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5 Ways to Create a Fresh, New Workspace for the New Year

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Going back to work after the holidays can be a drag, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of spending the rest of this first week back complaining with your co-workers, use this time to get your workspace organized and prepared for a successful year ahead.

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(Photo Credit: Jeff Sheldon/Unsplash)

1. Add Some Clarity (and Tidiness)

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You don’t have to wait until spring to do your deep cleaning – why not start now? There’s no better time than the beginning of the year to clean out the clutter and clear out some space for new and exciting things, especially at work.

What’s the big deal about having a few piles of papers lying around on your desk? According to a Princeton University study, “physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress.”

Said simply, clutter is no good for your mind, body, or career. For tips on how to de-clutter/organize your life and mind, check out this post to get a fresh, clean start and prepare yourself for an amazing 2016.

2. Add Some Personal Touches

It’s expected that you will spend approximately one-third of your life at work (or working), so shouldn’t you make your workspace feel a little bit like home – or at least like it’s yours? Decorating your office or cubicle to your liking can improve your mood, increase productivity, lower stress, and more. Add some pictures of friends and family or maybe even hang some artwork that you enjoy.

Generic office supplies can be a bore, so consider buying some supplies that will make your desk more appealing. Adding some personal style to your desk can help you feel more connected to your space and actually make you want to be at your desk day in and day out.

3. Add Some Color

Certain colors can actually increase your productivity and enhance your mood more than others. For instance, green and blue can improve a person’s productivity and efficiency in the workplace, and yellow has been shown “to trigger innovation and is best used in work environments where artists, writers, designers, developers and other creative professionals work,” according to Entrepreneur. If you’re looking for more energy or to enhance your attention to detail, then consider adding some red to your workspace. However, steer clear of drab colors like gray, beige, and white because they tend to have a more negative affect on people’s psyches.

4. Add Some Life

There’s nothing worse than going to a drab, lifeless desk every day. Add some life to your workspace to uplift your spirits and energize your space. Consider adding a bit of life with some fresh flowers or a small green potted plant – because, remember, the color green improves productivity and efficiency (mentioned above). What’s more, green plants also reduce sickness, clean the air, and reduce stress.

If you’re looking to add a bit of life and zen to your desk, then buy a small plug-in water fountain and let the gentle sound of the trickling water wash your work stress away. The fountain will also produce a nice, soothing white noise that will drown out the chatter in the office. If management will allow for it, consider adding a tiny goldfish friend to keep you company at your desk.

5. Add Some Inspiration

As cheesy as it sounds, you may want to consider adding some inspirational elements to your desk to motivate you to reach for the stars and all that jazz. Add a few of your favorite inspirational quotes to your workspace to reference when the going gets tough. Sometimes a few positive words can make all the difference when you’re having “one of those days.”

You may also want to consider creating a dream board that includes your short- and long-term goals and display it on your desk. It’s important to remind yourself of how far you’ve come and where you’re going. If you have any awards or certificates that you’ve earned in your career, then hang them up in your office to remind yourself of all that you’ve achieved so far. The key is to create a space that is yours and yours alone and that motivates you to achieve your dreams … no matter what.

Tell Us What You Think

What are some of your favorite ways to freshen up your workspace? Share your suggestions with our community on Twitter or leave a comment below. We’d love to hear what you have to say.

Leah Arnold-Smeets
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