Is your home workspace causing you more stress? Wellness experts at Reviva Coffee have spilled the beans on common mistakes you’re making with your workspace, and how quick fixes can work wonders for your mind.
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Not having a dedicated, personalised space
A study completed by The National Library of Medicine reported that mental health worsens when homes are overcrowded and there is insufficient personal space.
Therefore, tailored environments such as a cosy hygge coffee corner within your home, are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they offer a sanctuary from daily stresses of life.
Recent reports found that one in eight adults feel stressed by their home environment – finding lack of space, poor natural lighting and lack of decoration leaving people unable to relax in their safe space. Having a designated area for relaxation and self-care within the home reinforces the importance of setting boundaries between work, chores, socialising, and allowing a space in the home to recharge.
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Not optimising your layout with feng shui
According to MQ Mental Health, an open and flexible layout can encourage movement and interaction, whilst a more structured layout can promote focus and concentration.
As a homeowner or even a renter, simple tricks and rearranging furniture can create more inviting space. Common mistakes that can hinder the calming feng shui of your home include not having a well-lit entrance, having a tv in your bedroom, leaving clutter around doors, leaving dead or drying plants around, and not being mindful of your mirror placements.
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Having too much clutter
The Journal of Environmental Psychology reports that clutter has a significant impact on mental health, reducing both psychological well-being and the sense of belonging associated with one’s living space.
If needed, handle one task at a time, evaluating what needs to go and keeping things simple as possible. Going for a more minimalist approach to your home can reduce stress, uplift your spirits and improve your overall quality of life.
Additionally, try to keep electronics out of the bedroom whenever possible, as well as being extra clutter they emit blue light that can interfere with your sleep.
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Not incorporating enough nature
Access to green space has been linked with improved mental well-being, overall health and cognitive development, and even within the confines of indoor spaces, elements of nature such as indoor plants can help decrease anxiety and depression.
Findings show that more than half of people feel more productive when surrounded by greenery and 60% claimed they felt happier in general. More than two-thirds also said plants had a positive impact on their mental health.
Even incorporating nature-inspired colours into your workspace can help soothe the mind. Sage green offers a calming effect, while light blue promotes serenity with its connection to the sea and sky. Neutral shades like beige provide warmth without being as stark as white, offering a peaceful and unobtrusive backdrop.
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Poor lighting
Studies show that increasing natural light can improve mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Increased daylight exposure can help to regulate the circadian rhythm, which in turn enhances sleep quality and reduces stress. Homes designed to maximise natural light can decrease stress levels by up to 30%.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
