, or even writing a motivational quote on a bulletin board every day. Personalize your workspace just the way you would do in an office. Surround yourself with things that make you happy, show you why you work from home and give you the energy you need to move forward everyday.
Play Some Music, Light a Diffuser, and Give Your Home Office a Spa-Makeover
We do this every once in a while and it is really lovely to work on projects with the soothing aroma of lemongrass wafting through the room or some classical music playing in the background. It just calms you down and fills you with the positive energy you need to tackle sometimes, dull projects. **laughing**
Take Your Work Outside
While I, personally, haven’t worked outside the house, I know of several moms who regularly head to a coffee shop or the park for a session of uninterrupted work or planning. See, if you can do this or even, just drag a chair and table to your garden or balcony, and see if that doesn’t leave you feeling energized, refreshed and ready to rock!
How will YOU energize your WAHM workspace?
Photo Credit: Free Digital Photos
Move it to the bedroom! That way, I can close the door to the rest of the world when I work. No worries of conflicting with Rest Time in the same room anyway. A lot better than having it here in the living room, with the TV here too! What was I thinking???
Cham Cuartero recently posted..Giggly Girl On A Sunny Thursday Morning (A Cheesy Post)
Good idea Cham! I work from the bedroom too, but that is usually light work, since we do have the TV here..
Glad to know you can turn your bedroom into a positive workspace for you! Yay!
Great tips. I have a good place but don’t use it! Also, trying to decide if I even want to continue my blog and the whole wahm thing. I really NEED to get OUT of the house – would prefer a corporate job! Maybe its the long summer with kids home but I need to feel worth which I don’t feel when wah. Ideas, tips?
Nan @ Playful Decor recently posted..Colorful DIY Details Big Boy Room
Hi Nan, I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed.. Working from home and having the kids at home all day can do that. I know it.. Been there, felt that way.. Here are a few things that helped me: getting some help with household chores so that I could get more time freed up, arranging playdates where my daughter and I both get out of the house, and most importantly, getting my husband’s support to take care of my daughter so that I could get out on my own.. Maybe you could try working ‘out’ of the house once a week, or maybe, join an entrepreneur support group that meets regularly, so you get to connect with other mom business owners.. And yes, if you ever want to chat with me, I’ll be happy to Skype:-)
Nice tips. I agree with you. If a person is feeling that the workplace is becoming boring or stale etc, then better to work atleast for sometime in another place. These days everybody carries a laptop, so that is not an issue. Brightening up the place will also help as you suggested.
Sabyasachi Patra recently posted..Wild India: Elephant Attacks
Thanks, Sabyasachi. I’m glad you like the tips. Do let me know if you use any of them and if they help:-)
After almost a year of being a wahm, I was able to identify the spaces and places where my mind really works. The trick is to work in these places where your mind works best.
That is absolutely right and I’m really glad to hear that you’ve been able to pick the right spots to work for yourself!
Prerna, great tips. It’s certainly the little things that can sometimes make all the difference. You don’t need a corner office to work efficiently. I love that I can look right over my computer to the garden and grapevines beyond. A great way to rest my eyes.
Sarah @ Your Healthy Home Biz recently posted..3 Critical Benefits From Exercise That May Make All The Difference In Your Business
Thanks, Sarah! I agree, for me, the little things often matter the most:-). Your office and the view it offers sounds lovely!!