Inexpensive Ways to Energize Your Workspace

I don’t know about you, but when the weather outside goes from cold and dreary to sunny, it inspires me. It makes me want to spring clean my home inside and out (although I’m a bit behind on that right now, but don’t judge!).

But when it comes to cleaning and updating, you might forget to include your office. Yet, whether it is inside your home or elsewhere, workspaces occasionally need to be overhauled too.

At the same time, not everyone has a ton of money to get all new furniture, computers, printers, etc. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t make small, inexpensive changes to energize your workspace.

How to Energize Your Workspace

Update Lighting

Lighting is one inexpensive way to energize your workspace when nicer whether arrives. If you have windows, one way is to simply open the blinds or curtains and let in the natural light.

Did you know sunshine can help you destress and fight the blah’s? According to a post by Time, sunlight is good for you and helps to fight seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Although SAD doesn’t impact all workers, extra sunshine can still benefit most everyone.

If you don’t have a window nearby, try adding an extra lamp. Or, replace your overhead lighting with something brighter to make your space less gloomy.

Often, when setting up a home office, whatever lighting is already in existence is what is used. But simply changing one or two fixtures can improve lighting, perk up your space, and cost you less than $100.

Turn on Music

Not all work environments will allow you to play music. In fact, in some offices, it’s not only inappropriate but downright rude to others. Nevertheless, if you work where music is welcomed, try adding some tunes to energize your workspace.

Putting on music can lift your spirits, get you pumped up, and lower your stress levels. It’s a small change that doesn’t cost anything but can make you work faster and harder. You’ll likely find you get more done which can equal more money in your pocket.

Add Scent

Once again, you should consider other people before you add scent to your work environment. But if they’re agreeable, or you work alone, scent is another great way to energize your workspace.

Try using a diffuser or a candle, as long as it doesn’t violate any fire codes where you work. Some of the best uplifting scents to try are mint or citrus. If you like to play with scents a little, try combining spearmint with grapefruit.

Believe it or not, making this small inexpensive change can brighten your mood and help you get more done.

Bring in Plants

Have you ever thought about including some greenery in your office décor? As long as it doesn’t cause anyone nearby to experience allergy issues, plants can make a space feel cheery.

Check with your local greenhouse to see what is available for the season. Or, bring a plant from home to your office environment.

Switch Out Photos

If you keep photos of family members in your office, when was the last time you switched them out for current ones? Updating them is another cheap way to energize your workspace.

You don’t have to go to a professional photographer to do it, either. Just snap a few pictures with your phone and take them to be processed at a nearby discount store, like Walmart. Then put them in a frame you already own.

Declutter  and Clean

Just like spring cleaning at home or fall home improvement, at times your office space needs attention. Grab some cleaning supplies and dust your desk. Clean computer screens, photos, and other surfaces and then vacuum or sweep and mop the floors.

As you clean, don’t forget to also clear clutter. Get your filing done and updated, shred documents that need to be destroyed, and put away items left out.

Clearly, there are lots of inexpensive ways you can energize your workspace. Creating a nicer, more pleasing workspace can increase your productivity and save you money in the long run.

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When was the last time you energized your workspace? What will you do now to energize it?