How To: Be Happier Working from Home

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As we learned in the past two years, working from home can be great. But it can also be difficult.

Organizing your home office can be tricky. I’ve created an entire LinkedIn Learning course all about how to do it right.

I get it. Sitting in a chair all day long can make your home feel small and confining. Plus anything from children or roommates to staring at that pile of laundry, can be distractions.

But instead of allowing your frustration to build, try these seven ways to increase your productivity by creating a happier home office environment.

1) Buy Yourself Flowers.

Let’s face it. There are some days where you have so much to do, the closest you get to nature is staring out the window for a few seconds between emails.

So bring nature to you! Buying a bouquet of flowers can brighten your day and your home. I like to use Urbanstems because they have a ton of variety. They even have subscriptions so you can have a regular delivery.

Or if you know someone else is having a tough time, send some their way along with a message of appreciation!

2) Make Themed Lunches.

Remember when the most exciting day of the week at school was when the cafeteria was making your favorite lunch? That doesn’t need to stop in adulthood!

Making your favorite meal or ordering your favorite takeout can be a great pick me up in the middle of the day. Or something to look forward to if you have busier mornings. (And if you prepare meals in advance, all you have to do is heat it up!)

Snacks are important too. Check out my friend Nagina’s list of go-to’s when working from home.

3) Change Up Your Home Scent.

If your home is feeling a little stale, try an oil diffuser. Fragrances can boost your mood and make your space feel completely new.

I use the Doterra diffuser. But if you don’t want anything electric, you can get reed diffusers, like these.

4) Create a Reward System.

Just like working in an office, some days will be harder than others. Sometimes it feels like you’ve got too much to do and it can feel overwhelming.

On days like this, I like to use a reward system. For every three tasks I cross off my list, I get a treat. I like to read a chapter of a book I’m really into, making a cup of tea, or watching a half-hour of a TV show. Maybe it’s a piece of candy or listening to the next five minutes of a podcast you love.

It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s something that motivates you to keep going!

5) Virtual Lunch Date.

In the office, a friendly face can boost your energy or help you feel better if things have gone wrong. This can still be true when you’re working from home!

Zoom or call a friend when you need to talk something out. Or just have a standing lunch date once a week with someone who leaves you feeling energized. It can make all the difference.

6) Make a Productivity Playlist.

One of the best things about working from home is you can listen to whatever you want while you work. (Noise canceling headphones are amazing! Here’s my list of must-have WFH gear.) And the person controlling the playlist is you!

Create a playlist that inspires you to work harder. It can be a series of white noise on the Calm App or a pump up playlist on Spotify. Whatever helps you focus is what should play in your home throughout the day.

7) Meditate.

Sometimes all you need to do to boost your productivity is nothing. Having a set time to meditate every day can help you clear your mind and focus better.

Or if you have a tough phone call or get an email that makes you stressed, you can stop. Walk away from your laptop and take five minutes to meditate away from your desk. This will help you relax and keep calm while you respond to whatever is going on. I use Calm in the mornings to do 10 minutes a day. It really does make a difference over time!

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