From the corporate to the creative, if you’ve got a desk that you call home between the hours of 9 to 5, you’ve got a foundation upon which to build your own little sanctuary. Sure, the work needs to be done, but if you’re after a boost of ambition and drive, you need to get your surroundings right.
No matter the kind of work that you do, there are some things you can implement which will not only increase your output, but also boost your mood and allow you to get more in touch with how you’re doing that day. It’s not rocket science: aligned souls are more productive.
Give some of these a try; you might just find they hit the spot.
1. The ‘Good Things’ jar: An old jar, can or pot will do the job with this one–the important thing is what goes inside. Make a point to keep track of the good things that happen in a day by recording some of them on a piece of paper that you can fold up and place in the jar. You can do this however you want: from post-its that are already at your desk to origami folding stars, record the good and use the jar as a visual reminder when things are tough.
2. A calendar of the moon: The moon has a tremendous power over us. In astrology, the moon plays and prospers with our emotions. I keep a calendar on my wall to plan my month and also keep an eye on the moon and its stage. Use the new moon as a time of cleansing; ask the universe to take away any negative aspects of your life. Use the full moon as a time of manifesting what you would like. I’m not simply referring to material things here; I’m speaking of emotional healing, fulfillment and serenity. In addition to this, I always find that a full moon has the tendency to draw out all of my emotions and increase my sensitivity. If you’re having a bit of a crazy day, be sure to check the moon. It’s nice to know that we don’t always have control over everything and admit surrender to the universe for our own peace of mind.
3. Aromatherapy in a tube: It’s a great idea to keep a hand cream on your desk – in particular one with ingredients such as lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, ylang ylang or jasmine included. Try to aim for a natural concoction of beautiful oils and butters that you can inhale after you’ve applied for a 2-in-1 moisturiser and personal spa. This is crucial for times of high stress, to bring you back down to Earth and give you a sense of perspective.
4. A pair of mirrored images: This is something you can put on the wall, in a frame or on your desktop background. The idea is that you have one picture of somewhere beautiful that you’ve been and the other as somewhere that you long to visit. Surrounding oneself with gorgeous imagery is a sure-fire way to raise your spirit and boost creativity. At present it may feel as though you’ll never be able to take that vacation because of work or finances, but look at the place you were lucky enough to visit in the past and recognize that your time to travel will indeed come again.
5. Client connectedness: We all interact with clients in one way or another in our jobs and it is a great idea to keep the business cards or feedback of clients with whom you’ve had a positive interaction. It’s a great morale boost when you’re facing a low moment to remember that you are good at your job and have had satisfied clients in the past.
6. Idea journal: Whether you’re working your desk job to pay the bills and go home to a different dream, or you’ve landed your dream role, keep an idea journal handy so you can record those great thoughts that come to us whilst in daydream mode. Whether it’s a blueprint, a business start-up idea, a recipe, lyrics to a song, or whatever else satiates your creative juices, it is essential that your fleeting thoughts be recorded. Write it down, make it happen.
What do you think about creating a work sanctuary, dumplings? Do you have a secret “bliss-out” weapon in your drawer?
Also by Kat: 5 Liberating, Life-Brightening Ways to Reduce Consumption
Related: How to Create an Inspiring Workspace
9 Healthy Workplace Habits to Adopt Now
Get more like this—Subscribe to our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!
__
Photo: Kat Kennedy
