Ever feel like your creative motivation has dried up? It happens for me from time to time, often when I’m worn out after finishing a big project. I’ve found that one of the most helpful tools for getting out of such a slump is refreshing the environment around me - my studio. In this blog post, I’m sharing some ways to set up or refresh your workspace to motivate you to do your most creative work.
Create a dedicated workspace
Having a boundary between my dedicated work area and the rest of my life has proved to boost my productivity time and time again. If you can set up a dedicated office with a door that you can close when you leave the office for the day, I think that's ideal. But even a dedicated desk that you only do creative work at can serve the purpose of helping you get into the right mindset when you sit down to work.
Personalize your space
What makes a motivating workspace is unique to you. Surround yourself with things that inspire you, such as photos of loved ones, artwork or motivational quotes. Recently, I personalized my space with a few items from our Revival desk collection, including the Imagine Bouquet desk pad and a matching art print.
Declutter and organize
Decluttering is probably my most favorite tip in this post. It's my go-to activity when I'm feeling stuck for ideas. I'm always pleasantly surprised by how much a clean and organized desk can uplift my mood and motivation. Clearing the space helps me to clear my mind as well and make room for new ideas to form.
Make it comfortable
We all know desk ergonomics are important, but it's easy to overlook. I am embarrassed to admit that I spent many years working at my desk while sitting in a plastic chair, hunched over a laptop, which would often lead to back and neck pain. If you spend a lot of time working, it's worth the effort to find a comfortable chair and a desk setup (and maybe a foot rest to make things more comfortable - this has helped a ton with my posture). It's also helped me to make sure that my computer screen is not too close to my eyes, so I don’t strain my vision. Adding a standing desk to my studio has been another helpful investment, giving me more options for ways to work depending on what's most comfortable.
Create a vision board
Visual inspiration can affect the mood of your workspace so much. I have a bulletin board next to my desk, that I like to decorate with images and motivational affirmations that remind me of my biggest goals. It's helpful to have a reminder on a daily basis that the things I'm working on are contributing towards the bigger vision I have for my life.
Eliminate distractions
I'll admit, this is easier said than done. But it makes a big difference. Turn off notifications on your phone, place your phone on airplane mode, (or, better yet), remove the phone from the room you’re working in entirely.
Creating a motivating workspace just takes a little bit of time and thought. The next time you feel creatively stuck, try applying some of these tips to refresh your workspace. If you have any tips for setting up a motivating workspace, I'd love it if you would share those in the comments below.