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by Max Bennett
You know that moment when you walk into your workspace, sigh, and immediately decide it’s the perfect time to reorganize your sock drawer instead? Yeah, been there. My desk once looked like a garage sale stand for abandoned notebooks and half-dead pens.
But something magical happened when I realized I didn’t hate work—I just hated the space I was doing it in.
Your workspace isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s your personal productivity shrine. And when it feels inspiring (or at the very least, not soul-sucking), showing up becomes way easier. Let’s transform your workspace from a doom zone into a delightful corner you actually want to spend time in.
If your current office chair creaks when you shift, has mysterious stains, or was borrowed from your dining room table—we need to have a talk. You don’t need to drop a paycheck on a spaceship-worthy ergonomic throne, but a comfy, supportive seat is VITAL.
Here are three things to look for:
And if you’re chronically sliding off one butt cheek while working from the couch, it might be time to upgrade.
One of my sneaky Amazon finds? The Hbada Ergonomic Office Recliner Chair. It doesn’t scream “corporate misery” and works well in a small apartment setup.
Bad lighting can make your brain feel like sludge. If your workspace lighting is either “cave dweller” dim or “interrogation room” harsh, you’re doing your productivity zero favors.
You can even try some colorful, mood-boosting LED desk lights. Because if your workspace glows like a spaceship from an early 2000s sci-fi movie, it’s kind of hard not to smile.
Let me guess: your desk has:
That chaos might seem “harmless,” but our brains aren’t great at ignoring visual clutter. The more junk we see, the more overloaded our inner hard drives feel.
Start by spending just 10 minutes decluttering. (Yes, I timed myself. Turns out I do move fast when I pretend I’m being filmed for a Netflix cleaning show.)
Need more guidance? Check out Declutter Your Bathroom: The 15-Minute Purge (Because You Don’t Need 8 Half-Empty Shampoo Bottles)—Lydia may be talking about bathrooms, but the quick-clean energy totally applies here.
When I say personalize your workspace, I don’t mean every childhood photo, souvenir mug, and cat calendar you’ve ever collected.
Think “essence of you,” not “entire you exploded here.”
Quirky things I personally love on my desk:
Add one or two joyful, weird, or sentimental objects, and call it a day. Your desk should whisper your personality, not shout it from behind a pile of plush toys.
Pro tip: Swap decor seasonally. A postcard, a candle, or even switching out your mousepad design can refresh the vibe and trick your brain into thinking you’re in a fancy new office.
Scent is criminally underrated for productivity. The right smell can turn your “Ugh, work” vibes into “Let’s do this!” energy.
Try:
That’s not just nose candy—studies show scent impacts focus and mental states. Turns out, humans aren’t immune to aromatherapy after all.
Cue the desk diffuser or your favorite candle, and thank yourself later.
Silence is nice, but sometimes it feels too silent. On the other hand, full-volume music can derail your brain like a runaway rollercoaster.
Here’s my Goldilocks setup:
Or if you’re feeling spicy: ambient background noise that simulates a coffee shop without the expense (video suggestion below!):
Yep. I’ve written entire blogs to the soft hum of fake espresso machines. And I regret nothing.
Okay, this might be my weirdest tip—but hear me out.
Designate one cute tray or tiny shelf as your “reward zone.” Stock it with things that make you want to finish a task:
Every time you power through something boring (looking at you, overdue emails), visit your shrine and choose a prize. Your inner child will practically high-five you through time and space.
Need email help? You’ll love Inbox Zero for Real People (Not Robots or Hermits)—yes, it involves actual strategies (and some emotional support).
Nothing ruins workspace vibes like a snake pit of tangled cords.
Use:
It’s not just for aesthetics—untangled cords = fewer distractions when your charger slips off the desk mid-Zoom call.
Your physical space matters—but so does your screen. When your desktop looks like a virtual landfill, try these steps in The Ultimate Guide to Digital Decluttering: Clear Your Digital Space and Mind.
Finally, cap off your Procrastination Shrine with a start-and-stop ritual.
Examples:
These small habits tell your brain: this space means business (and good vibes only).
Setting up a workspace you actually love isn’t about copying Pinterest perfection or dropping your rent on acrylic organizers. It’s about designing a little productivity nest—warm, weird, and wonderfully you.
Now if you’ll excuse me, my lava lamp just turned purple, and I think it’s trying to tell me to write another blog.
Have your own workspace quirks or desk must-haves? Share them with us on Instagram—we’re always hunting for shrine inspiration.
Max Bennett
Max was once the king of procrastination, proudly sporting a "Deadline Enthusiast" badge. After realizing he spent more time organizing his desk than actually working, he dove headfirst into the world of productivity. Max now experiments with unconventional (and sometimes ridiculous) productivity hacks and shares what works—with plenty of laughs along the way.
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