10 Ways to Turn Your Work Office into a Retreat

Whether you work at home or at a company, you probably spend a considerable amount of time at your office. Therefore, you will be more productive and less stressed if you have a peaceful and organized office environment. Here are 10 simple ways in which you can make your office into a retreat rather than just a place where you work:

1. Get rid of the clutter. No matter where you work, your office could probably use some organization. Get rid of your piles of paper and old books, and empty your overflowing waste basket. Sweep under your desk and pick up any loose pens, spare change, and paper clips. If you need more space for your files, purchase a filing cabinet. Place your printer and other computer peripherals on a separate table. Make sure that your desk space can accommodate your computer, a coffee mug, and some work folders without requiring you to shuffle things around.

2. Keep your office a work-only zone. Many home offices double as children's playrooms, sewing rooms, or craft rooms when not in use. Resist the urge to make your office a "catch-all" room and keep it strictly for business. This will reduce your stress levels when it comes to finding your business materials. You will also minimize your risk of tripping over a toy or glue stick late at night.

3. Buy a comfortable office chair. A folding chair is not an office chair. Go to an office supply store and pick out a comfortable chair that does not force you to lean over your computer while working. You may wish to try out some ergonomic chairs as well, especially if you have known back or wrist problems. Ideally, your office chair should be soft, without any sharp corners, and it should move with you. Try not to worry if the office chair does not match the other office or house décor; since you'll be sitting in this chair for a good part of the day, it should satisfy you, and not the surroundings.

4. Paint your office. If you have a home office, you may wish to paint and even to stencil it. Warm colors like orange or red can make an office feel inviting, while cool colors like blue or green can calm you down if you are under a lot of stress. If you are artistic, you may even consider painting a large mural on one of your office walls. A beach or forest scene can certainly help keep your stress levels down and make your office seem more like a retreat.

5. Hang some paintings or pictures. If you have any paintings that you like to look at on a daily basis, hang them up in your office. Alternately, maybe you have some photographs that you have taken while on vacation or at a special occasion; these photographs can go a long way towards creating a calm and inviting office environment.

6. Purchase a plant. Putting a plant into your office not only refreshes the air around you, but also provides a focal point for your eyes to focus on and relax. Depending on how much space your office has, you might consider placing several plants together to create a more interesting effect. Alternately, if your office space is very small, consider getting a bonsai plant. These miniature tree-like plants have been cultivated for centuries in Japan, where office space is often limited.

7. Set up a small aquarium. If you can afford it and if your company allows it, you may wish to set up a small aquarium in your office. Aquariums are well known to calm down individuals who are in a stressful environment, and this is the major reason why you often see aquariums in the doctor's or dentist's waiting room. You can make your aquarium any way you like it: with saltwater or freshwater fish, with snails and live plants, or even with turtles and frogs.

8. Play some music. Numerous studies have shown that people can be more creative while listening to the tunes of Mozart or Chopin. While not everyone works well when listening to background music, many individuals are far less stressed and more productive in such an environment. Try playing some classical music while doing some work in your office; you may find yourself more motivated and less frazzled than before.

9. Install a waterfall. Waterfalls can be big enough to encompass an entire wall, or small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. You can place the waterfall at your desk, on a separate table, or even within some potted plants. The soothing sound of falling water is bound to calm your nerves on stressful days.

10. Buy and stock a refrigerator. If you can afford it, purchase and stock a small refrigerator exclusively for your office. Place some nutritious juices, fruit, and other wholesome snacks into it and partake of them only when you are working. This will provide you with a healthy incentive to do some work in your office, and will also improve your mood.