Do you find yourself looking off into space when you're trying to get work done? If you have kids or younger siblings, are they running around the living room while you're trying to get your work done, throwing toys, shouting and making a mess?
If that sounds like a day in the life for you, it might be time to find a better place for you to get your work done.
You might not even realize it, but your environment has SO much to do with your productivity. Working in a space that lets you focus, allows your creativity to flow and limits your stress is key to knocking each and every one of the items off of your to do list.
This is something that I discuss extensively with my clients, and the results speak for themselves. I have clients who went from previously working from their bed to now working from the public library. While your bed is undoubtedly the most comfortable place to work from (no judgment here- we've all done it!), it's also the least productive place to work. It causes your brain to associate work with sleep, and then when it's time for you to actually fall asleep, your brain decides to associate sleep with work. That's when the cycle of no sleep and decreased productivity really begins!
Here is a list of THREE questions you should ask yourself when trying to find the best place for you to get work done.
Question #1: What are my main distractions?
If you find that other people walking around, making noise and talking is incredibly distracting to you, find an environment where you're by yourself. If you like to be alone when you work but don't want to work from home, rent out a private room or cubicle at the public library.
If your phone or other technology is your main distraction, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, leave it in a different room if you're working from home, or go to a public place where few people are using their phones.
If stress or racing thoughts are your main distractions, practice mindfulness. Take deep breaths. Close your eyes for a couple of minutes. There are incredible videos and audios you can find online that can help and guide you.
Question #2: What is my ideal background noise level?
This might sound like a strange question, but it totally affects which environment is right for you.
If you need absolute silence, go to the library. Some libraries have entire floors dedicated to absolute silence. Others have quiet workspaces where you're not permitted to make noise.
If you need some background noise to focus, go to a local cafe or coffee shop when it's not super busy. I personally need some level of noise to concentrate, so I find that these types of environments are best for my needs.
Question #3: What are your non-negotiables for your work environment?
While your work environment should have as few distractions as possible and be at your preferred noise level, it should also be an environment that fits your other needs.
For me personally, I need to sit in a comfortable chair and have enough table space to put my laptop, notebooks and other materials. I also like to be at a place that either serves food and drinks or allows me to bring them in. Hunger and dehydration can seriously affect your productivity, so it's important to have water and snacks or meals around.
Other non-negotiables for work environments can be location, hours of operation, ability to work inside or outside and more. Most people want to work in a place that isn't far from home so that it's easy to get there and back. Hours of operation are important because of your personal schedule but also because of what time of day you feel most productive. Early birds should find a place that's open early in the morning, and people like me who are most productive in the early afternoon should find a place that's open until the evening. Also, if the weather is nice where you live and you enjoy working outside, finding a place that has outdoor seating can be a game changer. It's a great way to get some fresh air and Vitamin D while you're knocking items off on your to-do list!
Once you've identified your main distractions, ideal noise level and non-negotiables, you will certainly be able to find a workspace that you love and allows you to be the happiest and most productive version of yourself.
Do you have any other tips or tricks to finding the best work environment? If so, be sure to leave a comment below!
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