Creating a Cozy Home Office Space

I've been lucky enough to work from home for a little over a year now. It has taken me nearly that long to get my space into somewhere that is clear and cozy, and while it's still not perfect, it is-- like everything-- a work in progress.

Plants, candles, and tiny treasures 

My "office" is also my "studio" which houses my guitars and my bass, my canvases and paints, my books, my yoga mat, my cameras, and my elliptical. It's a bit of a hodge podge in there, but everything has its own place, and when working with only so much room, it is what it is.

I figured that not everyone has the luxury of a "studio" space and even though that is true and you may be working from the breakfast nook or you have a chair pulled up to your ironing board, you can still make your space somewhere zen and give yourself coziness and a moment of reprieve between calls or classes or crunching numbers.

Salt lamps & crystals

One of the biggest things for me is lighting. I do NOT remotely miss the glaring, headache-inducing fluorescent lights of office space. I have an IKEA lamp Shelley bought me when I first decided to work from home, a salt lamp (which apparently has many benefits), and I strung up fairy lights to give it a nice glow. Every once in a while I'll light a candle, which adds to the ambiance and also obviously smells good (I burn candles all the time because it relaxes me).

During my free periods, I like to listen to music in the background because I feel like it makes me more efficient. I added a few photos, a crystal hanging, and some quotes on post-its as well.

I'm a recent convert to plants and all the mood-boosting benefits that come along with those, so I usually have one sitting on my desk during my shift and then I'll move it downstairs to water it later.

I wanted a little rug to put out under my desk to sort of designate that space from the rest of what's happening in there, so I found one here that arrived quickly and was even prettier in person. It's a nice pop of color (even though I put it over an existing carpet...alas). 

Create Your Own Standing Desk! :D

One other thing that I recommend is a standing option of some sort. I have created something that isn't exactly aesthetically pleasing compared to the rest of my setup, but it works (and it was free). Obviously you could buy a standing desk, but I stacked some boxes and have the option of standing while I work or sitting if I just arrange some things. I have been doing this since I got home, so I can say it is effective (albeit unsightly).

I know some of you are working with what you have. You're sharing a space with kids, you have pets to deal with, your spouse is home, you live alone and haven't left the house in 30 days... A lot of the ideas I shared here can either be ordered online or could be something you already have lying around. You'd be surprised what a difference a candle and a string of twinkle lights can have on your mood and productivity.

If you try any of these ideas (including my high class standing desk) let me know if they help, or feel free to leave me a suggestion in the comments!

Small Joys

It's been nearly three weeks since the birthday dinner my mum threw for Shelley-- just the three of us and Pip, having dinner and cherry pie. Three weeks since I've left the house. It's easy to get caught up in thinking about things we're all missing out on: birthdays, trips, weddings, face-to-face connections.

Today, I felt my little temper get the best of me (between both grandmothers and my mother, I was doomed) as I heard people out in the neighborhood acting like it's block party time, and my car is making a thumping noise, and people are being laid off, and this is still happening for another month because people who are able to stay home can't just stay home...

Then I decided to focus on the small joys in my life. In times of uncertainty, I feel like it's better to look on the bright side. I could let my anxiety overwhelm me-- and honestly, that's happened a few times over the last couple of weeks. I am choosing joy though. I choose to look at this time with gratitude.

I am safe at home. I still have the ability to do my job (perks of already working from home).

I still get to sing in the shower and dance around the kitchen with Shelley while we make dinner.

I've been looking for ways to romanticize my life-- to enjoy the little things, like sunny days and plants and mugs of tea, chocolate, face masks, and meditation/prayer.

I have enough food and a place to be safe.

I have time to CREATE: to work on my blog, to write my book, to paint, to do yoga or Pilates.

I get to be home with Shelley. She makes me laugh and makes me feel safe. Even though things are scary, this closeness and togetherness reminds me of when we go on vacations and have unlimited time to cultivate inside jokes and love. I suppose I chose well, because after three weeks of constant companionship, I am still happy to be around her.

I like getting to snuggle Zorro and read while he nudges me, demanding head rubs.

I enjoy the time I get to create a space we love; rearranging and adjusting our cozy little home or reworking my studio space.

I have learned to love myself, even if it's me without mascara, wearing second day sweatpants and a French braid I slept in.

It's the art of slowing down, taking a breath, and exhaling.

We are HERE. Take this time to be present in each moment and focus on the gratitude. Let yourself luxuriate in some sort of indulgence. Light a candle. Eat chocolate. Pray. Create. Love. Romanticize your life instead of browsing around a store because you are bored. Yes, I miss everyone. Yes, I want to enjoy the springtime. But truly, this time could be a gift, if we all slowed down enough to appreciate it.

"Count it all joy."
~ James 1:2