4 Ways to Create a Calm, Stress-Free Workspace

We’ll level with you–2020 was a stressful year.

But with optimism for 2021 and what it may bring, we’re ready to move forward. Work took on a different look and feel a year ago, and now companies are preparing to bring people back to the office (and many already have).

If we know one thing about the 9-5 workday, it’s that it can get busy in a hurry. The last thing anyone needs to get in the way of great work is unneeded stress—and we believe that your workspace plays a key role in combating it.

BetterWorks conducted a study that found 71% of Americans consider their workplace to be a “significant source of stress.” Let’s talk about ways to stay calm, stay healthy, and get more done.

Tip #1: Make the most of your space

This tip may sound simple (and it is), but it’s actually quite important.

It’s easy to cross the line from a calm and productive workspace into a messy and chaotic one. Before you arrange your space, it’s best to think about what you need to do your best work—i.e., the tools that help you get organized and get things done.

A computer, extra monitor, notebook, shelving...these are basic components of a workspace that’s well designed and also organized. The organization element is key; if your space is cluttered and full of things you don’t need (or that can be a distraction), they can lead to unnecessary stress when you’re trying to work.

Tip #2: Where you work impacts how you work

At this point, working from home isn’t new.

Doing better work from home remains a challenge for many people. If your home workspace is anything but calm on some days, don’t worry—it’s common.

The main takeaway in creating a calmer workspace at home is to create the best space, and a lot of it has to do with where you’re working.

While it may seem natural to work wherever your desk is (a bedroom, kitchen nook, etc.), we challenge people to think about changing it up. Situating your desk or workstation in a place with abundant natural light is an automatic mood-lifter and helps to alleviate stress.

Another option is to move around...literally. Occasionally changing the location of your workstation is an easy way to freshen up your surroundings, breathe new life into the day and, ultimately, work in a calm, peaceful setting.

Tip #3: Remove the distractions

It could be coworkers, music, neighbors, construction nearby...it’s rare to find a space that’s consistently quiet and calm. So, it’s up to you to create that tranquility. Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds have an array of benefits when it comes to making your workspace a calm space; you can block out distractions, focus on the task(s) at hand and avoid frustration that comes with an inability to concentrate.

Udemy’s 2018 workplace survey revealed that distractions “negatively impact performance, productivity, and potential,” and in many cases, “to compensate for these interruptions, people work faster.” Subsequent research from the University of California Irvine showed that working faster due to distractions increases stress and frustration

Any steps you can take—large or small—to mitigate noise distractions while you’re working will go a long way toward achieving a calm workspace.

Tip #4: Don’t forget the furniture

In previous blogs, we’ve covered the numerous benefits of supportive, durable office furniture. It should be no surprise that proper furniture can also help relieve stress and keep your space calm during the workday.

It starts with seating. An uncomfortable seat is...well, flat-out uncomfortable and unwelcoming. If you’re feeling aches and pains throughout the day, that’s a fast-track way to disrupt the calm. Height-adjustable workstations can help you change it up, too, as intervals of standing and sitting are proven to be more healthy for both your body and your brain.

Finally, let’s talk about storage. Earlier in this blog we talked about clutter, and storage is the centerpiece. The storage should match your workspace and help organize the space while not adding excess bulk. Our storage options are modern and sleek, and allow for worry-free organization that lets you chill out and get to work.

For more information on our innovative work from home solutions for productivity, comfort and storage, please send us a message.