The following is a guest post from Kevin, who runs this MLB Picks blog amongst other affiliate portals. He blogs at DropoutGotRich.com if you’re interested in following him.
If you’re anything like me, you like to get any advantage you can when working for yourself.
I have found that setting yourself up with a solid working environment will help out your production and overall feeling when working by quite a bit. More production, of course, leads to higher revenue when all is said and done.
Getting yourself into a good working environment is especially important for those like me, who are working out of their own home. For those in an office, it is still important to make sure your work environment will allow you to be as productive as possible too.
Everyone is different and you will have to judge for yourself what different things will increase productivity and which will decrease productivity, but I will go over a few things that I’ve noticed have helped me over the years of working from home.
Dual Monitors
I was pretty amazed at how much my production levels went up when I purchased a dual monitor setup back 2-3 years ago. For those that don’t know, the dual monitor setup allows you to set up two monitors side by side and drag windows or anything you want onto either monitor.
The biggest benefit for me is when I need to research something for writing. It allows you to read something on screen A while you type on screen B. This means you won’t have to constantly switch between an article and Word (or whatever program you use).
Clean Desk
I think studies have actually been done on this, but having a neat and clutter free desk can actually help you increase productivity.
I think when your desk is messy and all over the place your brain will be doing the same thing. Having a tidy desk will help keep your mind clear and focused.
Good Lighting and Natural Light
Make sure you have adequate lighting in your work space. It isn’t good for your eyes if you are looking at your computer for hours on end with poor lighting, and who knows what it will do to your vision if you are working at a computer for 20, 30 or 40 years.
Something I have just been doing lately (since moving into my apartment) is letting in the natural light. I have a big window beside my office, which gets some nice sunlight for most of the day. Having the natural light is far better than my two lamps in the room. Try to have your desk set up near a window that can let in some natural light – you’ll love it.
Good Computer Chair
I hadn’t done this until just recently. For the first 3 years of working on my computer I had been using a pretty crappy computer chair. Within the last year it was actually pretty busted up, and the back support didn’t even support my back. It also squeaked and the arm rests were chewed up and would irritate my forearms.
I don’t know why it took me so long, but I finally got a nice new $300 chair from Staples (mesh back chair) just over a month ago. It was the best purchase I’ve made when it comes to office equipment. I am way more comfortable while working, and don’t get any back pains that I was starting to get without the back support from the old chair.
If you can afford it, look at the ergonomic chairs that run around $800, but if you are a little tight for money (or just don’t want to spend that much on a chair) you can find something good enough for about $250-$400.
If you are sitting reading this in a crappy, uncomfortable chair, do yourself a HUGE favor and get yourself a new computer chair.
Distractions
I recommend keeping distractions to a minimum in your workspace. I have a TV in my room, but this actually increases my productivity. I’m good with keeping it off during the day with I work, and when I want to watch sports or shows at night it allows me to watch and work at the same time. If having the TV in your office would mean you would work less, get rid of it.
I know that if I had my Xbox sitting right beside me I would find it a lot harder to sit at the computer all day, and would be inclined to play just a “few” rounds of Call of Duty.
Oh yeah, distractions include friends, family, kids, etc. Try to work in a room where you can close the door and have no one bother you when you need to get some work done.
Summary
That is about all I could think of for creating a good work environment. It is important that you set yourself up for success. Figure out what works for you, and stick to it. Also be sure to take small breaks during your work day. Breaks from sitting at the desk are good for both your body and your mind!