Five Ways to Zen Your Workplace to Spark and Inspire Productivity

Whether you realize it or not, there’s a certain vibe that greets you when you walk into your office. Your experiences there, combined with the sounds, smells, and colors create feelings that can linger long after you’ve called it a day.

Have you ever been in an unrelated place and gotten a whiff of something that reminded you of your office? If that reminder made your palms damp or sent a wave of anxiety over you, you know change is needed. It’s not good for you, and it’s certainly not what you or your employer has in mind. They want focus and productivity, and so do you.

So what can you do to zen out your workplace to create an atmosphere that inspires the best you have to offer? Here are a few simple tips:

1. Clear the Clutter - Clutter is a physical and emotional manifestation of chaos, the opposite of the zen feeling you need. Papers piled high, stacks or piles waiting to be put away, things that need to be thrown away, or things that shouldn’t be there at all put a strain on your mind, keeping it from flowing the way it should. Schedule out some time to put things in order. The next time you walk into your workspace, you’ll feel lighter and freer.
2. Color Yourself Calm - Certain colors have a calming influence on us. Take some time to consider what colors bring a sense of peace to your mind. You may not be able to paint your workspace, but you can introduce your favorite colors with a few functional objects like desk accessories, art prints, a throw tossed on the back of your work chair, or a bouquet of your favorite colored flowers that sit in your line of vision.
3. Remove Bad Mojo - If stressful or negative things have happened in your place of business and you just can’t seem to shake the memory, let the renewing power of nature give you a hand. Having live plants in your office have been shown to provide many benefits. They clean the air naturally, increase productivity, help reduce noise levels, and boost creativity. The sun is also a natural healer. Clean the window, open the blinds, and let the sunshine in! Download nature sounds like running water, birds singing, or waves crashing and play them quietly at your desk. Their soothing sounds will help you focus on the work at hand without being a distraction.
4. Pump up the Positive - Bring in momentos that remind you of the best parts of life. Family pictures, a shell you found on the beach, or a fragrance that reminds you of home are all simple reminders that although your work life is important, it’s not everything. Connections to meaningful places and people nurture our souls and help us feel more well rounded.
5. Swing for the Senses -  Find small but significant ways to stimulate all of your senses, right there in your workplace.

The office is a place where you sink considerable amounts of mental energy into creating, problem solving, innovating, and cooperating. Make it a place that inspires you to do your best and a place that imbues good vibes.

Finding ways to zen your office doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. And the rewards will be well worth the effort to your heart, your soul, and your bottom line.

I'd love to hear your ideas below, or share your workplace inspiration on Social Media using #godsgardentreasures #zenyourworkplace

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Looking for more expert help in bringing positive vibes to your office? Reach out to these resources:

Barbara Kaplan | Arizona Interior Designer | Decorating Consultant

Interior Solutions - Office Furniture & Commercial Interior Design Firm

Elontec: Refurbished Office Furniture

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