Create your own workspace at home

Create your own workspace at home

It’s a paper-filled world. No one is immune.
It follows us home, dropping in the letterbox and demanding action. Bills that need paying, letters and invitations that need answering, and thank you notes that need writing. Not to mention working out budgets and filling out tax forms. And no matter how much we try to avoid or delay dealing with that paperwork, it catches up with us.

But let’s face it, there are a hundred things you’d rather be doing, so if you’re every going to stop procrastinating, you’ve got to have somewhere to do it that is convenient and appealing: a place you enjoy being. Many homes have a home office (or a least a desk in a corner!) where paperwork can be done, but often we neglect this little space, seeing it as the last priority when we redecorate or renovate. The problem is, the less appealing this are is, the more likely you are to put off sorting out all that paperwork. The answer? Take a moment to make your home workspace personal and appealing. The first step is balancing your needs with what is available. As someone who works from a home, I know how vital it is to have a harmonious environment. Currently my desk is in a corner of our large dressing room that where it faces an opening with light from a glass roof above and sits next to a double window looking out to the harbour. It catches the sun and I have my favourite paraphernalia around me. It feels just right.

As we are about to move house, my priority ….
will be scanning our new home with a critical eye to seek out a spot that can be moulded to suit. And that’s the key to establishing your own home office workspace.

Maybe your search will be easy. You might be lucky and have a wonderful spare room just waiting for a caring touch.

There may be scope to use the attic, the basement, a little alcove under the stairs, above the garage, or maybe you could transform the garden shed. Many people have only a dark dingy unloved little room that everyone uses as a dump site. The challenge is to change the nature of the space. It means getting in there and clearing the way, tossing out junk and creating storage to take care of overflow. A host of storage boxes, baskets and different sized units in all sorts of finishes, available on the market, provide perfect solutions.

Often a designated room is out of the question, so think about adding a stylish desk to the kitchen (or pantry if you have one), one end of the family room or corner of the bedroom. Whatever you decide, once you’ve settled on a suitable space, next comes the critical process of making it work for you.

If you’re talking a whole room, a touch of paint can make an incredible difference. A light colour for the ceiling will give the illusion of height, particularly useful if the room is small or has a low or sloping ceiling. For walls, greens are considered calming and refreshing; rich reds and purples stimulating; oranges and yellows friendly and blues sophisticated. However, since this is the space you want to feel good in, your best bet is a colour that you really love and feel drawn to. Of course, the easy stress-free solution is to use neutral natural light beiges and soft sandy caramels.

Once painted, it’s time to consider the contents of the room. Factoring in feng shui wisdom (the ancient Chinese art of placement) or vastu (the ancient Indian art of placement) can help. While feng shui, is all about creating harmony in your environment by increasing chi (energy) and balancing yin and yang, vastu living is about surrounding yourself with items you truly love and cherish. Both aim at arranging your space, positive and calming, so you’ll be able to focus on your work and feel as good as possible while doing it.

Both philosophies oppose clutter and promote…
simplicity and serenity, which means all that junk has got to go! Keep items that are specifically related to the purpose of your workspace and get rid of anything broken or cracked (this includes replacing dead light bulbs promptly).

Eastern principles will also help you when it comes to layout. For example, make sure your desk is arranged so that your back is to a solid wall, instead of a window or door (you don’t necessarily have to face the door or window – it is actually better chi for them to be to your side). This will give you a sense of being supported and protected. If the space doesn’t allow for this, then at least get a tall-backed chair to sit in.

If a computer is to be part of your work-space, consider the follow feng shui principles: to encourage creativity place the computer in the northern corner of your desk; to generate income, place it in the southeast corner. Another way to invite prosperity and good fortune into your home workspace area, is to place a fish bowl or red object in the far left corner as the area, which represents wealth.

A fresh bunch of flowers placed on the far right corner, not only looks beautiful but will also bring good luck in your romantic relationships. Get a healthy, attractive pot plant for your workspace, as it will increase the flow of positive energy and promote health, wealth and happiness. It will also serve the purpose of cleaning and filtering the air, increasing the oxygen levels and decreasing dust. Pick a plant with rounded leaves to attract and divert chi flow, avoiding plants that are spiky, such as cacti.

Consider using aromatherapy for simple natural….
stress relief, such as lavender to relax or lemon to uplift. Inhaling natural essences to restore the balance of the body and mind is one of the oldest and most pleasant methods of creating a sense of well-being.

You can also generate tranquility by using crystals. Like plants, a clear quartz or rose quartz crystal placed next to your computer will absorb negative emissions. Experts suggest activating the chi in your workspace with a lead crystal sphere or a tear-drop crystal that produces a wide rainbow beam. However, avoid handing crystals directly over your desk, as it is considered very unlucky. Conversely, putting a crystal ball on top of your phone encourages calls bringing wealth and good luck.

It’s easy to forget it, but good lighting is essential. There should be no confusing shadows to cause squinting, which can lead to headaches. Put a lamp on your desk if the overhead lighting is inadequate. Of course, it’s a plus to be close to a window, enjoying natural light and simultaneously having a view of the outside world. Remember to open up windows and let in fresh air whenever the weather permits, especially after rain, when the air is crisp and pure.

It may not be possible to have your own dedicated workspace, but try to avoid using your bedroom because this is where you receive the ultimate yin (rest and relaxation) charge through sleep. If your bedroom is the only choice, limit the yang (movement and activity) by keeping intrusions, by putting everything behind a screen, or at least cover the computer when not in use.

Last but not least, make sure your workspace…..
is dotted with the items you cherish: photos of loved ones and small items that have positive associations for you, are ideal for placing on your desk. A rug on the floor (especially if it is uncarpeted) or a favourite print on the wall are also excellent additions for you workspace. If you can put a stereo or radio in there too, you can have the added bonus of listening to uplifting relaxing music while you work. Whatever you add to your work area, make sure it contributes to the space being one that you perceive as nurturing, warm and peaceful. If you like being there, it will make al the difference. Your bills might get paid on time, too.


©2004 Linda Donald
All rights reserved
Appeared in Lifestyle
Words 1367