Winter WFH Essentials That Will Make You Feel Productive

One big plus about working from home is that you don’t need to trudge through the snow to get to the office on the darkest days of winter! When your only commute is from your bedroom to the office, however, it can be really tempting to lounge around and procrastinate, which is not at all helpful when you’re trying to make a deadline.

From cute sweaters that keep you comfy while still looking put together to a little bit of greenery that brings a touch of soothing energy to your space, here are some winter work from home (WFH) essentials that will make you feel productive.

An ergonomic tech setup can help ensure you don’t hurt yourself while working.

When you work in an office, it’s not unusual for your desk chair, monitor, keyboard and mouse to be chosen by someone other than yourself. In a home office, you have the benefit of picking the tech essentials that work best for you!

• Do a bit of research in advance and pick an office chair that supports your back and neck throughout the day.
• If you are interested in having the ability to switch up your position while you’re working, consider whether a convertible or standing desk might be right for you.
• Keep your desktop monitor at eye level so that you don’t put unnecessary strain on your neck.

It might take the most time to build your tech setup, but it’s probably the most important investment in creating a productive environment.

Cute loungewear can keep you feeling comfortable, while still looking trendy.

Putting on comfy clothes doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! In fact, during these times of seemingly ongoing stay-at-home orders and an increase in remote work opportunities, one of today’s biggest trends is actually loungewear.

Not all comfy loungewear is created equal, though. It’s important to choose styles and patterns that can pass for professional attire, especially if you’re having important conversations over Zoom at work.

• Oversized sweaters in chunky knits are stylish enough to wear on screen but feel comfy and cozy off video.
• Look for basic tops in bold colors. Jewel tones look especially pretty and bring some light to your face and get you in a productive mood.
• Shop at a boutique online for clothing that is trendy, unique and affordable. You don’t even have to leave your home to find cute WFH essentials.

Even though it’s most likely only your face and shoulders that will be on your video calls, it’s still helpful to try to pay attention to what you’re wearing on your lower half. Pajama bottoms, though comfortable, probably won’t give you the boost of productivity you need to tackle a big project.

Bring some soothing energy to your space with indoor plants and other green accessories.

Adding a bit of greenery to your space can do more than just inspire you with fresh ideas. Houseplants can actually help reduce stress and anxiety!

• Consider painting an accent wall or hanging a picture of a natural scene to offer a little bit of an escape, plus some inspiration, while you’re at your desk.
• Succulents are low-maintenance indoor plants that make the perfect tabletop accessories. They need minimal light and water so you don’t have to worry about constant care, either.

Whether your workstation is a corner at the kitchen table or a true home office with a door and window, bringing a touch of nature is a fantastic way to make your workday better.

Set up a station with easy access to all the fuel you need for a big day ahead.

It’s hard to dive into a project if you’re constantly having to leave your desk for coffee, snacks or a water refill. To help you avoid taking too many distracting breaks throughout the day, set yourself up with a “fueling station” right at your desk.

• Healthy snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated, like nut butters and fruits or granola bars, are nice to have on hand for quick nourishment between meetings.
• A water pitcher can give you the chance to refill your cup a few times a day, without needing to venture all the way to the kitchen every time.
• If you have the space and desire to create a more permanent WFH setup, consider setting up a coffee maker (or water boiler for tea) in your office space so you have easy access to a stream of caffeine all day long.

While it’ll certainly be more convenient to have all of your snacks within reach, just make sure you remember to still get up every now and again to stretch your legs!

Open your curtains, or set up a desk lamp, to brighten up your space.

Dimly lit spaces are great for creating a relaxing environment, but if you need to hunker down and really get your work done, it can be helpful to add some more light to your station.

• Consider moving your desk closer to a window so that you can flood a bit more natural light into your space.
• Set up a desk lamp near your computer screen to help keep you from squinting.
• Consider whether you might want to invest in a ring light for your computer to brighten up your face for video calls.

Experiment with different lighting sources, bulbs and even dimmers throughout the day to ensure you have enough light whenever you’re at your computer.

Making WFH Work for You

When the weather outside is frightful, it can be quite delightful to work from the comfort of your home, but it’s important to set yourself up for success with a productive WFH environment. Whether that means dressing for success while looking cool or setting up your space with some brain-boosting snacks, you’ll be ready to tackle those projects with ease and a smile!