I work from home, and sometimes it’s easy to get distracted. Even your workspace can be a problem for you if you aren’t prepared.
After I discovered that I was struggling with my focus, I changed the way I managed my workspace at home. Now, I am much better able to accomplish my work tasks efficiently.
Here are five things you can do to build a better workspace as a freelancer:
1. Adjust the Lighting
I work better when there’s natural light, and plenty of it. Good lighting boosts your mood and helps you work better.
All I had to do to build a better workspace was relocate to a room that allowed me to open the blinds and see the light.
A brighter workspace, with wall colors that help with the way the light functions within the room, can help you improve your focus and ability to work. This is a relatively simple fix that can make a huge difference.
2. Find the Right Sound
Set up your workspace so you can listen to music. If you are a freelancer at a coworking space, you might need to bring headphones.
In any case, music can help you be more productive with your work. You need to be careful about what you choose, however. If I want to be at my most productive, I choose music without lyrics. Classical music works really well. It stimulates creativity, and it doesn’t distract you with lyrics.
Plus, music can improve your mood and help you feel better about what you’re doing.
3. Declutter Your Workspace
One of the best ways to build a better workspace is to declutter. Get rid of the things that are distracting you on your desk. An organized workspace can help you be a little more efficient, no matter what you are working on.
Consider finding different places for your clutter. Organize the workspace so the things you need are immediately available. Also, consider using tools like reminders, list apps, and calendars on your phone to avoid sticky notes all over the place.
4. Add a Little Nature
Studies indicate that nature can be soothing, and stimulate creativity. When I was ready to build a better workplace, one of the first things I did was add a plant next to my desk. The greenery is soothing, and it gives me a bit of a break. It’s great for a mental break when you need it.
There are also benefits from having pictures of nature, or a window that allows you to see outside into the yard. I can see trees and flowers from my window, that also provides a nice mental break.
5. Don’t Forget the Healthy Snacks
You’re supposed to get up and move every so often when you work from home, so I use it as a good time to get healthy snacks. You can also keep healthy snacks near your desk.
Try to avoid sugary drinks and snacks that give you a huge burst of energy, but leave you feeling sluggish after a little while. Rather than some coffee confection full of sugar, consider drinking tea. I like a chai tea most days. You can also
You can also keep nuts and dried fruit for snacking instead of reaching for the chips. You’ll feel fuller longer, and have more consistent energy.
When you build a better workspace, you set yourself up for better success as a freelancer.
