The new normal has brought with it a lot of things to get used to. Wearing masks, changing the way we socialize – and above all, working from home.

When you first started working from home, you might have seen it as a temporary arrangement and given your office environment little to no thought. Now it’s clear that we’ll all be working virtually for the foreseeable future, it’s time to get your office space in shape.

Prioritize your health

You can’t afford to be cheap regarding your health when working from home. If you spend 40-50 hours a week behind a desk, being careless could cost you dearly further down the line.

When setting up your desk, think about ergonomics. These days, you can buy mice and keyboards with a special ergonomic design to cut down on repetitive strain; consider a vertical mouse or a split keyboard.

Ideally, when you sit back on your chair, the top of your screen should meet your eye level. To ensure this happens, make sure your chair and screen are adjusted and tilted correctly.

If you’re really committed to looking after your health, you might want to consider a standing desk to keep you on your feet while working. There are also standing desk converters you can place on top of your desk, for those who want to hedge their bets.

Optimize your productivity

We all want to be productive when we’re working. While there’s no easy trick that will guarantee ultra-efficiency, there are a few ways you can use your office space to hone productivity.

If you don’t have a dual monitor system already, consider installing one. It’s far easier than having to split screens manually and can save a lot of time compared to going back and forth between tabs.

You could also consider placing a physical timer on your desk. This is great for keeping you organized (Pomodoro Technique, anyone?) without needing to use your phone and open yourself up for distractions.

Finally, make sure your workspace is clean and decluttered. Nothing ruins productivity quite like settling down to work to realize your desk is full of trash, screwed-up notes, and whatever else you have lying around.

Make the most of color

Don’t underestimate the power of color. It can have a huge influence on our moods, including creativity and productivity.

There are no hard and fast rules about which colors you should or shouldn’t use in your home office – it varies among people. However, generally more muted colors are best, like white or pastel shades. Bright colors can cause stress.

Lighting is also important. Make sure you have plenty of light fixtures to blast out bright, white light (not the yellow kind) – especially if you lack in natural sunlight.

Add some style

Just because your office space should be practical and comfortable, it doesn’t mean you should completely forgo personality and style. Adding a personal touch might even provide you with a dose of inspiration and motivation.

One way to do this is through decoration. A few photo frames, wall hangings, or plants can go a long way.

Another way is through furniture. Quirky bookshelves or coffee tables from vidaXL are perfect examples of ways you can add some spark to your working space.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of creating a functional workspace, but you’ll probably be surprised at how much it benefits you. A few weeks in, you’ll scarcely believe that you could work without the latest additions and customizations. Find the right furniture and equipment for you, and most importantly, have some fun with it!