Is Your Home Office Positioned For Stress or Success?

When I worked in the corporate world, I was able to shut the door and go home at the end of the day… unless I got locked inside the building (this actually happened to me once. A frightening event, indeed)!

However, the day I decided to become an entrepreneur, I realized it was going to be a bit of an adjustment to start a home-based business. My business was going to move in with me permanently!

The perks were great at first. I could do a load of laundry any time I wanted. I could take breaks whenever I wanted. I didn’t have to commute anymore. However, perks aside, it wasn’t long before I became mindful that I had interrupted the sanctuary that was once my home to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate for the next day.

I started out in my bedroom with a little table and computer. I found I couldn’t sleep well and kept waking up with ideas. I then moved to the dining room, then to the living room, and then to the TV room, just to try and find comfort so I could feel ‘businesslike.’

Then, it hit me. I needed a workspace that was JUST that. A dedicated work space. I decided to turn my craft room into a full-fledged office. Little did I know this training ground I was attempting to master, later in life, I would be helping entrepreneurs set up, style, and feng shui their home-based offices.

ONE-THIRD OF OUR LIFE

Think about this. On average, 1/3 of our life is spent working. After 15 years of transforming homes and office spaces for my clients, I’ve come to truly believe that your home office space should be looked at as the second most important area of your home, for workspace wellness. The bedroom is the number one priority for your sleep wellness.

So here are a few tips to help you get started on creating a healthy and successful space for you and your business:

1. Choose your space wisely: This is your top priority! Locate a space for your home office as far away from your bedroom as possible. If this is not possible, use a room divider to hide the office from the bedroom, and visa versa. And, turn off your computer when you’re done for the day. Out of sight, out of mind.
2. Face the door: Position your desk so it faces the door. This will allow you to feel in control and take the reins of your business. If you have to face a wall and you can’t face the door, place a small mirror on your office desk or wall so you can see behind you when someone is approaching from behind you.
3. Keep it clean: Keep your office healthy, clean, and organized. Stuck clutter and dust, means stuck business and a crappy feeling in your body. Imagine the freeing feeling you have when you clean your car and go for a drive. That’s the energy you want to be feeling in your uncluttered office space.
4. Clear the air (literally and figuratively): Before you retire at the end of day, open a window to let out the stale air in your office while you clear your desk. Write a to-do list of all the things you need to do the next day so it is not just in your head (where you might forget about it, or dwell on it when you’re on personal time). Turn off your equipment, pick up your garbage can, turn the lights off, and shut the door. If your workspace is in a communal room like the kitchen energetically just try to think this way. Again, dividers can help you separate the space.
5. Ground your workspace: With the freedom of laptops, we tend to travel with them all over the house. It is important to ground all your work in one spot, so you feel grounded in your business.
6. Be mindful of electricity: Be aware of all the electricity that surrounds you. A Wi-Fi box is very high in radiation. It can affect our DNA at a cellular level. Hormones, especially in women, are affected with irregular mood swings and sleep deprivation. Place your Wi-Fi box and any unnecessary electricity sources outside of your office and bedroom.
7. Consider aesthetics: Take into consideration the aesthetic feeling of your office space. The colours on the walls, your furniture, your artwork, even healthy plants. Does your space inspire you or drain you? Is your chair supportive of your back? Is it comfortable? Is your desk too small to fit all your paperwork? What is your view in front of you? Is it an inspiring picture? Does it support your business?

Respecting your home office space will ensure many happy and healthy workdays and open up opportunities for success to flow your way.

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