For many of us, working from home is not ideal. Over the past year, we’ve set up makeshift home offices and settled into a (hopefully) temporary at-home work routine. Unfortunately, our home environment is not always conducive to getting work done efficiently.
Of course, an impactful home office environment is just as much about our own physical and mental health as it is about productivity.
You may not be in a situation where you have to work from home right now. Maybe you thought it would be over by now, but you’re still working remotely. Maybe you enjoy it and hope it stays like this forever. No matter how temporary or permanent your work-from-home situation is, we could all stand to upgrade our work environment.
Fortunately, creating an ergonomic home office doesn’t have to break the bank.
5 Ways to Make an Ergonomic Home Office on a Budget
1) Shine the right light.
Office lighting can play a role in improving mood and reducing eye strain. Ideally, you are situated near a window for ample natural light. Light from the sun is known to improve mood. It’s good for your physical and mental well-being. If natural light isn’t an option due to bad weather or an unfortunate office location, invest in the right kind of artificial light. Fluorescent lights are known to increase stress while warm, more mellow light can reduce it. If your lighting is too cool, change out the bulbs in your office for something more inviting and cozy.
You do want it to be bright enough. Staring at a screen in the dark can be damaging to your eyes and causes unnecessary strain.
2) Upgrade your serenity.
Many of us like to bring a personal touch to our office spaces. This usually falls by the wayside when we’re having to make do with last-minute home office arrangements. Maybe you’re working from the kitchen table or the sofa. Ideally, you have a desk and an office chair — but I know we don’t all have space for a dedicated home office.
Regardless, you can take steps to ease the mental burden and fatigue of the home office by optimizing your environment. The simple addition of house plants, for example, can lift your mood. Indoor plants are shown to replenish focus and increase productivity.
Light a fresh, pleasing candle. When you positively engage your senses, distractions are eliminated, mood is improved, and efficiency grows.
3) Sit pretty.
While not necessarily a cheap upgrade, your office chair plays a big role in maintaining not only productivity but lasting comfort, too. An uncomfortable seat is a distraction and can cause lasting aches and pains in the back, neck, and hips. It’s worth investing in a real office chair. You can find fairly affordable options out there. And trust me, springing for a good chair is better than having to visit the chiropractor!
If you have an office chair but find it to be inadequate, try bolstering your lumbar support with a well-placed therapeutic pillow.
4) Adjust screen height.
We don’t often realize our health is suffering from a poor work environment until the aches and pains kick in. One common issue is inadequate screen height. Too many times we position our screens (and ourselves) in a way that has us craning and straining our necks. Ideally, your eyes are level with the top of your computer screen.
This will prevent you from drooping your head to get a clear view which can lead to neck pain, tension, and headaches.
Adjust your chair height and then desk height. There are fairly cheap lap desks that can be placed on a tabletop for added height. A standing desk is also a great option — so long as you have the height set correctly!
5) Cancel the noise.
The home, like the office, comes with its fair share of distractions and noises. Whether it’s pets, children, or traffic outside, peace and quiet don’t always come easy. Invest in some noise-canceling headphones for your home office. These can help you feel more engaged and “in the zone” when you feel your attention being divided by distractions. They’re helpful not only for focusing on your favorite workday playlist but for clear and distraction-free digital meetings, too.
How have you made your home office more efficient and ergonomic? Share in the comments.