Setting up an ergonomic home office

Many things changed when the COVID-19 pandemic started, but one of the biggest was the way we work. Because the authorities asked people to stay home, many of us had to turn a corner of our own space into an office. When I first started working from home, I had serious troubles getting anything done. This was mostly because I had troubles adjusting to the fact that my home, a place normally reserved for relaxing and unwinding, was now a place for concentration and productivity. I would laze around working from the couch, wasting time with whatever caught my attention, and taking excessive coffee and food breaks.

Eventually, I realized I needed to set up a home office space, but the problem was that I lived in a fairly small space with not too many options.

If you’re struggling to work from home or you feel like you don’t have enough space to, here are a few quick and easy tips to make space for a home office:

Choose the right space. You don't want to set up your office in your living area if that's where the people in your home congregate. You may want to look for a spot on the wall in your room, settle in a far corner of the kitchen, or use a closet space in a different way by removing the doors. Whatever space you choose make sure it feels right. If you’re really struggling with finding a room to set up your office, divide a space so it has multiple uses. You can easily split up a kitchen, bedroom, or living area. The important thing here is to keep your office space facing the rest of the room, as this makes you feel like you’re in your own area. It’s also advisable to choose office furniture and stationery that fit the look and colors of the room, so nothing stands out and feels strange about the space.

Keep it tidy and organized. Nothing slows down productivity like a space that’s messy and doesn’t feel comfortable. Make sure to tuck your cables and cords away behind your desk, and keep your designated space tidy.

Find a chair that tucks in neatly. But keep things ergonomic. Studies show that when you lean 100 to 110 degrees back, your eyes should be in line with a point 2-3 inches (5-8 centimeters) below the top of the monitor frame (a laptop stand might help). Your elbows should be at 90 degrees and close to the body; your hands, flat on the keyboard. If your desk side-hustles as a side table or nightstand, grab a dining-table chair or some other existing height-appropriate one.

Windows and sunlight are your friends. An important aspect of any office is access to sunlight. Sunlight improves your body’s vitamin D levels which directly relate to happiness levels. Sunlight also maintains your body’s circadian rhythm keeping you feeling awake. If you don’t have a window space, you should light well with lamps. Also, consider potted plants to oxygenate your space and keep you calm. We all know by now how important plants are.

Keep your lighting simple. Fortunately, adequate lighting can come in small packages. A sleek silhouette, like that of our desk lamp pick, won’t look out of place on a small desk.

Set boundaries with the people you share the space with. This may not be entirely home design related, but if your office is located in an area where your partner/family/housemates regularly access, it’s a good idea to explain your need to disengage while you’re working. This means working in areas of your home with less foot traffic and telling people to treat you as if you’re in a professional environment (which you are). It took me a long time to figure this one out, and it resulted in days wasted by distractions.

And last but not least, water. It may seem obvious, but keep a source of water nearby, whether it’s a large bottle, a jug, or setting up near a tap. When you’re working from home, like any other workplace, you need to stay hydrated, but regular trips to the kitchen can lead to distractions and procrastination.