Clean Off Your Desk and Start the New Year Off Right

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By Sara Butler

After the back-to-back holidays in November and December, you probably assume there’s not much to celebrate in the new year -- but that’s not the case. It may not be as celebrated as Elvis Presley’s birthday, but National Clean Off Your Desk Day is Jan. 8, so it’s a good time to scoot aside the used coffee cups and Post-it notes to start the year off right.

After all, you deserve a clean workspace and the renewed mental health that should accompany a more functional working surface.

And the best way for that to start is by clearing off the clutter from your desk.

Is There Proof That Clutter Makes You More Ineffective?

You may be working remotely, have a flexible work schedule, or a little bit of both with a hybrid work schedule. But no matter your circumstances at home or in the office, a clean desk is important.

Research has shown that clutter can negatively impact your productivity in the workplace. It has important psychological effects in a couple of ways that are obviously negative.

Increase in anxiety and stress - When your desk is cluttered, it can increase the levels of anxiety and stress you experience. Your mind can be overwhelmed by the messy workspace visually, which can make it difficult to focus on the tasks you need to complete without even realizing why. Piles of uncompleted work or materials in disarray can also hinder productivity by making you feel uneasy and stressed, which puts an even greater strain on your mind. The increased stress hormone, cortisol, can be triggered by this environment as well.

Inability to fully concentrate - A cluttered desk can also make it more difficult to concentrate. This is thought to occur because the distracting items around you pull your attention away from what you should be working on, making it difficult to stay focused. Your brain has to put a lot of energy toward filtering out distractions, which can impact your productivity and efficiency.

Beyond the psychological effects, there are also physical distractions and obstacles in a cluttered workspace that can make you less effective. You can have problems finding the things you need to do your job on a cluttered desk, which can interrupt your workflow. A disorganized desk can also make it more difficult to manage your time effectively, which can sink your day if you are a fully remote worker working at home, which is challenging enough.

Is a Standing Desk Healthier Than a Sitting Desk?

While your workspace can have an impact on your mental and emotional state, as well as your productivity at work, it can also impact your physical health. The chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic see many patients who are seeking help due to neck, shoulder, hip, and back pain. Sometimes, the source of the pain people experience is due to the way their workspaces are set up.

Many people wonder if the answer to pain related to sitting for hours behind a desk each day is to get a standing desk, but is that helpful? Does it make a difference whether you sit or stand?

There are some health benefits associated with standing desks.

Decreased chance of chronic health issues - When you sit for long periods each day, it increases your risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Standing during the day can help to reduce the risk.

Improved circulation - Varicose veins, swelling in the lower extremities, and blood clots can all occur when you sit too much and don’t move around during the day. Standing at a desk increases mobility and movement, which can help to improve your body’s circulation.

Less pain - Standing allows you to stretch your body, which can help you to engage muscle groups that aren’t engaged while sitting, such as the core muscles and glutes. Strong core muscles can lead to less back pain.

What Are Tips for Desk Ergonomics?

While finding a good work-life balance is important, it’s also vital to your health to practice good ergonomics at your now clutter-free desk. Some easy tips to put into practice in the coming year include the following.

Adjust your chair correctly - Your chair is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to good ergonomics. The height of your chair should allow your feet to sit flat on the floor. The armrests should be positioned so that you can easily reach your desk without raising your arms. Also, the backrest should be positioned to support your lower back.

Put the monitor at the right height - Your computer monitor should be right at about eye level. You shouldn’t have to tilt your head up or down to comfortably view your monitor. If it’s not at the right height, it can cause neck and shoulder pain.

Take frequent breaks - At least once each hour you should get up from your desk and move around, maybe do some light stretches if you’re so inclined. These breaks are also a great opportunity to keep your desk free from clutter. Pick up your trash or take a few seconds to tidy up when you’re taking your break.

How Does Chiropractic Fit Into Working From Home?

Whether you’re working part-time from home or full-time, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic can help you stay on top of your game professionally. No, they won’t come to your house and help you do your work, but they can ensure that your body is functioning optimally without any joint dysfunctions that can interfere. When your body is working at its best, then your mind can work at its best, too. This can allow you to get your work done effectively and without the interruptions that can result from back, neck, or shoulder pain.

No matter how you celebrate National Clean Off Your Desk Day or Elvis Presley’s birthday, what’s important is that it is celebrated! Use it as a jumping-off point to finally get that desk clean and organized. You may be surprised at what a difference this makes to your mental health and work performance.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.