working from home

How to Make Your Office Space Feel More Modern

Whether you’re working from home or in an office building, you may have recently felt a desire to make the space feel more modern.

Whether you’re working from home or in an office building, you may have recently felt a desire to make the space feel more modern. Some may claim that the space in which you’re working doesn’t matter much. However, the truth is that your immediate surroundings can influence your mood and level of motivation.

Improve the Lighting

When you envision an old, dusty office, you might picture a cramped space with little lighting. Consider any current untapped sources of natural light in the office. For example, moving a bookcase that’s blocking part of the window can flood the room with light. Purchase a chic new desk lamp that matches your personal style. If you work in a corporate space, do check into any regulations governing what electrical items you’re allowed to add to the room.

Get New Furniture and Decor

One of the best ways to upgrade a room is to purchase new furniture and decor. A stylish desk and glass chair mats can add a layer of style and sophistication. If you work in a corporate setting, find out how the process of requesting new furniture works. You might not be permitted to do so unless there is something structurally wrong with the old furniture. In this situation, bring in your own decorations to modernize the room.

Consider Cool Kitchen Items

You may have the space in your office for a sophisticated coffee maker or a small refrigerator. Once again, you will have to check to find out if such items are permitted. In the event that you work at home, consider putting a small coffee maker in your office. Instead of having to get up and go to the kitchen every time you want a cup, you can simply quickly brew one before your next meeting or assignment.

Add Fun Photos

Putting up photos of modern architecture or of your family visiting cool new tourist attractions is another innovative way to give your office a makeover. Another idea is to select a device that rotates the photos shown. Even if the pictures are older, you’ll still have a sleek new gadget to make your office more modern.

Feeling good in your office space is important. You should work in a space that matches your style and preferences. If you’re sceptical about how modernizing an office space can change the way that you work, give the makeover a try. You might just be pleasantly surprised by the results.

5 Reasons Why Working From Home Is the New Golden Standard

There are many reasons to work from home. If possible, take advantage of these perks and enjoy a better work/life balance.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed everyone’s lives, some for the worse and some for the better. Many people were allowed to work from home rather than commuting to an office. This was a positive change for many people, as there are many benefits to working from home.

Less Commute Time

It isn’t unusual for commuters to spend 100 hours commuting as well as 41 hours stuck in traffic each year. People living in high-traffic areas, such as San Francisco or Washington, D.C., spend even more time in the car. This commuting wastes valuable time for commuters and adds stress and anxiety to already difficult workdays. This stress can lead to higher cholesterol, increased risk of depression, and elevated blood sugar levels.

Cutting out the commute time to work from home direct sales job also allows many people to get more sleep each day, which allows them to have an overall healthier lifestyle. Not having a commute is likely to improve mental and physical health. The time saved can allow workers to spend more time with family, work out, or even eat a healthy breakfast.

Improved Work/Life Balance

Today, balancing work and personal time is important. Working remotely allows people to have more leisure time and better control over their time. Not having to commute to work gives people more time for other activities. It could mean slower mornings with a little more sleep. Having more time could mean there is time to eat breakfast with the family or enjoy a cup of coffee with a good book or TV show. Working at home allows time for eating a healthier breakfast.

Throughout the day, anyone working at home rather than in the office has more flexibility to take breaks when they are needed. They can get that second cup of coffee or grab a snack when necessary. Some people also find time to work out during their lunch break or spend time with a spouse. Work and life can begin to merge again and priorities can be realigned.

Increased Productivity

Working from home may take a bit of time to adjust to, but most employees find they can get more work done with fewer interruptions. There is less office drama and fewer conversations in the break room to get caught up in. There are fewer meetings and people to talk to and more time to get the work done. There are also no office politics to deal with daily.

Save Money

Working at home provides a great economic advantage. No longer do workers have to purchase and wear professional clothing, except maybe from the waist up for online meetings. Employees will save money by not having to purchase gas, and will reduce the mileage and wear and tear on vehicles. Car insurance will also likely be less expensive since the total miles driven will decrease.

Improved Mental Health

COVID-19 has impacted everyone and added stress and anxiety to lives. People who have mental health conditions may be able to better manage their lives at home. It allows them more privacy, they can work when and how they want, and they are healthier in the end.

There are many reasons to work from home. If possible, take advantage of these perks and enjoy a better work/life balance.

5 Tips to stay in shape while working at desk

Here are the top five tips for maintaining your health and staying fit while working from home.

Fitness is the basis of your vital functions and requires the right kind of nutrition. If you’re willing to stay in shape, you must follow a well-balanced diet. Also, you can try the tips to maintain your fitness while working on the desk. Stay mindful of your posture and try to sit erect during work hours. You might prepare the meals at the start of the day itself to avoid future disturbances. Along with this, practice some practical desk exercises to get the blood flowing in your body. Also, check out the tips for how to stop slouching and maintaing good body posture.

Here are the top five tips for maintaining your health and staying fit while working from home.

1. Rethink Your Diet

Most people end up munching on some unhealthy snacks while working. If you’re working from home during the pandemic scenario, you must consider the balanced diet options. Refrain from binge-eating your favorite chocolates or snacks and try to replace them with healthy alternatives. Also, you can prepare fresh fruit juices to give yourself the much-needed nutrients. Instead of eating sugar-laden snacks, try your favorite fruits to cut down the sugar cravings. You can maintain your weight by including more protein food sources in your diet. Some options to consider are protein smoothies, egg whites, and chicken breasts.

Such foods energize you throughout the day and keep you away from binge eating. Also, it can promote healthy sleep and rectify sleep-related issues. Make sure to watch your diet on your fitness journey right from the desk. And, if you’re unsure about which diet would best suit your body and specific needs, it’s a good idea to consult with a personal trainer. A Personal Trainer can offer valuable guidance not only in selecting the right exercises tailored to your weight and body type but also in planning a diet that complements your fitness goals. They can assess your individual requirements and create a customized plan that supports your overall health and fitness objectives.

2. Take Adequate Nutrition

COVID-19 took over the world by surprise and is the primary reason behind health issues, whether mental or physical. You can stay fit and improve your muscle development with the dietary supplements available. If you have been into heavy exercise then buy shrooms online to boost the metabolism, make sure you also eat enough nutrition to get the most out of it. Other than this, you can take various vitamins after getting the blood work or a doctor’s consultation. Such measures ensure proper metabolic functions and minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Some natural supplements that you can try are green tea, CBD, and beta-glucans. With the proper nutrition, the risk of weight gain reduces almost two folds. Not to forget, it can help you lose some weight while working on your desk. Choose the proper nutrition at home for maximum fitness and health benefits.

3. Do Some Desk Exercises

Did you know that you can work out from your desk and lose the extra pounds? You can energize your working hours with easy yet effective desk workout options. Just when you feel that you’re tired of working, you can use your chair to perform a few tricep dips. Also, try to enhance the blood circulation in your arms with the arm pulses. Another way to do the same is through arm circles that tone your biceps and keep the forearm pains at bay. Some exercises to perform when you feel like taking a break are desk push-ups or chair squats.

You can include the lower body exercises in your office workout regime like chair squats, standing rear pulses, and leg raises. Such workouts are pretty effective in dealing with extreme drowsiness and help you get your focus back. Not to forget, you may lose a few pounds as the heart rate races up. We have your workout guide, resource, and buddy here for you, try AppRateUs.

4. Choose The Right Posture

Another thing that matters in maintaining fitness is your posture while you work. You must refrain from slumping or bending too low while working on the laptop. Also, try to keep a stance with your hips and knees at a right angle. This ensures proper joint mobility and curbs the muscular aches that tend to occur on prolonged sitting. You might want to correct the posture as soon as you notice the defective sitting technique. That way, you can stay away from spinal deformities, lower backaches, and other mobility issues.

Lousy posture for long hours can misalign your spine and disturb the balanced posture. It will affect your physical health, and also leads to pain-induced anxiety and loss of concentration. Hence, it’s crucial to keep a check on your posture while working from the desk.

5. Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Many people take the hydration requirements for granted while working from home. If you wish to stay in shape, you must drink at least 2-3 Liters of fluid per day. You need to refill your bottle as soon as it gets empty and stay hydrated. Also, you can include fruit juices and smoothies in your work schedule. It helps in maintaining metabolic functions and might help you shed a few pounds. A well-hydrated body can concentrate and perform tasks in an efficient manner. Hence, you must drink your fluids to stay healthy and lose some weight.

Final Verdict

Work-life can be pretty hectic and keep you from maintaining your fitness goals. If you wish to lose some pounds while working from home, you must follow the essential tips and tricks. Try to stay hydrated and watch your snacking habits during work hours. Also, replace the unhealthy snacks with some fresh and healthy ones. You can perform desk workouts to maintain your concentration and lose some calories. Such small tips can promote a healthy metabolism and help you get rid of the extra fats. In the end, choose the correct posture and refrain from slumping too much while working.

5 Tips to stay productive and distraction-free while working at home

Working from home is becoming a corporate norm everywhere in the world. According to a recent report, 74 percent of workers are willing to switch to a job that allows remote working.

With an expanding industry of cloud innovations, advanced technology, and collaboration tools, more individuals can work more productively from any place while staying connected with the employer and team members. Moreover, some organizations have started understanding the benefits of remote working and are being accommodative. The above report also suggests that 83 percent of employees communicate with remote workers using the newest technology now.

While a few workplaces are considering expanding work from home, it can be quite trying for some workers. Errands, access to television, and kids can distract remote workers and affect their efficiency levels.

According to a survey report by Glassdoor, 32 percent of workers say that television is the number one distraction when working from home, another 27 percent say that childcare is a great distraction.

In this article, we have come up with tips to boost productivity levels and eliminate distractions when working from home.

Start your day with a Self-Care routine

It is easier to maintain discipline when working traditionally, from the office. The structural organization of tasks is what kept us focused and energetic in that routine. This is the reason that you need a morning self-care routine when working from home as well.

The time that you previously spent commuting can be used for various healthy activities now – including meditation, exercise, journal keeping, etc. You can also listen to music, paint something, or simply walk on fresh grass.

A 2019 study has shown that making time for physical fitness can improve cognitive functions like critical thinking, decision-making, and memory – these skills will help you keep your focus the entire day.

Exploration shows that setting aside a few minutes for self-care is vital to better overseeing upsetting circumstances. One investigation made that taking the opportunity for actual wellness can assist with improving your cerebrum work, including your memory and critical thinking abilities.

Set up a home office

If you live individually, it is rather easy to maintain a distance from distractions on account of your will. However, being part of a busy family, distractions are always around. Your desk can get filled with a lot of additional responsibilities that are prone to distract you from work. For such reasons, we recommend you dedicate a space for your home office. This space can be any extra room that does not have more than one entrance and it should be out of everyone’s way. This can be a guest room or a workshop; however, if you do not have a separate room available, you can make do with a multifunctional room that is occasionally used like laundry or garage.

You can choose your own approach with the defining line being: separation between personal and professional life. Please be advised to not use your bedroom for this purpose because it will intertwine your personal and work tasks.

Put resources in Your Office

It is significant that your home office has each one of the accessories you would expect in a corporate office setting. The inventory depends vastly on your profession and taste. A few things you should think about include:

A dedicated and reliable PC is one of the basics for every profession and thus, do not compromise on this. Moreover, make sure to buy a good quality monitor that has HD resolution so that you do not strain your eyes.

A great internet connection is the basis of remote working as it is the one that connects you with your office colleagues, clients, and tasks. Make sure to sign up with an ISP that offers great speed but is also reliable. If you ask for our advice, Spectrum plans offer blazing fast internet speed at the best rates without any data caps or contracts. You, as a remote worker, can especially benefit from its complimentary security suite protecting all of your online activities.

A separate business telephone line is also very important. You can set up a relevant voice message and you will never miss any client calls (that you potentially can, on your home phone)

An ergonomic chair for your posture. A simple chair can work but in the long run, it can be harmful to your back. Therefore, we suggest you buy an ergonomic chair that can be adjusted according to your desires.

A quality printer can be a good addition. Although, if your work does not require the use of printers, you should not invest in it.

A storage cabinet is also important for professionals with a lot of files to keep. Again, this depends on your professional capacity.

Separate Yourself from Social Media

There is nothing more distracting than your social media accounts. To be honest, social media is tempting but you have to keep your distance in order to be productive. The best way is to isolate yourself from your cell phone (if it does not help with work). Another thing that you can do is put your cell phone on airplane mode.

You can also set time restrictions with the Google Chrome extension limit. This would block selected sites once you have used all of your designated time. You can also freeze your social media applications on your cell phone to maintain focus.

Dress like you mean it

When we say that you should dress up for work, it does not matter how you look; what matters is how you feel because keeping a business outlook while you work from home is very important.

It bodes well to get up in the morning, take a shower, have your morning meal, and dress up. That by itself will make cognizance of work as opposed to letting the day run its course while you somehow complete your work.

The Last Words

There are a lot of ways to remain productive and distraction-free while working from home; we have covered a great deal too. However, you need to have the willpower to cut anything that comes your way during work hours. Do not mix your personal and professional life, just because you are working from home – define your work hours and do not work out of them. If you feel a lot of burdens, get yourself some help in the form of a babysitter or housekeeper.

Take breaks in between, as you would in the office, and try to get out of your house for a quick walk or stroll to get a coffee from the nearest Starbucks. Getting out can reboot your nerve system. The last tip would be to hang out with friends and family. Socialize with your loved ones and even go out for parties, now and then. Working from home gives you the authority to schedule your life as you want and so take this opportunity for the better.

Office Options: 4 Alternatives to working from home

Between the kids playing and fighting and the dogs barking, working from home is not always the best option.

Between the kids playing and fighting and the dogs barking, working from home is not always the best option. For many, though, it can seem like the only option. After all, not everyone has the financial means to splurge on executive office space in the business district. Fortunately, there are ways to get out of the house while still keeping costs low.

Serviced Offices

Paying several bills every month to keep an office can be daunting, which is why serviced office solutions are growing in popularity every year. Rather than having to foot endless bills for internet, power, maintenance, and rent, you can pay one smaller, all-inclusive price.

All amenities are included in such an office, and you can rent a fully-furnished space on a short-term or long-term basis. Some serviced offices even come with access to boardrooms, event spaces, gyms, dining, and more.

Libraries

Whether you need a break from your housemates or a change of scenery, your local library can provide that. Given that libraries are quiet environments, they can be perfect for when you need to escape the chaos of your home to work on a special project.

Many libraries also offer free WiFi and versatile working spaces for groups and individuals. When you need to take a break, you’re in the perfect place to pick up a book for some light reading. There are over 100,000 libraries in the United States alone, so you’re bound to find one near you.

Local Parks

If you’re feeling strung out, under pressure, and unable to focus, then working at your local park may be the best option for you. Studies show that nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Take a quick walk through the natural environment to lower activity in your prefrontal cortex, then get to work. This simple activity can reduce rumination and fixation on negative emotions while lowering your blood pressure and calming your fight or flight response.

It may not seem all that easy to work outside, but it can be. All you need is your laptop, an internet connection (such as your mobile device or a plug-in), and a comfortable table and chair, such as a picnic table.

Even if you only spend a few hours working in a park, the break away from your home’s four walls will offer a clear mindset to carry you through the rest of the day.

Coffee Shops

We’ve all seen the movies and maybe even the reality of people working in coffee shops behind laptops. That could be your reality. Most coffee shops have WiFi, comfortable seating areas, and an endless supply of coffee and baked goods to keep you fed and hydrated.

While it pays to keep a close eye on just how much coffee you are consuming, you can at least enjoy the free working space and vibrant environment. Then, when you need a break, you can grab a tasty sandwich and eat it at your workstation.

One of the surprising benefits of working in a coffee shop is the sense of being connected with others. Plenty of networking goes on in such environments, which can combat the isolation you may have felt while working from home.

Working from your house is the perfect option for many people, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Take a break from the chaos or boredom of your home by opting for somewhere new. Rent a serviced office, visit the library, or even wander down to your local park or coffee shop. With a laptop and motivation, you’re set for success.

Personalize, organize, and decorate: How to make a home office that works for you

The recent coronavirus pandemic has forced most of us to stay quarantined inside our homes, struggling to continue our usual jobs while working remotely. Here are some ideas that will help you construct, organize, and decorate a home office perfectly suited to your needs.

The recent coronavirus pandemic has forced most of us to stay quarantined inside our homes, struggling to continue our usual jobs while working remotely. Others have also chosen to find freelance jobs or even start their own businesses, using this opportunity to find a new career they could pursue from the comfort of their home.

But regardless of the nature of your job, the truth is that no work can be done quickly and efficiently at home without a designated workspace, as it’s the only way to ensure proper focus and productivity necessary for any business. To that end, here are some ideas that will help you construct, organize, and decorate a home office including backyard home office perfectly suited to your needs:

Find the perfect spot

Even if you live in a smaller home and there’s no separate room that you can turn into your home office, it’s still possible to carve out a well-designed work hub. One spot that can work perfectly well is the often unutilized space under your bedroom window. With a simple wooden desktop stretching along the width of your window, you can have a great low-cost workspace that takes up minimal square footage.

You could also consider installing a pull-out desk in your living room or kitchen, or you could even opt for a hidden work spot in a closet. The latter can be an ideal solution, as it’s neatly hidden away behind closed doors when you’re not working, and there’s plenty of room for various shelves to store your essential office supplies.

Create a full home office room

If you do have a separate space in your home that can be turned into a designated home office, then you might also have more freedom in designing it to accommodate all your business needs, including the technical equipment and the necessary furniture.

Professional designers recommend minimum dimensions of 150cm by 210cm for a workspace, but as your home office could also be your production space, you might consider a larger area. It can be a spare room in your house, but you could also consider a finished basement, heated garage or a hobby shed. Another practical option is converting a guest bedroom into an office, especially during this time of social distancing when you’re most likely not entertaining.

Design the layout

When deciding on office wall decor ideas, bear in mind your basic needs. You’ll most likely use the space for various activities, such as meetings, writing, creative thinking, product packing and possibly even production. Having different sections can help in maintaining focus and avoiding clutter.

You can also rely on Feng Shui principles to help you opt for the best location of your home office, choose the appropriate layout, and perfectly arrange the furniture and decor. According to that philosophy, the proper arrangement of space has a positive impact on health, wealth, success, and happiness. You can also use Canvas Photo Prints for a budget-friendly option to display your photos with a professional appearance.

Keep it safe

Regardless of the type of work you’ll be doing in your home office, it will most likely contain a number of important documents, products, and technical equipment, such as your computer, printer, multiple computer screens, noise-canceling headphones, etc.

As all of these supplies are essential to your business, and keeping the home and them safe should be a priority. For that reason, it might be wise to invest in a good, comprehensive home insurance policy, which will not only cover the structure of your home from any damages and break-ins but also add protection to those precious business contents inside. This will allow you to keep your home office safe and secure no matter what happens.

Be smart about storage and organization

When you’re setting up your home office, ample storage and good organization is crucial. There are many practical ways to make the most of your space, such as buying convertible furniture, making use of vertical space, incorporating your products into the room design, or renting a storage unit outside of your home.

When it comes to good organization, various mobile apps can be quite helpful, along with other smart habits to help keep you focused and on track. For instance, you can make a large physical wall calendar to mark major upcoming events and goals, keep clear in/out a system on your shelves for all the papers, invoices and mail, and you can even keep your tools, materials, and products neatly organized on wall shelves within easy reach.

Invest in high-quality office furniture

Working in poor conditions can have a detrimental effect on your mind and body, which is why it pays to invest in high-quality furniture. Whatever money you might save in room design, you can spend on a great ergonomic chair and an adjustable desk that can be customized to your needs. This way, you can avoid common problems such as back and neck pain, fatigue, and reduced heart efficiency.

As a remote worker, chances are you’ll be spending most of your time at your desk, endeavoring to improve your career or even develop and run your own business. For that reason, investing in a comfortable and productive home office is essential for success.

How to make your home office as comfortable as possible

If you have the luxury of working from home, you can make your home office a more comfortable space with the right additions and modifications.

If you have the luxury of working from home, you can make your home office a more comfortable space with the right additions and modifications. In addition to feeling more at ease, you may notice an increase in your productivity when you make the right improvements. Here are a few great ways to make your home office as comfortable as possible.

Be Mindful of Room Temperature

The temperature setting in your home office may be easy to overlook when concentrating on important work tasks but working in a setting that’s too hot or too cold could hamper your productivity. A room that’s too hot may cause you to feel tired and more irritable while a room that’s too cold can interfere with concentration. If adjusting the thermostat would be a problem for other people in your home, you should consider getting a fan or space heater to provide additional cooling or warmth whenever needed.

Have the Best Chair Possible

You’ll want an office chair that gives you maximum comfort and support. You might be tempted to use a kitchen table chair or another chair in your home that isn’t so suitable for working to try to save money. However, doing so can make working from home more strenuous on your body. Office chairs that feature leather or cloth materials and have adequate padding can help you stay comfortable while working. There are also ergonomic office chairs that are designed to improve posture and keep the body in better alignment while working to reduce stress on muscles and bones.

Get an Adjustable Keyboard Tray

Your home office desk may not be at an optimal height for working on a computer keyboard, and an adjustable keyboard tray can solve this problem. Some of the best keyboard trays can be adjusted to multiple height settings and are easy to attach to desks. You can also get an adjustable keyboard tray that’s wide enough to fit your keyboard and mouse so that you’ll be able to move freer while working.

Minimize Clutter

Cluttered office space will be less enjoyable for you to work in at home. One of the best ways to keep clutter in your office to a minimum is by using your home office for work purposes only without keeping items that aren’t related to work inside the room. Drawers and shelves should be used as often as possible to store documents and office supplies so that they aren’t left sitting on your desk. You can also minimize clutter by keeping wires that are used for your computer and other electronic equipment together and out of sight.

It’s possible to create a home office space that you’ll enjoy working in if you take the time to make the setting more comfortable. You’ll likely thank yourself after you’ve made all the right changes to your personal workspace to ensure greater comfort.

6 ways to stay focused when you are working from home

It is very easy to get distracted when you are working from the comfort of your home.

It is very easy to get distracted when you are working from the comfort of your home. However, to remain focused and deliver good output seems like challenges which is why you need to follow the tips listed below to remain focused while working from home:

1. Make your own time-based rule

Most people follow a 52:17 or 30:5 rule in which they work for 52 or 30 minutes followed by a break for 17 or 5 minutes respectively. You can choose to make up your own time rule based on what you think will be most productive for you.

2. Give yourself little treats

There isn’t anything wrong with bribing yourself with little treats in order to be productive. By promising yourself something at the end of the completion of a task, you add more incentive to get that work done and turn a blind eye to the distractions around.

Related Post: 5 ways to supercharge your brain

3. Dress professionally

Attire adds greatly to the psychology of productivity which is why it is always better to change into professional clothes before starting work. Changing clothes gives you the professional headspace you need to start, working for the day.

4. Get out a little

Just because you are supposed to be working from home, you don’t need to confine yourself to just that space. Sometimes, going out to work in coffee shops or parks can boost creativity and help you concentrate on your work better.

5. Have a workspace

You are likely to not feel like working in your bed and more importantly, under your blankets. Even if your job requires/allows you to work from home, it is advisable to create a workspace inside your house which helps you concentrate solely on work to increase productivity.

6. Make a schedule

Every morning before starting your work, it is necessary to make a schedule for yourself which classifies your targets according to priority. Making and sticking to a schedule will also make you more organised as you know exactly what you’ve completed and what work needs to be done next.