A Cozy and Positive Work from Home Environment

Frames// Blue and White Lamp// Monogrammed Tissue Box 

2021 Calendar// Notepad// Silver Frames// Candle

Back to the daily grind after the holiday season is always a bit of a bummer, but I am ready to take on this year and keep things positive! I know many of you are still working from home (and have been since March) and it got me thinking about the things that make my own working from home situation enjoyable.

I was especially thinking about it recently because during the warmer months, long walks outside with Henry are usually a highlight on mundane, monotonous days. I definitely do not go on long walks in 20-degree weather and miss them greatly, but there are still other things that make being inside truly enjoyable. Here's my take... 

Lamp Light 

We have ceiling lights all over our house and I can tell you with certainty that I loathe them. Regardless of the season, I almost ALWAYS use lamplight over the overhead lights (our kitchen is the exception). There are so. many. lamps. in our house...we even have one in our kitchen. Overhead lights are harsh (and so unflattering!!) and don't provide a cozy glow, which I especially love during the winter months. The solution is lamps and lots of them. My girl Nancy Meyers loves lamps, too. Do you ever notice in her films that the houses are always filled with lamps and overhead lighting is not common? All that to say that when working from home, having a nice lamp in your work area is so key. I have a nice big lamp on my desk and it's wonderful. The other items are in no particular order but lamps are #1 for a reason. My most important and best tip!!

Lights On

Another tip with lighting is to keep your space bright! Have you ever been working in daylight and then it starts to get dark and you just never turn any lights on and the only glow of light is from your computer or phone screen? Or maybe it's a really gloomy day and instead of turning on the lights you just sit in the half-daylit house. In my opinion, a lack of light creates a gloomy and unmotivating environment! I like the LIGHT! Even if it's from lamps rather than natural sunlight, keeping the lights on keeps things energized and can help you fight the sleepy feeling that wintertime darkness can bring! 

Lots of Drink Options

I feel like this is such a personal preference but I have always loved having multiple drinks at my desk. Sparkling water, regular water, tea or coffee, etc. To me, having multiple drinks to choose from keeps me from over-snacking and it also gives me options and makes me feel more content at my desk! Also, having a LARGE water bottle is the only thing that makes sure that I get enough water in during the day. I have a 30oz RTIC tumbler and love it. I only have to refill a few times each day! You can see my favorite large mug for hot drinks, here. 

Good Blankets and Pillows

I'm a big believer in not working from bed because I like to keep my bedroom for sleeping/relaxing and not associate it with work (sometimes that doesn't always work, but I really do make an effort to keep those things separate). So, once you have found a comfortable chair (or couch or whatever it is), I think a blanket and pillow are key. Whether it's a lumbar pillow that helps your posture or a fluffy warm blanket, having something that will keep you warm and comfortable will keep you happier, too! You all know my favorite blanket by now!

Create a Home-y Desk

I'm a HUGE believer that a home office should not feel like corporate America but rather an extension of your home and the decor inside it. Even in an in-office setting, I think there are ways to create a warmer, less corporate feel to a cubicle/desk/office. For my office storage, I use an antique chest of drawers rather than a filing cabinet or anything specifically made for an office. I top my desk with pretty decor pieces instead of office organizer sets you find at places like Office Depot. Think silver frames, crystal catchalls (for things like paperclips), leather coasters, a stack of books, etc. Being surrounded by things that make me feel at home and things that make me feel like 'me' helps me to feel happy! 

Light a Candle

I think scents can really help with mood. Whether it's something citrusy to help to energize or maybe it's something like lavender to calm, scents help! I also think there is something so calming about the flicker of candlelight so I often light a candle while at my desk- especially if I have a mile-long to-do list and could use something calming. I don't do this but you could even go as far as to light a specific scent for your office so you start to feel like 'working' whenever you smell that particular scent! 

Control the Sound

I know many who truly cannot work with any noise, but my point is to create that atmosphere where you know you thrive. Maybe you can't deal with noise but there's a jackhammer outside your window, so try getting some noise-canceling headphones. If you are like me, you can't work in silence. However, I can't listen to music that has words, either.  Because of that, I have go-to playlists that I listen to and love. I also have several go-to shows that work for me that I will put on as background noise when I am not in the mood for music. Basically, just know your preferences and cater to them!

Take a Break

Usually, an outdoor walk does wonders for me whenever I need a break. During the winter months, I find myself taking fewer breaks just because a walk is so much less appealing when it is gross outside. I have Amazon Echos set up to alert me every few hours to remind me to break. If you have an apple watch or even a phone with any type of alarm you can easily set up something similar. I don't always break when I get an alert, but it's nice to be reminded to break if I need one. Then I will usually do some sort of workout or even a quick 15-minute stretch. Sometimes I clean (often a wipe down of the kitchen countertops is enough of a break) or even run to Starbucks for a drink...once a month (ish) I treat myself to a McDonald's diet coke (it's the little things). Even at my busiest, I still prioritize giving myself even just 5-10 minute breaks throughout the day!

These are just some of my tips I can think of on the top of my head but if you have any good ones that make your work from home situation, share in the comments so others can learn!