Last updated: 10/30/2023 | October 30, 2023
He made an epidemic Work from home A constant element in our lives. What techies and bloggers once did, accountants and all kinds of office workers are now doing.
Not only is it cheaper for businesses, it means more flexibility, time with family and less commuting. I think a lot of companies are realizing that they don’t need huge offices to have successful employees.
As the pandemic has subsided, many companies have returned to a hybrid model, with some all-hands meetings and some rented space for those who want to go to the office, but for everyone else, the future of work seems increasingly distant.
Although I love working from home, it has its challenges. It can be difficult to be productive and find work-life balance elusive. It’s a constant battle, but one that can be easily accomplished with some helpful tools.
To help my fellow remote workers stay on task, I’ve created this work-from-home gift guide for you or the remote workers in your life.
1. Ergonomic office chair
Everyone who works online or in an office knows that back pain and poor posture are constant threats – spending hours at the computer takes a toll on your back. I know lumbar support isn’t sexy, but invest in the good Comfortable office chair With lumbar support, padded seat, and padded armrests. You will thank me later!
2. Standing desk
Like your office chair, a solid desk will go a long way in making your work more enjoyable and physically comfortable. a Standing desk It gives you the option to sit or stand, allowing you to take some of the pressure off your back throughout the day. Although they’re not cheap, they’re a worthwhile investment for anyone who plans to work from home and needs a dedicated, flexible workspace.
3. Standing mat
If you have a standing desk, make sure you get one Padded mat To stand on as well. This will prevent your feet from hurting and help improve your posture. A basic piece of rug will help if you’re on a tight budget, although a properly padded rug will do wonders for your back and feet.
4. Laptop stand
No matter what type of desk you work at, consider purchasing a desk Laptop stand If you use a laptop every day for work. This will reduce neck pain and stress and help improve your posture, because you will be looking straight ahead instead of down at your laptop. It’s very affordable and makes a huge difference in how your work affects your body. I can’t recommend them enough!
5. External keyboard and mouse
Working on a laptop keyboard and trackpad can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Not only that, it’s not an ergonomic setup for optimal workflow. Instead, invest in Bluetooth keyboard and wireless mouse. They will improve your workflow and keep your wrists and hands from suffering repetitive strain injuries.
6. Noise canceling headphones
From screaming kids to barking dogs to the traffic outside, there are plenty of distractions at home that can hamper your productivity. To help you stay on track (and stay sane), invest in a good pair of headphones. Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones These headphones are very popular from my favorite brand. It’s convenient, rechargeable, and does a great job of eliminating background noise. (If you have a limited budget, consider… Quiet rest 25 instead of.)
7. Laptop bed tray
Should you work (or watch Netflix) in bed? Probably not. Would that happen anyway? probably. Make life easy on yourself and purchase a staple Laptop tray You can use it when you are in bed or on the sofa. Although it’s not 100% necessary, it’s one of the extra items that makes life easier when you feel like using your laptop outside your desk.
8. External observer
Although we’re all used to small laptop screens, sometimes having a larger screen can help — especially if you work on your computer day in and day out. that External screen It can connect to your laptop and gives you a larger screen to work with, helping your vision and posture in the process (and it’s also more fun for watching Netflix). The 27-inch display gives you twice the space of your standard laptop without spending a lot of money.
9. MacBook Pro
If you need a new laptop to work from home, new MacBook Pro Faster than ever. Apple’s new M2 chip has raised the bar for its laptops. Although I like the MacBook Air better for travel (it’s lighter and does everything I need), the new Pro is also lightweight and powerful. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for a new laptop for their home office.
10. External hard drive
Nothing is more devastating to those who work online than losing your data. While I also keep a digital backup of my files in the cloud, having a physical backup to your hard drive is a no-brainer. After all, you’re one spilled cup of coffee away from losing everything! buying External hard disk And get into the habit of backing up your device every week. This way, if something happens to your laptop, you won’t have to start from scratch.
11. 3-in-1 charging station
this charging station It has space to charge your phone, AirPods, and smartwatch at the same time. If you are a huge Apple fan and have all the accessories, then this charging station is a must-have, so that you are not constantly struggling for space to charge your devices. If you don’t need a 3-in-1 charging station, This is a regular wireless phone charger It will do the trick.
12. Ring of light
If you’re going to be doing a lot of social media videos or Zoom calls, consider investing in something basic ring light. This will ensure your videos and calls are properly lit, which will go a long way toward improving the quality of your video production (especially on social media). It’s one of those extra touches that people notice that sets you apart from the competition.
13. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
While many of us use VPNs (virtual private networks) to protect our data while abroad, most of us don’t use them at home — even though we should. Keep your data safe and your browsing habits safe with VPN. You wouldn’t leave your house or car unlocked all day, so why leave your digital doors open? Stay safe with a VPN.
14. Meditation mat and cushion
Make sure you step away from your laptop regularly to rest your mind and body by purchasing one Meditation pillow and mat. Just 10 minutes of sitting a day will improve your state of mind, help you stay refreshed, and reduce stress. Keep it next to your desk so you’ll be more inclined to use it regularly. Also download free meditation timer like Ensoso you can schedule meditation breaks.
15. Yoga food
Another useful tool to get away from the laptop and get your blood flowing is Yoga food. There are plenty of free yoga videos on YouTube for short and long sessions, making it an easy and affordable way to add more movement to your day. Whether you want to build muscle, burn fat, reduce stress, or improve your flexibility, there’s a free yoga or exercise tutorial for you!
16. Art and maps
Although I am not an interior designer, I appreciate the influence of art, photography, and maps (especially) on office spaces. Most photographers sell prints of their work, and you can find all kinds of great custom maps and artwork on sites like Etsy. Spend some time browsing through photos, artwork, and maps to liven up your space. It will make all the difference.
Here are some suggested maps and printables to check out:
17. Reusable water bottle
Since you can’t drink endless amounts of coffee all day long (or tea in my case), get a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Dehydration will leave you groggy and tired, so treat yourself LiveStraw. They have built-in filters to ensure your water is clean and safe.
18. Drywall straightening
For anyone looking to stay organized, a Dry erase calendar It’s a necessity. It’s perfect for keeping track of important meetings and appointments and gives you a quick overview of your entire month at a glance. If you struggle with procrastination or time management, definitely add a calendar to your wish list.
Working from home will only grow in the coming years. These items will help you create a comfortable and functional workspace, build better habits, stay healthy, and ensure you’re always doing your best work.
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