Many productivity experts suggest that you shouldn’t bring your work life into the place where you sleep. And, while working from your bed isn’t always a good idea, you may be forced to work from your bedroom because of a lack of space in the house or so that you can avoid noise in the living room.
After all, we spend so much time resting, reading, and sleeping there that you’ve probably wondered why not get some work done in the same room as well? But as tempting as it sounds, your bedroom is actually the worst place to get work done unless you make some conscious changes.
With the work-from-home trend becoming the new norm for many, there are some important things to consider before you completely turn your bedroom into your workstation. It’s important to establish clear lines between areas of sleep and rest. It’s easy to start mixing the two together, but it’s best not to. Read on to learn how you can create an environment that is conducive to both.
Establish Clear Boundaries
Sure, your bed is the most comfortable place to work from, with plenty of room to spread documents, your iPad, and gadgets–but it also means it will be difficult to separate work from sleep because you do both in the very same spot.
When you develop the habit of working from bed, your brain starts to associate your bed with work. So, when you try to sleep at night, your brain doesn’t cooperate right away because it now considers the bed a workplace.
So instead of bringing your laptop to bed, dedicate a nook or corner where you can get work done. Although it might be a tight squeeze in a small space, set up a separate workspace with an ergonomic chair that will support your back, so you’re comfortable working for long hours. Decorate that space the way your workstation in the office would look, so you feel the same energy when sitting on your office desk. Consider placing a screen or divider around the work area that is high and wide enough to hide your desk behind it. This way, your brain has a clear separation between your work and sleep spaces.
Avoid Working from Your Bed, Unless…
Getting work done while in bed puts your body in an awkward position that you have to hold for a long time. Sometimes, you even twist and strain your muscles to try and get into a position where you’re lying down but still able to see your laptop screen. This is a bad habit to develop, as poor posture can lead to sore necks and shoulders, back pain, and even body aches.
However, if you really can’t avoid finishing that report from your bed, you should consider getting an adjustable foundation or base for your mattress. An adjustable base will raise and lower the head and foot of the mattress (and also your upper body and your legs), which allows you to comfortably sit upright while working on a laptop. You control the base wirelessly, and it usually offers support for most mattresses.
Sounds interesting? You can view and shop the latest adjustable bed bases in just a few clicks or talk to one of our sleep experts at any Garner Appliance and Mattress store in North Carolina to learn more about this nifty bedroom gear.
Develop Good Sleeping Habits
For people who see themselves working remotely in the long run, it’s essential to maintain physical and mental breaks from time to time. Getting a good night’s sleep means being more productive and alert the next day, which generally helps us do our best. When you sleep well, you’re ready to take on a new day at work.
So, after a mentally draining day, reward yourself with the R&R you deserve. It goes without saying that it is equally important to make sleep a priority, even if your workstation is literally just a few steps away. Start by investing in a high-quality mattress. There’s nothing worse than waking up with body pain from a mattress that doesn’t suit your body. If you are not sure what mattress is right for you, head on over to our Clayton or Garner Appliance and Mattress store in North Carolina, and our sleep experts will be happy to help you find the perfect mattress.
Work Smart
Whether or not you’re spending all day working in your bedroom, it’s important to implement clear transitions when you’re done working. This way, you can truly relax once the workday is over. It can get tricky to feel the pressure of getting things done while being in the same room you sleep in, but when you learn to develop smart work habits and create dedicated spaces that help your mind differentiate work from rest, you can truly enjoy a healthy balance at home and maintain a high level of productivity throughout the week.