Whether you use your office desk to work from home, study for school, indulge in a hobby or even just get some personal administrative tasks done, any surrounding clutter or disorganized arrangement of things is pretty much guaranteed to make it harder for you to stay focused.
You can create the perfect workspace in just a few minutes, and the best part of all is that you might already have most or all the items you need.
A Container for Easy Access to Pens and Pencils
Pens and pencils are a must on any desk, even if you work mostly from a computer. You don’t need anything fancy – I just use a plain mason jar for the sake of simplicity, but you could certainly head out and look for a decorative container or stationery holder that fits your style.
A Potted Plant or Flower
Research has shown that having a desk plant helps improve your productivity. But if you’re like me and don’t have much of a green thumb, there’s no shame in recreating the real thing with a nice-looking fake plant!
Your Favorite Books
A few books stacked neatly on your desk are a great source of inspiration when you’re feeling stuck with your work. Just flip one open to any page and read a few passages to help get your creative juices flowing again.
An Inspirational Accessory You Can Play With
Do you ever find yourself fidgeting at your desk? I have this crazy-looking magnetic sculpture of Xs and Os that I can build and shape with my hands whenever I get the urge to fidget.
We tend to retain memory and experience enhanced creativity when working with our hands, so it might be helpful to have a desk toy or puzzle nearby.
A Functional Desk Lamp
You’re going to want proper lighting if you work after the sun goes down or in a dark space. Rather than looking for something with a huge base or awkward lampshade, get a simple desk lamp in your preferred color and size.
Framed Art or a Personal Photo
Consider framing a photo of your family, a vision board of your goals or even a favorite quote. Every time you look at it, you’ll be reminded why you need to stay motivated.
A Decorative Box for Extra Storage
Chances are you’ll have cable cords, extra stationery accessories, notepads, personal care items and other little knick-knacks you’ll want quick access to from your desk. A nice box tucked safely to the side makes a great addition to limited storage space.
The idea is to keep it simple and try not to add too many non-essentials. When it comes to mental focus, your environment really counts, so make sure all the things you place around you aren’t holding you back from doing your best work!