12 Tips to Transform Your Desk Into a Stress-Free Zone
When you’re maxed out on work-related stress, sometimes just looking at your desk can magnify everything you’re feeling. By putting a little love into your workspace, whether it be your at-home set-up or your office cubicle, you can feel more organized, more focused, and definitely less stressed.
Here are our best tips for transforming your desk into your own little 9-5 oasis. (And for an added bonus, try practicing these meditations for work stress before your day even begins.)
Support your lower back
The key to enjoying the time spent at your desk is making sure it’s comfortable for you to be there for hours on end. Get a firm lumbar pillow that will support your lower back, like one made of memory foam — bonus points if it has a built-in massager or a place for warming or cooling gel inserts!
Counteract all that sitting with these stretches you can do at your desk.
Try a standing desk
If you prefer to alternate between sitting and standing while you work, try a standing desk. Their benefits far outweigh a traditional desk; you’ll likely experience less back pain and fatigue, and standing more throughout the day can even possibly help extend your life expectancy.
Go green
Biophilia, based on the belief that humans need to connect to nature to thrive means getting some greenery for your desktop is never a bad idea. In research studies, bringing plants into the office has been shown to drop anxiety levels of office workers significantly. Not sure where to begin? Start by finding the best houseplants for your sun sign or these easy-to-care-for houseplants.
Organize your computer’s desktop
It’s as important to keep your computer’s desktop organized as it is your actual desktop. The sight of clutter can accentuate your stress, becoming a visual reminder of the work that needs to be done, making finding the items you need an event, and goes against the principles of feng shui. Create a system of folders and sub-folders and a naming system that will facilitate you finding them, only display apps that you use frequently, and find a wallpaper that’s soothing to look at, or something that’s sectioned out to help you stay clutter-free.
Stimulate your brain by periodically refreshing your desk
Surrounding yourself with the same items on your desk day after day can create a stale environment, so refresh your desktop with some fun or useful items every once in a while. Switch up your framed photos, splurge on some good pens and stationery, or get a pretty piece of art to display nearby.
Display some crystals
Whether you believe in the power of crystals is personal, but regardless, they make a pretty display (or depending on their size, paperweight). If crystals are your thing, then you’ll know each type is attributed to different properties and some are thought to promote benefits like reduced stress, increased focus, and enhanced creativity. Take a look at our Beginner’s Guide to Crystals to find the crystal that will bring your desk area all of the good vibes.
Get a good headset
Nothing can be more stressful at work than relentless outside noise distracting you. Whether you’re working from home with a family in the background, or you’re in an office near a construction site, investing in some quality sound-blocking headsets will transport you from your desk to somewhere a lot more blissful, keeping the stress at bay and you on task.
Fill your headsets with the sounds of a soothing meditation when you’re ready for a break from work.
Go for ergonomic features
While not usually the most beautiful, office furniture that’s both functional and comfortable is always a win. Go for the ergonomic chair that’s going to support you while you sit, and opt for the ergonomic mouse pad that will cushion your wrist while you click; your body will thank you.
Try some blue-light-filtering glasses
One thing you may not have considered is how the blue light that’s emitted from your computer can not only irritate your eyes but also interfere with your sleep. Keep a pair of blue-light blocking glasses nearby so you don’t strain your vision and can work a late night or two without your sleep being disturbed.
Keep your most-used essentials within reach
Make note of what you use the most often at your desk and organize it in such a way that it’s within easy reach. If you like to drink water throughout the day, have a designated spot for your glass or water bottle, keep your most-used pens displayed where you can quickly grab one, and if traditional paper to-do lists are your thing, keep your notepad right by your computer.
Essential oil diffuser
If you’re not sensitive to fragrance, essential oils can be a great way to freshen up the smell around your workspace, especially after you’ve eaten one too many hot meals there. Depending on whether or not you have your own private work space, you may want to consider setting up an essential oil diffuser to combat stress with a bit of aromatherapy. Choose a scent like lavender to promote calm, valerian to decrease anxiety, and bergamot to fight fatigue.
A vision board
One way of visualizing the goals you’re working toward is to make a vision board and display it in your work area. It will serve as a continuous reminder of what you hope to achieve, boosting your motivation and helping you to reassess as needed.
Looking for more ways to de-stress around your desk? Try Calvin Corzine’s Work Flow series for free today with your 14-day trial to Alo Moves.