Creating a Stress-Free Workspace
By Donna Stark
We are all told that to improve our overall health and wellness, reducing our stress is key. But how can you do that if your workspace is one of the main things that cause you anxiety during the day? Sitting down to work is clearly never going to be as comfortable as sitting down on your sofa to watch TV, however it shouldn't bring on so much stress that your days (and health) are negatively impacted. Take a look at a few suggestions below on how to design a functional and calming workspace so you can stress less and get your work accomplished.
Clear the Clutter
Your desk should be designed for maximum efficiency, so if you have stacks and files of paper spread about or dirty lunch dishes and coffee cups littering the space, take the time to clean it up! Focus on ways to maximize productivity and organize the heck out of your papers. A clean desk will help you manage your priorities much better than a cluttered one.
Get Comfortable
It may be difficult to truly become comfortable if your workstation isn't set up properly, so take stock of the problem areas. Is your computer screen at eye level? Does your chair provide lumbar support? Do you have to reach for your keyboard or mouse? Utilizing an ergonomic design for your workspace is the best way to ensure comfort throughout the day. It can also help to get up and stretch every 30 minutes or to take a walk during breaks. Stress doesn't only affect your mental health. Your body can be physically stressed too.
Personalize the Area
One of the reasons your workspace causes anxiety may be because you haven't taken the time to personalize it. The gray walls, the metal desk, the lack of warmth ... why, it's supposed to be work, not a prison cell! Whatever your area looks like, imagine how much better it can be with some pictures of your loved ones, a small plant, or a special memento. Little things like those can make a huge difference in your mood when a day is particularly rough.
Less Stress at Work
Your job takes up a significant portion of your day so it's easy to see how it can so impact your overall health and wellness. By improving the area you spend the most time in and creating a space that is both conducive to work and calming to your mind, you can reduce your stress and start feeling better instantly. Give it a try!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denver, Colo.