Most of us have a space we habitually use to work or study. It could be the dining table, a cubicle at work, a desk in our bedroom, a corner in a café or a dedicated office at home. Wherever it is, there are a number of things you can do or check when selecting or modifying your workspace to increase focus and productivity.

Elimination. Ergonomics. Environment. Organization.

Eliminate and decorate

• Clean and tidy to promote clarity and creativity. See also...Mess Stress Free


• Decorate with photos or wall art to inspire or add space and color.


• Generate an atmosphere that spawns creativity by adding subtle background sound, such as Coffitivity or Hipstersound.

Ergonomics

• Good posture will reduce back and neck pain in the short and long-term. An adjustable chair that supports your height, back and desk is crucial to maintaining good posture thoughout the day.


• Monitor height and distance also plays a part in reducing eye-strain, back, neck and shoulder pain. An arm's length distance and eyes aligned to the top of a slightly tipped upwards monitor is said to be the most comfortable. Use a laptop stand if you don't have a monitor, or a monitor stand to raise a monitor to eye height.


• An external keyboard and mouse can help avoid wrist strain if you're using a laptop.


• Introduce a plant or multiple plants to liven up your surroundings and potentially improve air quality.


• Bright, high (ceiling) lights that evenly cover your reading and writing area are ideal. High lights are also less likely to produce glare on monitors. Alternatively, a tall desk lamp could be sufficient for computer-exclusive work.


• Hack your own standing desk and use it for at least 10 minutes every hour. Use a sturdy box, chair or small coffee table to place your laptop on. Use Blu-Tack on the corners of the box or object to secure it to your desk.


• A great ergonomics resource with images can be found at: http://ergonomics.ucla.edu/office-ergonomics/4-steps.html.

Environment

• Face a window or have it on either side. Facing your back to a window or balcony can result in monitor glare and limits opportunity for decreasing computer eye-strain.


• Look outside away from the screen every 20 to 30 minutes.


• Use a quiet space or one where you won't be interrupted often.


• Room temperature should be comfortable. Not too hot, not too cold.


• Face your back to a wall behind as that is said to help you feel more in control and will reduce distractions behind (e.g. someone moving around or going in and out).

Organize

• Wireless connection should be strong and not too far away.


• Only keep what needs to be accessible within reach, such as pens, the notebook or book you're using and a drink.


• Adequate storage, such as bookshelves, tables, boxes and drawers, should be within reach or a few steps away to keep things tidy but within reach.


• Monitor stands aren't just ergonomic, they add desk and storage space for pens, current readings, Post-Its, phone and other stationery.


• Dedicate a safe spot for a drink to avoid spillage.


• Dedicate a space on your desk to display your daily to do list, so it's always in sight and in mind.