Are you working from home this year? Boost your well-being and productivity with these top work from home tips and tools!
It’s no secret work environment affect mood and productivity, but recent research also shows closely it’s tied to our health and greater sense of well-being—Everything from headaches and back pain brought on by poor posture to increased risk of cardiovascular disease from extended periods of sitting.
With both Ken and myself continuing to work from home 3 days a week with no signs of slowing down, we doubled down on creating a work space that would prioritize well-being and productivity equally. Every year that passes, I do think more thoughtfully about how to keep ourselves healthy and active. For the amount of time we spend working, it’s important we create WFH space that fosters a long and healthy life.
From ergonomics to lighting to additional power sources and creature comforts, here are our favorite WFH tools.
A. Standing Desk: One of the most exciting and impactful additions has been our FlexiSpot Adjustable Standing Desk. According to the Mayo Clinic, recent research shows extended periods of sitting are unhealthy for us long term. Sitting for 2+ hours at a time is linked to obesity, high blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The standing desk gives us the flexibility to get up move while continuing to stay productive, and also helps ward off mid-afternoon sluggishness.
This desk is STURDY and effortlessly moves from table to standing height at the push of a button. I’m 5’3 and my husband is 5’11, so adjustability is super important.
The top is made of sustainably harvested bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, and FlexiSpot actually plants a tree for every desk they sell. How awesome is that?!
B. Powerstrip + USB Port: We live in a 1930’s home where single outlet rooms are the norm, so I LOVE having a retractable power source conveniently right on the desk surface.
C. Blue Light Blocking Glasses do exactly as the name suggests. They help protect eyes from digital eye strain/headaches caused by extended screen time.
D. Ginger Jar Desk Lamp: Desk lighting is not only a great way to infuse your personal style into your work space, but it also helps illuminate your face for video conferencing.
There are times we also use this task light at night if we need more direct worktop illumination.
E. Ergonomic Desk Chair: Of course, there is some work that requires sitting. I love this desk chair for it’s lumbar support, pneumatic lift seat height adjustment, breathable mesh and chic design.
G. Cordless Mouse: Using a mouse instead of my laptop touchpad when working at my home desk helps avoid slouching simply by repositioning my hand from in front of me, off to one side.
H. Laptop Stand: Encourage better posture with a laptop stand designed to raise the screen to align with your eye level.
I. Earth-friendly Notebook: Making a to-do list at the end of each day helps you easily pick back up where you left off without missing a beat. I love this notebook as it’s made of recycled construction stone, and is 100% tree-free. The stone paper is water-proof and tear resistant making it ideal for taking along for DIY projects too.
And while we’re on the subject of end-of-day rituals, don’t forget to leave time for a 5-minute tidy up at the end of each day. You’ll thank yourself in the morning!
J. Essential Oil Diffuser: Think hygge and find ways to celebrate simple pleasures while at your desk. One such way is with your favorite scent.
K. Noise-cancelling Headphones help you hear sounds more fully and vibrantly at a healthier volume which can be clutch for canceling out background noise at home. Ahem…kids!
Final Tip for the Road:
Choose a space in your home with a window. The connection to nature throughout the day, has been found to reduce stress, as well as improve mood and sleep quality, according to the Sleep Health Journal.
I hope your New Year is off to a great start. Cheers to a productive and healthy 2022!
More Good Reads:
- Operation: Office Organization with Style & Dwell
- The 10 Minute Tack Board DIY
- Before & After: Small Space Office / Guestroom
I was gifted the FlexiSpot Standing Desk to test out and may receive a small commission for purchases made via affiliate links included in this post. Thank you for supporting brands I personally recommend and use.
