If working from home has gone from a temporary to a permanent solution for you, it’s essential to have an ergonomic setup. This will not only increase your comfort but is also important for your physical and mental wellbeing.
You need the optimum conditions to work and even though you’re in the safety of your own home, it’s important to create a healthy environment.
A poorly set up workstation could cause problems with posture, eye strain, and fatigue.
Here are five ways to increase your comfort working from home.
Ensure you get enough light
Plenty of light is essential to make your home a happy place, but it is also necessary for work.
Natural light, for example, allows you to concentrate and be more productive.
Try to get as much natural light as possible and if not use LEDs with a natural light effect.
Without proper lighting, you end up experiencing fatigue or even headaches and you’re less likely to get as much done. This will make working from home more stressful and frustrating.
Be conscious of eye strain
Working in the correct amount of light is important for eye health. You also need to ensure your monitor or other equipment is set up at the correct height and distance.
If you feel like you’re constantly straining your eyes regardless, it might be time to have them tested. Your optician will let you know if you need to reglaze glasses or get a new pair altogether.
Invest in ergonomic equipment
Now that you’re working from home on a long-term basis it’s worth investing in some ergonomic equipment.
For a proper ergonomic workstation setup, you need a chair that fully supports your back and helps you maintain good posture.
Your desk and technological equipment also need to be positioned correctly, and you could look into getting a more ergonomic keyboard and mouse, for example.
Try to be mindful of the position you sit in while working and avoid slouching.
Take short scheduled breaks
It’s said that microbreaks ease your body and mind and can do wonders for your concentration.
Take short and regular breaks, and factor them into your daily schedule.
You could plan for breaks hourly, or in between small tasks. This way you’ll be able to maintain high levels of productivity.
After even a short break, you’ll return to work feeling refreshed and energised.
A touch of greenery
There are many benefits of plants in the workplace. They are said to provide a calming atmosphere while at the same time increasing productivity.
Plants also work great as a self-care reminder in the home. They create a healthy environment and being surrounded by greenery helps you relax.
Set up a couple of low-maintenance houseplants in your home office and turn it into a happier place to work in.
Final thoughts
There’s no use trying to work from home in an environment you’re not comfortable in. You need to create the right space in order to be productive and for your overall well-being. Start with the tips above to create a more ergonomic and comfortable space to work in from home.
These are really good ideas. I always forget about light, in particular, but it makes a huge difference.