The current change in lifestyle and forced isolation is such an unwelcome adjustment for many of us and brings with it so many unknown uncertainties. It can feel like a constant struggle to be efficient and keep ourselves motivated when we are out of our daily routines.
Rediscover Creativity
From a work perspective, having little face-to-face contact with clients or team members can feel very isolating and lonely, but if we can try and view this in a different way and give our day some structure and accountability, it doesn’t just keep us organised and productive but also provides the opportunity to be creative.
If you set yourself some basic rules that help maintain work/life boundaries, you’ll find it easier to focus on work during work and leave it when it’s time. Don’t sleep with your phone next to you or check emails when you’re in your designated downtime. Also, try closing all browser windows except for what you’re working on to keep focused. Creating a calm and serene space within your home will not only help you feel more productive and creative but is good for your positive mental wellbeing. Our surroundings have a huge impact on stress levels and wellbeing but making a few small tweaks to your environment can be surprisingly powerful. Here are some of our favourite ways to create a stress-free workspace, simply by changing details of the space around you.
Add Some Greenery
Try bringing a plant in to your workspace. Adding a touch of green can have a remarkable impact on stress levels. Not only will it improve air quality, but studies have shown that plants improve our psychological health. The effect is particularly noticeable in office spaces, where plants are proven to reduce stress, increase productivity and boost resilience. That’s a win-win in our book!
Architectural Indoor Plants Declutter the Space
A chaotic work environment more often than not means a chaotic mind. Clutter is visually distracting and can lead to stress due to the time wasted in finding what you need. Taking the time to clear surfaces, organise drawers and throw away rubbish can turn a stressful workplace serene. Keeping your workspace clean and organized means you’ll be more productive and efficient.
Tidy desk, tidy mind! Bring in some natural light and fresh air
A number of small changes can be made to reduce the stress caused by poor lighting. If possible, try sitting by a window and keeping lights off during times when natural light is enough.
If it’s warm enough – open up the window for some fresh air to flow indoors.
Natural light Take regular breaks
Taking regular, scheduled breaks can refresh your mind, relax your eyes and enable you to get more work done. Breaks also provide the opportunity to move around, grab a drink and speak to someone – even if it’s just your cat!
Make sure you have a proper lunch break without looking at screens. Look out of the window or call a friend and make sure you get out for that walk every day and appreciate the beauty of spring in the glorious sunshine
Well deserved coffee break Light a candle
A beautiful scented candle will create a calm and pleasant atmosphere and help you to feel comfortable in your surroundings. If you feel happy with your setup, you’re more likely to be able to concentrate on your work instead of feeling off-kilter. Candle-wise we suggest going for a fresh, soothing fragrance and making sure it’s burning properly. Of course you can find some stunning candles at our shop.
Candles are just the ticket! Make a to-do list
To keep you productive and keep you on track, making your to-do list as colourful, eye-catching and exciting as possible, and keeping it somewhere you can see it keeps you motivated and in control. Pin up your ever-changing lists for the day, add any extra notes and why not throw in some pictures that make you happy!
Get organised! Bring in some colour
It’s amazing what a bit of colour and life can do for your environment. Being restricted to the outside world is alien to most of us but by getting some bright flowers from your local supermarket, or cut fresh from your garden, you can liven up your workspace and bring a bit of the outside in. Simply display your blooms in a vase wherever you’re working at home.
Spring Tulips Whilst our daily schedules may vary, try to keep these things constant throughout the week.
Why not try and do something special each day that can give you something to look forward to. Whether it’s building a time capsule with your children, making a home-made card for a relative, leaving flowers for an elderly neighbour, having a picnic in your garden or simply cooking your favourite meal and settling down to watch a great uplifting film – there are lots of different ways we can make each day feel a little less like Groundhog Day… unless that’s your favourite film!
Whether it’s thinking of new ways to reach an audience, supporting our community, looking after loved ones or trying to rustle up a meal from some leftovers in the fridge, this new reality is open for lots of ways of being creative for all of us.
We’ve been loving some of the new innovative ways of staying positive and giving us a sense of unity. From #clapforcarers every Thursday, seeing children’s hand-drawn rainbows in windows, the live #PEwithJoe sessions brought to us by Joe Wicks on YouTube, or #Keepcookingandcarryon from Jamie Oliver and Channel 4, there is lots of inspirational support out there. If there is one good thing to come out of this horrendous time it is a feeling of looking out for and caring about each other, not to mention the positive benefits to the planet from reduced pollution!
Forever grateful Try and still have that face-to-face contact with your people. It may be on a screen but it’s still seeing the people we care about and gives others the emotional support they may just be craving that day. Some days will undoubtedly be tougher than others and it’s OK to say we’re struggling, so let’s try and be thankful for the little things and keep the hope alive, just like those rainbows. You can also try incorporating some relaxation exercises or mediation into your workday. #headspace is brilliant and is offering free support during this global crisis. We are also running our own appreciation campaign to support our NHS heroes and key workers who all deserve some recognition. It’s a simple and easy way to give something back, please simply nominate your hero on our Instagram or Facebook.
22nd September, 2025
14th March, 2025
