Make These Changes to Your Work Environment and Boost Your Creativity

It would be great to always operate at optimal levels, but we naturally ebb and flow in creativity/productivity throughout the day. Okay, so we can’t control when the sparks of inspiration and brilliant ideas come. But thankfully, we at least have some control over the environment we work in, which to some degree influences how well we work. So let’s focus on that.

Below are some aspects of our working conditions to consider. Are they helping or hurting your workflow? Let’s do some fine-tuning on your space and atmosphere, so that your mind can work at its best.

Bring in some nature

Studies have shown that it boosts your well-being to have live plants in your workspace. The plants are not only visually pleasing, but they also help you psychologically, promoting focus and helping your mind to restore itself. I recommend trying succulent plants, which are relatively easy to maintain — they just need lots of sun and occasional watering.

Let there be light

Don’t forget to work with enough lighting so that you can see what you’re doing. Lighting conditions shouldn’t be so dim that it makes you strain your eyes. Try to bring in natural light—studies have shown it is better than artificial light, which can sometimes be too harsh. Try working near a window for some great natural lighting.

Temperature

Try to regulate the temperature so that it you can work comfortably. In situations where you can’t set a thermostat, here are some ways to adjust:
• choose your clothing according to the weather (thickness, coverage, and layering)
• drink a glass of water to cool down, or drink tea or coffee to warm up
• open windows or doors to promote better air flow
• using a personal fan or desk fan.

Noise/Sounds

Have you ever noticed how sound affects you? If not, observe the way you respond to sound. Depending on the task at hand — whether it is to concentrate / do critical thinking, or get into a creative flow, you may want to adjust your noise-levels or type of noise-stimulation:

to Get Pumped / Get Creative

I play favorite head-nodding jams with vocals, lots of dubstep, fun rhythms, energetic beats (for when I need get pumped up, or while doing lighter, less intense tasks like sketching). Or if i want a change of pace, I’ll listen to a podcast or stand-up comedy.

for General Work: Coffee Shop Noise

Some scientists have suggested that the ideal noise-level for productivity is that of a coffee shop. It’s the sort of ambient, incomprehensible chatter and noise that hits sweet spot in between silence, and conversation that too loud and distracting. Coffitivity is an app that loops coffee shop noises to recreate that ambience. I find this level of noise helpful — because for me, complete silence can sometimes be unnerving or tiring. Distant chatter engages my brain just enough so that it doesn’t get bored, and the sounds of a coffee shop make me feel like i’m an atmosphere where other people are also meeting up, and doing work. So it tricks me into work-mode .

Deep thinking

Very ambient sounds, lighter, usually no vocals: For when I need to think harder, and because lyrics would be too distracting

Silence

Sometimes it’s important to just take away all noise stimulation and give your brain some breathing space.

Consider Your Computer Desk Setup

Is your desk set up in a way that benefits you and fits the way you work?

• Are the tools you need close by?

• Is your chair, computer, and desk positioned in a way that is comfortable? Try to minimize any strain on your back, and wrists.

• Is your desk clear of any unnecessary clutter? (Might be different depending on your clutter tolerance level)

My personal preference for setup is using two displays. I love working on two screens — a large monitor to the left and laptop screen in front of me. The large monitor provides added surface area to work in. And the separation of into two screens facilitates focus — i.e., I use my laptop screen for main focus, the huge monitor for supporting material, or vice versa. This setup also means I can get away with less toggling from app to app.

Blocking off Distractions

Distractions are part of your environment, too. Do your best to eliminate things that could interrupt your workflow or hinder your thinking process.

• consider proximity to potential distractions. It might be good to distance yourself from distractions like the refrigerator, television, and your bed

• Keep notifications at bay (phone on silent and not within arm’s reach, disable desktop notifications)

• Set blocks of time for yourself to work without anyone bothering you. You could mark time in your calendar as “busy”, put up your “do not disturb” sign, or just let people know you need some time to yourself. That way, you have a personal space and a better atmosphere to get in the zone.