Nowadays, homes are not just sanctuaries where one can rest and relax. As more professionals choose to telecommute or work full-time from home, these are now spaces that should also be conducive to getting things done.
How does one make a home a place of solace and productivity? How does one strike a balance between the two? These tips can help.
Keep your home clutter-free
Invest in shelves and desk organizers to keep your surroundings in order. Feel calmer knowing that your belongings are in their proper places; this will also allow you to work without distractions.
Allot a space dedicated to your work or study
Boost productivity by setting up a home office that inspires you to work. Start with a sturdy desk and an ergonomic chair. Make sure you have all the equipment you need (laptop, printer, telephone, office supplies) and that you have excellent connectivity.
Students should also have a designated space for studying. When powering through term papers, projects, research, and exams, having an area strictly for school work keeps one’s attention and energy constantly focused. On the other hand, there are instances when staying at home is not enough to help you concentrate. Perhaps they live with a lot of people and the noise levels are unmanageable, or maybe there just isn’t enough space at home. In this case, having easy access to a co-working space is an absolute must.
The bedroom should be a no-gadget zone
Your bedroom is your sanctuary; it should be peaceful and serene at all times. Get a good night’s sleep and refrain from working on reports, taking phone calls, or watching TV while in bed–these are best done in your living room or home office/study area.
Unit interior, The Arton. Photo from Rockwell Land
Establish a morning routine, and do it consistently
Working or studying straight out of bed, dressed in your pajamas, isn’t exactly motivating. If it’s time to work or complete that term paper, get in the right frame of mind by having a morning routine. Wake up early, exercise, shower, get dressed, and have a hearty breakfast–even if you’re just doing it from home. This will give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Plan your day
The lines between work time, personal time, and family time can be blurred, and this can lead to unnecessary stress. Create a to-do list for each day, setting aside time for each aspect of your life. Commit to avoiding distractions and to focusing your attention on the activity on hand. For instance, do not take calls while having dinner with your family.
Greenify your space
The sight of fresh plants around the home calms the spirit and enables you to concentrate on tasks at hand. Adorn your living room and bedroom with jasmine and lavender to help you relax. At your work space, display an orchid to improve your focus or a snake plant to keep headaches at bay. Dangwa Flower Market in Sampaloc, Manila and Quezon Memorial Circle are just two of the places where you can find your plant of choice.
It also would help to move your desk to face a window, especially if you have a garden view. Step away from your computer and take a walk in your garden to relax your mind every so often.
Utilize color
While blue is widely recognized as the color of peace and tranquility, this might not hold true for you. Identify what color relaxes yet inspires you and use this as the jump off point for the theme of your home.
Make lighting work to your advantage
Instead of one central light, install small lamps with low-wattage bulbs in areas of your home where you want to relax. In your home office or study area, consider placing your desk next to a window and take advantage of the natural light coming in. Better yet, take advantage of the great outdoors by stepping out of your home to read a book, meditate, or simply take in the view.
Indoor basketball court, The Arton. Photo from Rockwell Land
Move to de-stress
Some people like to unwind by kicking back and watching TV, but there are those who decompress through various physical activities. Swimming, working out at the gym, and playing basketball are actually effective ways to unwind after a long, stressful day of work.
Keep positive vibes flowing
Surround your home with things that you associate with happy memories. Perhaps put a framed photo of your family on your desk, a world map on your wall to remind you of your travel goals, or a chair inherited from a favorite grandparent.
The Arton: striking the perfect work-life balance
Located along The New Katipunan in Quezon City, The Arton by Rockwell Land is both a relaxing haven and a hive for productivity. Whether you choose to work within the bustling City of the Stars or right from your condo unit, this development’s prime location and productivity-conducive amenities ensure convenience for the ideal work-life balance.
Aside from different-sized units catering to a variety of residents, this high-end, high-rise residential condominium has a fully equipped gym, a drop-off area and lobby lounge, a function room, swimming pools, and a multi-purpose court. Each of its three residential towers also has a co-working space for learning, collaboration, and self-discovery. Best of all, 80 percent of this development is dedicated to open space, creating the feel of an urban paradise.
Fitness gym, The Arton. Photo from Rockwell Land
For residents who still want to do more, here’s something to look forward to: The Arton is launching Arton North, the second tower of the highly anticipated development. Built with top-notch amenities set against a relaxing view, it encourages a lifestyle that perfectly melds productivity and enjoyment.
The Arton is just a few minutes away from some of the country’s top colleges and universities such as University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, and Miriam College. It is also close to other residential communities and commercial districts.
