As millions of us acclimatise to home working, Forest & Maker explains how to make it as stress-free and productive as possible
As we acclimatise to the dramatic lifestyle changes triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, millions of us are adjusting to working from home. For many this is unchartered territory and, while we might relish skipping our commute, our new way of life can bring certain challenges. Whether you’re an old hand or a newbie when it comes to working from home, here are our top ten tips for staying healthy, happy and productive…
1. Keep to a routine. It might be tempting to linger in bed longer than usual, but sticking to a routine helps us feel more in control of our day. If you usually shower, dress and have breakfast before work, try to maintain that pattern. If you normally exercise, try to keep that up too, within government guidelines of course.
2. Write a to-do list. Studies show we perform better when we’ve written down our daily objectives on paper. Tick each one off as you complete it too – it’ll give you a sense of satisfaction and liberates your
brain to focus on its next task.
3. Embrace daylight. Research tells us that exposure to natural light boosts our mood, energy levels and helps us sleep better at night. Try to position your desk near a window and, within government guidelines, get outside every day. If possible, do this in the morning, to stimulate your body clock.
4. Bring the outside in. We know that spending time in the natural world lowers our stress levels. It can also boost our mood and improve cognitive performance too. But you can also reap nature’s benefits indoors, by decorating your home office with house plants.
5. Invest in your desk. You wouldn’t sleep in an uncomfortable bed, so why sit at an uncomfortable desk? The chances are you’ll be spending around 35 hours a week here, after all. At Forest & Maker we understand that a desk is more than a desk – it tells a story. It’s a place where decisions are made, businesses are born and where we summon our best creative and cognitive efforts. That’s why The Hoxton Southwark commissioned us to handcraft the desks for their new 744-person coworking space, Working From_.
6. Work with a view. Research shows that looking out on a green landscape can improve attention so, if you can, set up your desk so you’re looking out onto a natural view. Listening to nature’s soothing sounds can help your state of mind too – try downloading an app that plays running water or birdsong.
7. Choose natural materials. Timber desks, stone plant pots and linen or woollen fabrics do more than just look good. As those in the design field know only too well, natural materials are widely credited with enhancing creativity and reducing workplace stress.
Here at Forest & Maker, all our desks are handcrafted from nature’s raw materials – we only use certified, sustainably-sourced British-grown oak and ash. With their unique grain patterns and mellow, tactile surfaces, these are stunning pieces of furniture that connect you with nature.
8. Keep the air fresh. We breathe in 15,000 litres of air a day, and if the quality of that air is compromised it can impact our health and productivity. If you live in an unpolluted area, throw open your home office window to add some natural ventilation. Alternatively, consider investing in an air purifier.
9. Stay connected. Once you’ve created your ideal work environment, don’t forget to stay connected. Working from home can be isolating at the best of times, so schedule in virtual coffee breaks over Zoom. It’ll give you the chance to socialise, clear your head and lower stress levels.
10. Maintain work life balance. One common pitfall of home working is knowing when to stop. If possible, position your desk away from other distractions in the house. When the working day draws to an end, close your laptop, step away from it and shut the door.
