Whether you own a business or work remotely for a company, working from home saves you time and money. You no longer have to worry about a commute, buying lunch because you forgot to pack one, or putting miles on your vehicle driving to and from the office. However, it is often difficult to separate work and play when you do both in the same house. By following these four tips, your home can be both a place of productivity during work and relaxation after hours.
Create a Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule
Whether it be dirty dishes, mail, laundry, or toys, it is easy for everyday items to quickly clutter your home. Psychology Today explains that clutter creates stress, making it difficult to be productive during work and to relax with your family. Fight this anxiety by creating a cleaning schedule for your home.
Make a list of all the chores that need to be completed weekly. Take out your calendar and write down when you will complete each task. If your schedule is incredibly busy, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. They can come weekly or on an as-needed basis to keep your home in order.
Also sit down with your calendar and schedule regular maintenance for your home’s heating and cooling systems. It’s better to have your HVAC checked before each season begins, as you don’t want to be left without AC in the middle of summer or in the cold come wintertime.
Separate Spaces for Work and Play
Having your office set up in your kitchen, dining room or other common gathering area makes it difficult to transition from work mode to personal mode. Instead, create separate spaces specifically for work and play.
If you have the space, designate an extra bedroom as your office. Otherwise, allocate a section of a room as the office, such as a corner of the living room, bedroom, or even a large closet. Decorate the area with personal touches, such as photos, trinkets, or a fresh coat of paint. Also, make sure that you have plenty of light inside your office. This can range from task lighting to ambient lighting — you can even use a light like this pendant option to add some dramatic flair to the space. Regardless of which you choose, it’s important that you have proper illumination to help protect your eyes when you’re staring at a computer screen for hours on end.
Create a space dedicated to your hobby as well. Convert part of your garage into a home gym or art studio. Design a reading nook in the corner of your bedroom. Whatever your hobby may be, have space set aside for it. Having a hobby helps you disconnect from work; plus, it is a fantastic way to increase energy, release stress, boost your mood and explore creative outlets.
You can also use your backyard for getting away and relaxing while enjoying a little nature. Some ideas for sprucing up the outdoor living area include building your own fire pit, mounting a hood vent over your cooking space (choose one with a proven track record of withstanding the elements), and setting out some new patio furniture. If you have the space, hang a hammock to ramp up your relaxation!
Upgrade Your Bedding
Without a good night’s sleep, your work and personal time suffer. If it has been a while since you bought new bedding, now is the time to upgrade.
Invest in supportive pillows; the style will vary depending on what side of your body you sleep on. Purchase a warm comforter and soft sheets. Mattresses typically need to be replaced every seven to 10 years, so buy a new one if yours is lumpy or unsupportive.
Install a Security System
According to one report from Alarms.org, 66% of the 2.5 million burglaries that happen every year are home break-ins. With a security system, you can breathe easy knowing your family, belongings, and work projects are safely monitored.
Some home security systems come in packages, while others offer products a la carte. Find one that meets your needs, and install it as soon as possible.
Your house is so much more than a space; it is your haven while accomplishing your professional goals and doing life with your family and friends. Following these tips makes the most of your home as a workspace and place of relaxation.
Better Homes & Properties can help you navigate the housing market, regardless of whether you’re looking to buy or sell. Get in touch today by calling 425-213-3700.
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