The global pandemic we are going through has changed the life of many, me included. Office life has been postponed and now all we got is our apartment, an inadequate chair and a pop-up home office in the making. This setup is conventional for a few days however, since things will not get back to how things used to be before 2020, it’s time for a proper home office makeover.
Whether it’s your first time working 100% remotely or you are just looking for ways to make yourself comfortable and productive, we have selected some accessories that will have an impact on your everyday life.
These 14 things made our work-from-home lives easier in 2020—and may help you too in your work-at-home journey!
- A Computer Monitor
Working on large computer monitors is what we used to do in the office. While 13-inch laptops come in handy and are easy to move around, they do not give you the ‘premium office feeling’. The feeling where everything looks large and proper, where you clearly get the sense that you are working and not chilling with your laptop.
Let’s recreate this setup at home!
Do you need an extra screen or a wide screen for your main work? More screen space equals less minimizing and shifting windows and comes along with a peace-of-mind.
- A Desk
With all the kinds of desks out there, how come you haven’t found your ideal one? From L-shaped to wall-mounted, C-shaped tables or just your kitchen table. Your choices must go along with how much room you have and the type of layout you prefer.
A corner desk which forces your face to the wall for hours on end doesn’t feel right. Aiming for a nice view, natural light, your window perhaps, is the best way to keep you sane while working. Finding the right desk that can fit next to a source of natural light will help you feel more comfortable and inspired during working hours.
Are you experiencing back pain? Try a standing desk! Standing throughout the day is beneficial and if laying or sitting or day makes your situation worse, it’s an option you should consider. Having products that allow for strength and posture training will definitely help in the long term.
- A Laptop Stand
This is perfect for small spaces and for people who can work anywhere (even on your bed). If using your laptop as your main computer is your only choice, then opt for a laptop stand and turn any table into an ergonomic workspace! Elevating the screen to eye level will help with your posture.
- External Keyboard and Mouse
Work comfortably for a prolonged period for both big-screen monitor users and laptop users! An external keyboard and mouse combo will make it easier to work and your hands will thank you!
An external keyboard and mouse will alsosave you on a rainy day. Imagine having a deadline for a project and being left with a mouse that won’t work or a spacebar that is not cooperating (a nightmare!).
- An Office Chair
Back pain is so common nowadays because of the long office hours. Think wise. Getting a comfortable desk chair is the way to Work-from-home happiness. A normal not-made-for-working chair will exhaust you and challenge your productivity. When looking for an office chair, the focus should be on finding armrests, seat height, and lumbar support that are adjustable.
Looking for a more budget friendly alternative? If buying a whole new chair is not an option, go for a seat cushion that will provide back support and make you feel comfortable. Maintaining a good posture while sitting is important.
- A Foot Rest
A foot rest is an ergonomic must-have that will help you a lot with having a proper posture. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s adjustable so you can have the right height for your feet. Your feet will thank you as well as your back since it will help you sit up straight in a natural way.
- A Webcam Cover
A webcam cover is as essential as keeping a balance between your professional and personal life. Being able to swipe the cover on and off gives you the ability to detach from your professional life when the shift is over, gives you time to prepare before a call and ensures you won’t be going through any accidental on-camera moments in front of your colleagues.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
Even when you’re not in the office, good noise-canceling headphones are a worthy investment while sharing your space with others. They will help you focus, disconnect from the space you are in and send a clear signal to others that you are committed to getting work done without any distractions.
- Coffee
Coffee & working go together, am I right? When working at an office your daily dose of caffeine is ensured thanks to the nearby coffee shops as well as the never-ending coffee supply at the office. Working from home requires an upgrade as far as coffee is concerned. Forget the cheapest supermarket options and go for something that you really like and will happily get you out of bed every morning.
Needing something extra? Get yourself a coffee grinder, a new coffee machine or a mug-warmer! Whatever is needed to help you step up your coffee game.
- Scented Candles
Having trouble separating your on and off hours while working from home? Fancy scented candles will change your room’s aroma and will calm you with their warmth. Lighting a candle is a special ritual, a way of treating yourself and for some reason it even makes us happy!
- Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses
Get them before having to actually deal with frequent headaches and vision problems that will affect you on a personal level as well as workwise. Experts claim that there is no need to have special glasses for computer use but blue-light-blocking glasses are a thing and have been increasingly popular among eyewear companies. If your eyes are bothering you, this is what you need.
- A Dry-Erase Board
Something to get you on track. Are you into to-do lists? A dry-erase board will get you organized and will provide you with that ultra satisfying feeling of jotting things done when you have completed them. It will upgrade your desk setup, help you visualize your to-dos and it even makes it easier to write down quick notes.
- A Tablet
You probably already own a laptop and a monitor setup at home. Do you know however how essential a tablet can be? Added flexibility is crucial especially if you live in a small space. It allows you to physically move during the day, go from the home-office to continue your work on the sofa without a second thought and leave behind the notion of feeling chained to your desk.
- A Furry Coworker
If everything mentioned above fails, go for a furry friend. One of the hardest parts of the pandemic has been the isolation and lack of social interaction, especially for those who live solo. Having a pet at home will be a huge consolation since you will be spending most of your time together. Don’t think twice! This is the excuse you needed to bring a new pet into your home. And remember, adopt, don’t shop!
With information from this source: https://www.themuse.com/advice/best-accessories-things-you-need-to-work-from-home
