Working from home can be the most efficient and productive way to work. But anyone who works at home also knows that it comes with its own set of challenges. From finding a comfortable spot to set up shop to combating distractions, working from home can be tough. It’s up to you to create a conducive environment for completing tasks efficiently and with as little stress as possible. If you’re new to remote work, here are seven work-from-home essentials that will help you set up a comfortable and functional workspace for maximum productivity.
A comfortable chair
In this work from home world, having a comfortable chair is essential. You know that sitting in the same spot to work all day isn’t going to be a good time. That’s where a comfortable chair comes in! Having something you can relax into yet work efficiently with will make working from home so much easier. Rather than stuck dreading the work day, you could become part of the work-from-home comfort warriors. Those who find success with a cozy seat on their side. Get yourself one of those chairs that you can sit in for long periods of time and make every hour as productive (and as pain-free) as possible.
Standing chair
Should you find yourself getting tired of sitting all day at work – or want to prevent slouching away, there’s a solution: An ergonomic standing chair. This innovative piece of furniture allows you to stand comfortably – or rather perch – while working. No wonder a growing number of people consider it among their work from home essentials.
A standing chair reduces the negative effects of prolonged sitting on your posture and overall health period. Some standing chairs like Ergo Impact’s LeanRite Elite also let you use it in various ways so you can sit, perch, or stand at different points in your work routine.
Standing chairs come in different designs and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they promote movement and natural postures. Unlike traditional chairs that force you to stay still and hunched over your desk, a standing chair encourages constant changes in position. This can alleviate back pain and stiffness. Most standing chairs allow you to adjust the height and angle of the seat to suit your preferences and needs. Hence, you’re comfortable whether you are typing on a keyboard or reading documents. Ergo Impact even lets you add an electric massager to your standing chair so you can get a massage while you work!
A good office desk
Now, your workdays will consist of rolling out of bed and rolling up to the computer. You’ll soon realize just how important it is to have a good office desk to support your ideal workspace set-up.
An office desk needs to have the right height and enough space to contain a laptop, papers, stapler, and other work supplies is the perfect addition to finish off any work-from-home set-up. Not only will it provide a nice surface area for all your work chaos, but having everything in one place can also help make sure all those important memos don’t end up lost in the laundry pile.
Of course, if you’re using a standing chair, you’d most likely want a standing desk for your home office. Fortunately for you, standing tables have become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional desks and chairs. Today, you can easily find an office table that can convert to a standing desk so you can easily switch from sitting to standing when you work, like the one below from Flexispot:
Good natural or artificial lighting
Good natural or artificial lighting is crucial in creating an ideal workspace environment. The right lighting can make a significant difference in your productivity, mood, and overall well-being. Whether you prefer natural daylight or artificial light, both options have their benefits that can help ensure optimal work conditions.
Natural lighting has been proven to enhance creativity and focus while reducing stress levels. Exposure to sunlight also helps regulate our circadian rhythm. This helps you have better sleep quality and overall health. But if it isn’t possible to have natural light in your workspace or home office, then you have no choice but to turn to artificial lighting.
Artificial lighting isn’t as bad as it sounds. The key is to strike a balance between natural daylight and artificial light sources when designing your workspace for optimum productivity. Properly designed task lighting fixtures can provide ample illumination without causing eye strain or headaches.
Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
Working from home can be a totally different ballgame. With kids, pets, and life distractions just a few steps away, concentration can go down the drain as quickly as we’d like our work to get done. That’s why noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are a work-from-home staple. First, they help block out unwanted sounds (which is really important when you don’t have the option of hustling away to an office). These nifty gadgets also help create an oasis within your usual living space.
Noise-canceling headphones are a must if your work involves calls or your home office tends to have a bit of background noise. These headphones use advanced technology to block out background noise, allowing you to enjoy music or simply work in peace. Some models even have features like voice assistants and touch controls for added convenience.
On the other hand, earplugs are a more affordable option that can be just as effective in reducing noise levels. They come in different shapes and sizes and can be made of foam or silicone material that molds to your ear canal for maximum comfort.
Treadmill or exercise desk for exercise
Exercise is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy but finding time to hit the gym can be challenging. This is especially true for people who work from home. With no need to commute, some people tend to spend more time in front of their computers than they would when working in an office setting. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to many health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
This is where sturdy exercise equipment for your home office comes in. With the advent of the treadmill or exercise desk, you can work from the comfort of your own office space while still getting a good workout in. No more needing to squeeze in time for those gym visits. Now you can stay productive and fit at the same time.
If you don’t like an exercise desk, you can get a bike chair that lets you exercise your legs while you work. Check out the Flexispot bike chair.
Portable treadmills like the WalkingPad, on the other hand, allow you to walk or jog while working on your computer or talking on the phone. You can place them under your table so you can walk instead of sit all day. This helps you burn calories and improve your overall health. If you’re keen on getting a standing desk, this will be the perfect match.
A planner or calendar
One of the drawbacks of working from home is that you might find it difficult to stay organized without the regular structure of an office environment. If work from home has you feeling gloomy and disorganized, it may be time to invest in a planner or calendar as part of your work from home essentials. These helps you keep track of your work schedule and deadlines.
A planner or calendar is a simple tool but it can keep you more focused, organized, and productive than you ever thought possible. This can be especially helpful when working from home. For instance, it allows you to maintain a clear separation between your personal life and work life. By setting specific times for work-related tasks, you can avoid overworking yourself. Additionally, having a visual representation of your schedule can help you to prioritize tasks and avoid procrastination. That means no more falling behind on important projects.
There are many different types of planners and calendars available. Choose from daily planners that break down each hour into manageable chunks to monthly calendars that allow you to see the big picture at a glance. You can use old-school planners or digital ones – it doesn’t really matter as long as it helps you stick to your schedule.
Healthy snacks and drinks
If you’re new to a work from home set up, the adjustment can be tough. You get stuck in the same chair for hours at a time. After that you’ll find yourself exhausted and unable to work further. But the biggest challenge can be the proximity of the fridge and pantry. This makes it easier to reach for unhealthy snacks and drinks throughout the day.
With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your work from home essentials include healthy options that will keep you fueled and focused.
Find delicious options that you look forward to throughout the day. For snacks, opt for options that are high in protein and fiber but low in sugar. Fruit, nuts, or dark chocolate can work wonders for those lunch-time energy blues. Water is always a good choice when it comes to staying hydrated. However, sometimes we need something with a little more flavor. Opt for some turmeric shots or fix yourself some turmeric tea when you feel like you’re having too much coffee.
Complete Your Work from Home Essentials
Working from home has its benefits – but it also comes with some challenges.
To make sure you’re as productive as possible, invest in a comfortable chair and desk. Install good lighting. Get some noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. Exercise is also important, so consider getting a treadmill or exercise desk.
Finally, stay organized with a planner or calendar. Keep your energy up throughout the day with healthy snacks and drinks.
And don’t forget to take advantage of our latest coupons when you shop!
