How To Create a Positive Work Space

Creating a positive work space can drastically affect our mood, motivation and productivity.

When we’re happy and in a positive frame of mind we are open to more possibilities, look for opportunities to succeed and are better at solving problems. We are also much better placed to overcome any negative feelings or obstacles that we come across.

When we are feeling negative, however, we can find it difficult to make decisions and/or take action. As a result, our motivation can can dwindle, stress can build up and even the quality of our work can suffer.

Read more about the benefits of positivity here 

If you want to create a more positive workspace, here’s some tips to get you started:

Clear the Clutter

Clutter is visually overwhelming and often a huge distraction. It can contribute to a build up of negative emotions, like stress and low self-esteem.

Whether it’s your desk or the room you’re working from that contains the clutter, notice how you feel when you enter the room. Do you feel like you could stay there all day? Or do you want to grab what you need, then leave quickly?

I suspect it’s the latter, it certainly is for me!

Over the years, psychologists have studied the effects that clutter has on our minds. They found that clearing the clutter can improve focus, increase productivity and make it easier for the brain to process information.

A recent study found a substantial link between procrastination and clutter.

Organise Your Work Space

Keep only the essential items, those that you need to do your work, on your desk or at least within reach. Create a storage or filing system for any necessary paperwork. You could use separate files for invoices and reciepts, customer files, important notes, etc.

The important thing is that you know where to find everything.

If, like me, your dining table doubles up as your desk, you may need to think more creatively. You won’t be able to keep work items on your ‘desk’ because it’s also used at mealtimes. Instead consider how you can make the best use of the space around you.

For example, I have a shelving unit in the dining room that holds my printer, files, notebooks and other supplies. It keeps everything I need close by in a neat, tidy and organised manner.

Organised desk, organised mind

Work in Natural Lighting

We all know that poor lighting is bad for your eyes, but did you know it can also affect your motivation and wellbeing?

Working in dull or harsh lighting can cause eye-strain and headaches. It can also increase fatigue, stress and anxiety. All of which can lead to a lack of motivation and hamper your productivity.

If possible, set up your workspace in front of a window or position your seat facing the outdoors. If you don’t have this option, instead use a lamp to ensure the area is well-lit

Natural light can keep you energised, motivated and focused

Personalise Your Work Space

Although your work space is primarily meant for work, if you add something that brings you joy it can also boost your mood and motivation.

Some ideas could be:

• A family photograph
• A scented candle
• A small vase of flowers

Create an environment where you’ll be happy to work.

It’s much easier to feel positive when you are happy

Add Inspiration

The main function of a positive work space is to motivate you. What better way to do that, than to add something that inspires you?

Maybe you could frame your favourite inspirational quote and hang it on your wall.

Consider displaying your vision board (if you have one) in a prominent position so that you can spend a few minutes each day remembering WHY you’re in business.

Could you create an inspirational quote or phrase wallpaper for your computer screen.

If you like to listen to music whilst you work, perhaps you could create a playlist of uplifting songs on Spotify. (They are currently offering 3 months Premium for free!)

Inspiration comes in many forms

Conclusion…

When we choose to create surroundings that lift our spirits and and fill us with motivation, our heart and mind will be calmer and ready for the day’s work. 

Use the ideas above (and add some of your own) to create a positive work space and see the difference for yourself.