A few years ago I read the ever popular Little Book of Hygge and the concepts have stuck with me. Hygge is a Danish word meaning 'feeling warm, comfortable, and safe' and relates to the way Danish people live their lives. The part I found most useful was what it means for setting up a home. In short, using warm ambient lighting (think lots of lamps and candles), soft textures and neutral tones.
I'm someone who needs a clean and comfortable space to get myself in the right mind for work so I've tried to think about how I can apply some of these characteristics to my work from home set-up. Hopefully you'll find them useful too...
Ambient lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for both productivity and ambiance. Opt for a mix of natural and artificial lighting to reduce eye strain. Consider a stylish desk lamp or pendant light to add a touch of warmth to your space. Adjustable lighting allows you to customise the brightness according to your tasks.
Ergonomic chair
Investing in ergonomic furniture is essential for long-term comfort. A comfortable chair that supports good posture and a desk at the right height can make a significant difference. Also up for consideration is a solid footrest. If you're at home full time you might also want to consider a walking pad as getting some steps in can help to boost your mood.
Soft textures
Soft furnishings like cushions or a blanket can be a game-changer for elevating your cosy game without going full dressing gown. If you want to support work related anxiety at the same time you could consider a weighted blanket as these have been shown to help relax users.
Background noise
I've tried a lot on this topic, from having music on to podcasts to youtube videos and have found them highly useful for many reasons, but mostly because they give your phone a purpose on your desk which stops it from becoming a distraction. My favourite youtube videos for curating a cosy vibe are waves crashing in the summer, and fire crackling in the winter.
Warm drinks
The final recommendation to keeping your space cosy and warm, especially thought the winter months is to have a hot drink on the go. Whether you're an at home matcha maker or a simple builder's tea brewer, this is an essential part of getting yourself in the right frame of mind for productive work.
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