Design impacts lives. We spend 90% of our lives indoors, thus our personal life space is extremely important since it can impact us in many ways. How we function in our space depends on how it is designed to support us. Our life space has different activities that require different environments to support our body, mind, and soul (emotions). With this new pandemic, we find that our spaces need adjusting. Some of us suddenly find ourselves adding another major element into our current space: our work environment. How do we incorporate that into our current life space quickly and efficiently?

INVENTORY YOUR WANTS, NEEDS, HAVES

Chris, an architect, has creatively extended his working space by stacking two storage containers.

Just like any space we are designing, we need to look at the entire picture before we begin the design. You need to understand your needs and wants and assess what you have currently that is working or not working for you. You also need to inventory what you have in your physical surroundings. The same approach should be used when creating your life space. What do you have that you can use to create your ideal working space? Is there anything you can repurpose to fit your needs?

ESTABLISH YOUR SCHEDULE

Bonnie, an interior designer, learned that it is better for her to stick to the normal working hours and to have her evening hours be dedicated to her home life.

When your home environment contains so many elements that are typically used for relaxation time, it can be difficult to focus. A balance needs to be established in your schedule to stay on task. Do you have the highest amount of concentration and focus in the morning or afternoon? Consider adjusting your work schedule for the highest amount of productivity. Clearly defining your work time and your home time will also help keep you focused.

Rita, an interior designer, uses a quiet spare room that she converted into her workspace to minimize distractions.

CREATE BOUNDARIES AND REWARD YOURSELF

Know the things that will distract you from doing your best work and create boundaries for yourself. Rather than working in your living room if you are easily distracted by the television, work in a quiet, distraction-free room, and reward yourself with thirty minutes of television during your lunch break.

STAY ACTIVE AND INTERACTIVE

Andy, a mechanical engineer, understands the importance of switching between standing and sitting during the workday. Even though he doesn’t have a sit-to-stand desking system, he is creative in finding ways to stay active.

Remember that you need to have some minimal amount of movement and interaction throughout the day. It’s amazing how much interaction occurs at the workplace just going to the restroom or refilling your coffee cup. To make up for the lack of interaction that you usually receive at the workplace, make sure to stay in contact with friends and family, even if it’s for a quick moment. Reconnect with nature as well by taking a refreshing walk outdoors for some fresh air and a quick break.

LEARN A NEW SKILL

To break up the monotony of staying at home and to increase positivity, look into learning a new skill or about a new subject that interests you. We recommend exploring websites such as Skillshare.com or Lynda.com to watch skill teaching videos on a wide range of different topics and subjects. This could be especially helpful to anyone that will be entering the job search soon and could give you a chance to add a new skill to your resume.

LET THE LIGHT IN

Ali, a structural engineer, uses daylighting to her advantage by positioning her workspace adjacent to a large window.

Daylight regulates our circadian rhythm as well as boosting our mental health, lessening our anxiety and making us more productive overall. If possible, adjust your work area to where natural light is present. If you are worried about distractions from the outside, orient yourself within the room so that the outside views are away from your main field of vision but still available for a quick visual break from your computer.

Designing the Human Experience: Reflections on Life Space