Our environment has such an effect on our psychological well being! If you’re working from home, or working on your side hustle, then you need to carve out a space that’s going to give you the productive energy you need. What you put into that space also matters. That’s why I put together this list of things you should have in your home office.
10 Overlooked Things You Should Have in Your Home Office
Before I get into it, I want to point out that not everything works for everyone. You still need to do what works best in your own space, and own life! Use this as inspiration to carve out a girl boss productivity space that’s all your own.
Seriously, do it.
Plenty of light
I don’t know why this one is so difficult, but I have spent way too much time working in a dimly lit office. If you can’t put yourself in a space with plenty of natural light, then you’ll have to work extra hard to make sure there’s adequate lighting.
For me, that means having both an overhead light fixture and also a desk lamp. The lamp makes it so much easier when jotting down notes or to illuminate the space I’m working in.
Bonus points if you pick out light fixtures you love!
Something that inspires you
This could be a piece of art with a saying that really motivates you, a picture of your kids, or something else that helps to light up that passion in your heart. The easiest way to get, and keep, the motivation going is to always surround yourself with things that you find encouraging.
If you can’t hang up artwork and don’t have space for anything, at least set your computer background to something that will help perk you up every time you look at it.
This is mine right now, by the way. (I made it so feel free to download!)
A book that’s changed your life
I love being able to see my little book collection in my home office. Although I have plenty of other books stored elsewhere in the house, I like to keep a few that inspire me just by being close by.
Some notable ones include a magazine about American National Parks (road trip planning), Napolean Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”, and one of my personal favourites, “How to Win Friends & Influence People” by David Carnegie.
A living thing
Plants are the best way to add a bit of energy to your space. Whether it’s a large plant that sits on the floor or a small desktop succulent, a living creature like a plant adds the right kind of energy to any space. Another great option, if it’s more your style, is to have a goldfish or beta fish instead. Other people are happy to have their cats or dogs in the room while they work.
In my office, I’m happy to be joined by a lovely fern named “Planthony” (rhymes with Anthony). My cats have already tried to kill him a few times, so he’s currently being rehabilitated. Turns out I’m not great with houseplants!
A door or way to close off the space
Sometimes you just need to dig in and focus on getting some work done. That means distraction free. If you don’t have a door or other way to separate your space, you’re more likely to deal with interruptions while you work.
Another great reason to have a door is to keep everyone else out of your office when you’re not in there. No kids playing, no pets messing it up. Your space.
If a door isn’t possible, at least try and hang a curtain or something to break up the space when you can.
Good smells
How you handle this one depends on your own personal preferences. Some people like to have candles, others prefer those paraffin wax warmers or essential oils. Even an air freshener or open window can work!
Having a nice smelling space is going to instantly boost your mood. Just make sure you’re using scents that you love and don’t bother your allergies.
For energy, try citrus, peppermint, or eucalyptus.
The sounds of productivity
For those of us with kids or who work from home with a lot of chaos, this usually means a great pair of noise cancelling headphones. Make sure they’re comfy and can last as long as you need!
Besides music, you can also play white noise or find something that works for you. I know people who like to have the sound of water in their workspace, and for others having the hum of a fan is actually helpful. Again, do what works for you, but make it yours.
A comfortable chair or standing desk
It’s one of the most important things you should have in your home office so I can’t stress this one enough: Don’t go to the store and pick out the cutest office chair you can find just because it matches the room. If you’re sitting somewhere for several hours a day you need comfort! Make sure your chair has great back support and is inviting for you to sit in and work.
If standing is more your thing, buy a great standing desk that fits your height and works for you. Consider investing in one of those balance boards, too, so you’re not just staying in the same place (that’s bad for your feet).
Enough plug ins
There’s nothing more annoying than trying to plug your phone in when you’re wroking only to be out of nearby outlets or USB ports. When my laptop is hooked up to my keyboard and mouse there’s no more slots left for my phone or the printer and that’s super annoying. If you’re in the same boat one of those multi USB docs is a must.
For the plugs, grab a great power bar with a surge protector. Or better yet, plug your computer into something with a back up battery so that you won’t use what you’re working on if the power goes out.
Good wifi
Sometimes your home office is in the basement, sometimes its up in the bedroom, and every now and then (if you’re lucky) it ends up in the backyard. Make sure your wifi works great anywhere you want to be working.
If it doesn’t, upgrade your router or consider getting a signal booster to improve your wifi around the house. Another great idea if your modem sits near your computer is to hardwire your computer in.
There’s a lot more things that you need in your home office, but these are a great start in making it a sanctuary of productivity!