Now more than ever the significance of your home and the power of its interior environment to positively support your physical and mental well being has been amplified.
Perhaps you have noticed these past few months how your physical energy, focus and happiness change when you are in a space that is organized, beautiful and full of natural light, versus spending time in residential environment that is cramped, disorganized or dark which can leave you feeling uninspired, drained and even stressed.
This phenomenon --the interplay of an individual and their surroundings --has been coined Environmental Psychology. It is a key element designers and architects focus on to create interiors that help you live a beautiful, healthy and inspired life.
And what better space to give thoughtful attention to investing in right now then the one you are spending hours in: your home office.
Creating an inspiring and beautiful work space that supports your health and wealth will pay dividends in your productivity, joy and success.
It just takes some thoughtful planning, a dash of creativity and the commitment to invest in yourself. So let's get started!
Take A Stand Stand
A quality sit-to-stand desk such as this system from manufacturer Maverick Desk is essential in promoting a balanced level of activity while working.
You’ve heard it before but it bears repeating: The “sitting” epidemic, and the rise of a more sedentary lifestyle in our culture, has lasting, serious health consequences. As such, whenever possible we encourage clients to purchase a quality sit –to-stand desk and floor mat.
Staying active at your desk by standing for periods of 15- 20 minutes helps your metabolism, blood flow and muscle strength, as opposed to sitting for hours which can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure among other issues.
Manufacturers such as HumanScale, Maverick Desk and Herman Miller all offer quality sit-to-stand desks, as well as national retailer Room and Board.
And don’t forget the anti-fatigue floor mat. We specify Smart Step mats as they are environmentally friendly, come in two thicknesses and provide a 10 year warranty.
Let There Be Light....and Color
A well-functioning office space should include three light sources: overhead ambient light, task light and natural light. Good lighting will boost your cognitive performance, prevent eye strain and elevate your mood.
If you are conducting a lot of client Zoom calls, as many of us are, it's best to position your desk facing a window so your face is lit, plus it will reduce glare on your computer screen and besides, who doesn’t like looking at nature.
The type of light you select will also have a big impact on how your room’s wall colors are perceived. Keep in mind, light bulbs with a color temperature of more than 3000 kelvin will cast a “grayish” hue on your space which most people don’t care for so be sure to read the label closely when choosing bulbs. We like to specify 2700 kelvin lighting as it is a warmer light. It’s a small detail, but certainly an important one.
Another key design element is your room’s wall colors. Selecting a beautiful paint color provides huge visual impact for very little cost while elevating your mindset and energy. If the thought of painting all four walls sounds visually overwhelming, try selecting just one wall to be your “focal” wall and paint it a great pop color that complements the room’s other three walls. Or, better yet, install an eye-catching wall covering on your focal wall.
The idea is to create an environment that you walk into daily and say “god I love being in here” because when you are happy, comfortable and organized clients hear that in your tone of voice, feel it in your confidence and enjoy working with you more.
Create A Success Library
Another strategy to increase your prosperity is including a Success Library in your office. A Success Library is a dedicated bookshelf or area that is strictly devoted to inspiring and informative books and materials that will help you grow professionally. Having that information organized in one easy to access location can be very helpful when you are feeling stuck or uninspired and need a quick burst of inspiration.
A recent addition to my "Success Library" is this Wall Street Journal bestseller by high-performance coach Brendon Burchard which offers great tips on six key habits that matter most in sustaining long-term success.
Feed Your Mind
A healthy and inspiring home office should also engage all the senses…and this includes taste and smell.
Having healthy snacks such as almonds, walnuts, fruit or power bars visible in clear, attractive containers will help prevent those regrettable low-blood sugar moments when it’s easy to grab chips, candy or a soda, instead of something nourishing. Also include an attractive water carafe or stylish water bottle on your desk as a reminder to stay hydrated and sharp.
Worth Repeating
Staying on top of your game and motivated, especially during these trying times, takes a lot of dedication and nothing keeps you more motivated like grateful clients or patients who value your expertise and commitment.
And it’s those appreciative customer testimonial quotes, thanks you's and reviews that are wonderful to incorporate in your office décor in subtle, tasteful ways.
Creatively displaying sentiments from pleased clients or patients, rather than just posting them on a website page for others to read, is a great way to remind yourself of the good you are doing in the community, as well as boost your spirits if you’re having a rough day.
Also, think about highlighting your volunteer or charitable work in your office. Don’t just throw those certificates of appreciation, awards or mementos in a drawer. Pull them out and showcase them. We all want to leave a legacy of contribution and it feels good to look at them and know we are making a difference.
And lastly, read success stories about other entrepreneurs or professionals and have the articles posted around your space because it reinforces the thought that anything is possible.
Gail E. Jamentz, Principal of Soul Interiors Design, proudly serves the communities of Pasadena, San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Altadena, Glendale, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs.