In the 21st century, we can enjoy modern devices and simple yet smart appliances that make our lives easier. And if you're struggling while working from home, investing in such stuff can improve the situation. A home office is more than just a laptop, a router, a chair, and a desk, as many people believe. There are numerous resources available to assist you in improving your working environment. In this regard, we have compiled a list of essentials that will improve the efficiency of your at-home workspace.
1. Stand for laptop
A laptop stand is a versatile device that allows you to adjust the position of your laptop as needed. So, it doesn't matter where you prefer to work: at your dinner table, desk, or in your bed. A laptop stand is a right thing to help you find the most comfortable position for your back and eyes. Some stands additionally have a fan to keep your laptop from overheating. This item is inexpensive and little, yet it will make a significant impact on your working day.
2. Bottle of water
Drinking water is essentially important for wellness. That is why you should always have a bottle of water on your desk. If you don't know how much water you need to drink or simply forget about it, the best smart water bottle may be just what you need. This smart device notifies you when it's time to drink and calculates how much water you should drink depending on your age, height, weight, activity, and ambient temperature. You also can adjust it according to your specific needs.
3. Scented candle
Lighting a candle every time you start working is a fantastic method for getting your brain to "switch into working mode." The right aroma can create the right mood for productive work. There are even candles with a scent called "home office." Their odor helps focus on work. Besides, a candle will also make your workspace cozier.
4. Notepad
Taking notes on your phone or laptop is not always convenient, especially if you need them for other work. Having a simple notepad at your side is a good habit to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed by your tasks and plans. You can use it to make plans for the next working day, draw diagrams, and do other things. It's a nice and straightforward way to keep track of your top priorities for each day, such as calls, goals, and so on.
5. Mousepad with memory foam
The wrist on your dominant hand is one of the first parts of your body to ache after long hours of sitting in front of a computer. The ergonomic mousepad with memory foam wrist support can reduce wrist fatigue during prolonged working periods, prevent future joint problems, and relieve elbow stress.
6. Noise-cancelling headphones
The home environment might be noisy sometimes, which can kill your productivity. That is why noise-canceling headphones are necessary for video calls and conferences with your coworkers. Thanks to this feature, you will be able to hear whoever is talking to you loud and clear. They should be comfortable for your ears, have a good microphone, and preferably be wireless for maximum ease. Even if you don't need headphones for your work, you can use them to listen to some music that will help you concentrate on what you are doing or block out background noise. You won't need anything special. For example, Apple AirPods will suffice for the majority of your demands.
7. Wireless charger
Having a wireless phone charger is a good way to ensure that your phone is always charged and ready to work. It's a small device that can be kept underneath your monitor and doesn't take up much room on your desk. The wireless charger can also eliminate one more cable from your home office setup.
8. Chair cushion
Even the simplest chair cushion can significantly make your chair more comfortable. Cushions made of gel and orthopedic memory foam can prevent back pain, relieve the pressure on the coccyx, and help maintain a healthy posture. This means you can sit in a chair with such a cushion for more than 8 hours without becoming tired. It will also help to prevent sedentary injuries.
9. Coffee maker
People who work the whole day usually need more than one cup of coffee in the morning. A coffee maker with a mug warming function can replace an office coffee machine. It will allow you to get a cup of fresh, perfectly brewed coffee with just one touch of a button. Having 10-15 ounces of coffee a day, which any modern coffee maker can make in minutes, is a good way to save time and provide yourself with freshly brewed coffee for the day.
10. Blue-light-blocking computer glasses
Computer glasses are specifically designed for viewing monitors. Their main purpose is to serve as a shield between your eyes and monitor, preventing digital eye strain, headaches, red eyes, blurry vision, eye dryness, and helping get rid of bags under the eyes. They have a yellow tint to filter the amount of harmful blue light coming from the monitor. Such glasses will make your eyes strain less when you stare at a screen for long, so you will feel more comfortable and less tired.