15 Work-From-Home Essentials that Will Make Life So Much Easier
WFH...I know many of you are dealing with an unusual challenge: working from home for the first time, full-time. Even if you’ve done it before, working from home because of COVID-19 might feel like a whole new world because it is so sudden. Converting your comfort-focused homes into efficient professional workspaces isn’t always easy. To help, since I work from home full time — I thought it might be helpful for me to share some home office essentials that have made working from home comfortable and productive for me. So whether you're hiding out from the coronavirus or work remotely full-time, here's what you need to stay comfortable and productive while working from home.
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Best Office Essentials for Healthier Workspace
The scientific evidence is in for what we all knew to be true: sitting too long is a major health hazard: it increases risks for obesity and heart disease and causes back pain, leg cramps, and poor posture. Research suggests that even the recommended 30 minutes of exercise per day cannot counteract problems caused by chronic sitting. Protect your health—get moving during your workday with the help of these office essentials:
Exercise Desk Bike
Whether you're in an office or working from home, sitting all day is not good, even if you have an ergonomic office chair. I made the change to not be sedentary all day while working from home, so I bought this standing desk exercise bike and workout bands to keep me moving all day long. My exact exercise desk bike and similar here from Amazon and here from Walmart. Don't forget to get extra butt padding.
Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Mat with Calculated Terrain
I use a standing desk on and off during the day. If you do the same, you’ll also want proper support to limit fatigue throughout the day. For that, the anti-fatigue standing desk mat provides excellent cushioning to fight stiffness and aches brought on by long periods of standing.
Resistance Bands Non Slip Fabric
Unlike latex and rubber resistance bands, these are non-slip and skin-friendly. I use these to do some simple standing-desk exercises throughout the day. Performing regular intervals of moving or standing while working helps to reduce your risk of disease, improve your mood and productivity, and keeps your body functioning well and feeling fantastic without even having to leave your desk.
Medical Grade H13 Hepa Air Purifier
THIS AIR PURIFIER WORKS!! If you are suffering from allergies, or want to reduce the odds of your getting sick (since this medical-grade filtration removes all bacteria from the air as well as some viruses), this is worth every penny.
As a Mac user, I always thought that I was stuck with the standard Apple keyboards but I have aching wrists from an uncomfortable typing position. Thankfully, I just got this ergonomic keyboard which works for Mac users. This keyboard and mouse offer you the ability to type comfortably while maintaining full Mac integration.
Office Essentials for Productivity
It is the perfect timer for procrastinators (you can use it to set a time limit on your mindless social media scrolling, for instance). It is also the perfect timer for working–– I give yourself a time limit on a task so you don't get stuck into endless revisions. Just flip the cube to display the time you’d like to count down from and the timer will begin.
Weekly Planning Notepad | Fits Under Keyboard
I am horrible with writing in planners but managing your time is the key to managing your career. Plus a planner is no good if you have to remember to look at it. This Weekly Planning Pad sits snugly alongside your keyboard, so it is always in view to keep priorities for the week front-and-center so you remember your appointments, tasks, and goals.
Light affects your mood and energy levels so if your office space lacks windows or you’re finding out that your home’s in shadow during some key daylight hours you need this Light Therapy Lamp! It mimics the full spectrum of light found in daylight, UV-free LED shines with a 10,000 lux intensity to bring 6500K light to help fight winter blues, jet lag, shift work & seasonal changes
I often finish work and notice that my vision is blurrier in the evening than it is in the morning. I don't get that when using these glasses for most of the day. I still need to take breaks from my screen, but overall felt less eye strain on days where I used them, and had an easier time reading the signs at night when leaving work.
Coffee Warmer & Wireless Charger
Caffeine is much more important when you’re at home, where you might feel tempted to relax. Keep your cold coffee up to 131℉/55℃, and keep this temperature the whole day, allowing the flavor and freshness of the drink to be preserved! Plus use it as a wireless charger for your QI-enabled phones or Airpods! The cup warmer will automatically disconnect and protect the battery from overcharging.
If you want the full atmosphere of a stimulating office, consider getting some houseplants, investing in art on your walls, and even using incense or essential oils to diffuse scents in your workplace. These stimuli can help you think more creatively and reduce stress.
Other home office essentials
When converting your home or apartment into a makeshift office alongside family members or roommates, you might find yourself short on space, and not just square footage. This extra long 10ft extension cord gives you the flexibility to reach distant outlets and hard to reach places. A perfect solution for when power outlets are not conveniently located nearby.
Hydration is key, especially when you are staring at a computer screen and have harsh fluorescent lights beaming on you all day. This is the best way to stay hydrated at home is to have water on your desk! If you're someone who only loves your water cold, this will keep your water cold for hours. I use this reusable metal straw.
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