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How to Decorate Your Office Space to Create More Zen
We (unfortunately) spend a huge amount of time in our lives at work. Unless you’re one of the lucky few who enjoy going into work every day, heading to the office can be a source of unfortunate stress and anxiety.
Since your surroundings can have a huge impact on your mood, decorating your cubicle, desk, or office space may be just the thing you need to bring some zen into your workspace. This will also help bring a little bit of your own personality into your work area as well - maybe it will help your coworkers learn a little about you, or perhaps even remind you of a more comfortable setting like home.
Here are a few, easily-implementable tips to help makeover your workspace and turn it into a more relaxing environment
1.) Motivate Yourself
It can be hard to feel motivated when you're grinding that 9 to 5 life. Looking at a particularly poignant motivational quote may be just the thing you need to see on a daily basis to give you a little boost!
Find a phrase or saying that speaks to you or makes you feel good about yourself. There are plenty of posters or art pieces with a quote that inspires you - check out your favorite arts & crafts store for something modern and crisp, or even a thrift store for something vintage.
If you’re the creative type, you can even make it yourself. Find a changeable letter board and switch up your motivational phrases whenever you feel inspired. Hang it up or prop it somewhere on your desk where you can easily see it during the day.
2.) Bring in a Diffuser
In our last article, we talked about the benefits of essential oils and how they can potentially drastically improve your overall well-being, stress levels, and health.
One of the best ways to bring that wellness to work is a diffuser. Using an essential oil diffuser in an office space has a way of bringing a spa-like quality to your work space. Diffusers are relatively affordable, and offer a great way to zen out while in your office space. Most diffusers only take 1-3 drops of the essential oils with a bit of water to use.
One caveat - if you work in a shared space, be sure to check with your co-workers before you introduce a new smell!
3.) Add Some Light
If you’ve ever worked in an office, you understand how fluorescent lights can affect your mood. Physiologically, humans are drawn to natural light, which has a profound effect on sleep quality, stress levels, and overall mood. When you’re constantly in an office under the hum of fluorescent lights, it can affect you in several ways. Since fluorescent lights tend to be dimmer, they can increase melatonin production and cause you to feel sleepy. If you’re having a mid-afternoon slump you may also notice that it’s causing you to have problems falling asleep later in the day. It also makes it harder for your body to regulate the stress hormone cortisol... So why would we tell you to add more light to your space?
Himalayan Salt Lamps are lamps made from large pieces of salt crystals. These unique little lamps allegedly provide an array of environmental and health benefits, including providing a natural, calming source of light. They are also said to help "ionize the air" around you. Either way, they are aesthetically beautiful, and make a wonderful option for a desk lamp.
4.) Try Standing Up
Humans were meant to move around. Without a doubt, sitting down all day in an office is not great for your physical health. Sitting for long periods of time can put a tremendous amount of pressure on your lower back and having to stare at a computer all day can cause your neck to strain.
A great way to combat the sedentary lifestyle is to switch to a standing desk. Standing desks assist with alleviating these pain areas. Studies have shown that standing for 30 minutes at a time throughout the day can assist with lowering your risk of heart disease and obesity. If you don’t want to permanently transform your desk, you can find inexpensive adjustable versions that you can add on top of your desk.
If a standing desk isn't an option for you, carve out a few 15 minute breaks throughout your day. Go visit the company water cooler or take a walk around your building. Your body will thank you!
5.) Freshly Cut Flowers
Unless you're prone to allergy attacks, everyone loves the scent of freshly cut flowers. Light floral scents are pleasant and relaxing. Introducing something colorful and beautiful into your space can also help liven up an otherwise drab cubicle.
Although they are beautiful and fragrant, you don't need to pick up two dozen roses to spruce up your office space. Lots of colorful wildflowers often grow rampant adjacent to office buildings, alongside the road, or near wooded areas. Snag some colorful cuties like daisies, asters, goldenrod, or grape hyacinths to really liven up your space (just watch out for bugs). Put them in a cute and colorful jar for an extra splash of color.
This goes without saying - although lilac, lavender, and other beautiful flowers can be tempting, be sure not to cut down something from anyone's private flowerbed or garden!
Spending time at work can be stressful but you can take an active part in making the environment more peaceful by adding a little pop of decor! If you’re allowed to have candles at work, check out our candles so that you can add relaxing scents to your day as well.
Written By: Ericka Ige
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