It looks like working from home is here to stay. I’ve already written about how to set up your perfect home office, but this article is all about the best accessories to make your day more comfortable. Working from home can make us more productive, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. Noisy family members, a lack of space and spending our whole lives in the same building can be difficult. Thankfully, these useful gadgets and gizmos can make things a little easier.
Staring at a screen all day isn’t the best thing for your eyes. In fact, it can lead to headaches and keep us awake at night. This, coupled with the fact that many of us tend to work late when working from home, can lead to poor quality sleep.
Blue light glasses are a total game-changer. They can help to reduce the strain on your eyes from sitting close to your screen each day. I recommend opting for a pair with glare reduction, too, for extra comfort.
Noise cancelling headphones are a must for those with loud family members, housemates or neighbors. It’s difficult to concentrate on your work when there’s a lot of noise around you, but the right pair of headphones will allow you to shut out the rest of the world and get back to business. Beats headphones are excellent.
Dual monitors can increase productivity by allowing you to multitask easily and efficiently. It saves time, boosts concentration and helps you to stay on top of your tasks. It’s excellent for conducting research, checking your emails and consulting your notes without losing focus on your primary task. For me, I keep my emails on one screen and documents I’m reviewing on the other. I find it very useful during Zoom meetings, too.
Not only does a laptop stand protect your machine against accidental spills and scratches, it’s also great for your comfort and posture. If you place a laptop on your desk, you’ll probably find yourself looking down at it. After a while, this makes your back and neck ache and over time, it can cause permanent damage. It’s definitely worth investing in a laptop stand for the sake of your comfort and health – and they’re affordable, too. This $30 one from Philips works great.
You spend a lot of time in your home office, so make sure it smells good. Candles can also make for a pretty centrepiece and I find them nice and relaxing to look at. I personally love this Aqua Di Parma Oh L’Amore Candle, but choose whatever scent works for you!
For more on working from home, check out this guide to the best online jobs and these productivity tips.