Sometimes offices are fun. Sometimes offices are sterile. In which do you work?
I've always found when offices host their employees in cubicles, it tends to feel impersonal and distant. Even grating (on your sanity that is). People thrived for thousands of years in nature, and the work cubicle seems to defy all of those things that we evolved to appreciate. So it's no wonder that many people often feel drained, stale, and agitated from sitting in a cubicle all day.
Well, it's time to fix that. After all, many people rely on their jobs for their livelihood, so the question becomes, can I deal with my cubicle? Or, if not, how to I modify it to bring me more joy and peace?
(Please note, there are some offices that do not allow modifications to their cubicles. You should understand your office's policy before proceeding)
Here are some tips:
1) Make it comfortable. Add things like a heating pad or back / lumbar support to your pillow. Buy a workout ball and store it under your desk to alternate with your chair to change up your posture and even invite a little office based exercise in. Buy a footstool or footrest of sorts to help elevate your feet to a level that is comfortable, or to, again, change up the posture of your 8 hours. I've even had a coworker stow work-appropriate slippers/moccasins and tennis balls at her desk to massage her feet and even double as a back roller.
2) Don't forget your wrists. If you can't request a laptop that is ergonomically designed for constant typing, (and/or a mouse for that matter) invest in a wrist/forearm rest. It'll help alleviate some of the constant stress from resting your wrists on the desk while typing and navigating. You can also elevate or tilt the keyboard to make it more suitable for your hands.
3) Bring in the outdoors. Maybe it's a bud vase for a new flower or set of flowers every week, maybe it's a fluorescent light ok plant like lucky bamboo, or maybe it's just a picture of the ocean, beach, mountains, river, waterfall, etc. Either way, make sure it's not sitting somewhere cramped or hiding behind anything else. The less stifled or hidden it is, the more it will have a positive effect on you.
4) Go for feng shui. Not sure what that is? This is a super quick overview or this one is more detailed. There are also certain colors and themes associated with different areas of the bagua map to help bring the best energy into the space. Keep photos and colors in their rightful place to help circulate the energy in your (probably) 5x5 space.
5) Make it personal. This should feel like a reflection of you. If you love animals, then find some animal print stickers or post-its, some neutral colors, or your favorite animal picture to keep around. If you're a sports person, sport themed pens and pencils or a calendar with your favorite team will welcome you to work every day and start you off with a great smile.
Remember, you spend 8-10 hours here every day. This should be as much of a sanctuary for you as your favorite place in your house. If it's not, work on it pronto. Don't wait. Happy and positive people tend to get more done!
Have a few great ideas from how you've decorated your workspace? Share them with us!
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