Interiors: Creating A Workspace for a Happy Mind and Body.

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As a professional photographer and writer of this blog, I can spent a lot of time at my desk editing, doing admin and writing these posts. Having worked in a chiropractor practice in my twenties and having suffered from an awful spine injury and having a body out of balance because of a fused ankle I take the health of my spine very seriously. Despite regular yoga and pilates I can experience a fair bit of pain in my body which has only got worse now I’m entering menopause.

So it figures that I pay close attention to places I spend a lot of time - in my bed and at my desk. I recently moved into a new studio space and it was an opportunity to set new routines and make sure my space reflects my physical needs. As you know I’m very attuned to how efficient a space is but also how it flows - the energy, the light and how it’s optimised for ease of use. So not only do I need a physically optimised space but one that is also set up with the right energy to ensure I’m getting the most from my creative space.

plan your space.

Before moving into the studio I visited the space, sat in it and took it all in. Where was the light source? What do I want in my vision? And what are the things I need from the space.

I wanted to make sure my back wasn’t turned to the communal hallway running by my internal window but also wanted to be able to turn and look out of the window whenever I wanted to. I never block the area around a window in any of my spaces, I like to give them breathing space. So I decide my desk was going to be along the internal wall with both windows to the side.

I wanted to be able to sit at my desk yet turn and pick up what I need from folders and files (and snacks). Therefore I placed shelving units along the wall behind me and reaching distance from my desk.

And because I have ADHD I need prompts on show at all times so I made sure there was a pin board for all my stickies and outstanding scribbles so I didn't forget them. The pin board also hold essentials like wires, recharged batteries and a little shelf with my hard drives which I love.

I also have a hook with a speaker playing some nice tunes. While I do love upbeat music while editing, when focusing I love a minimal playlist.

Last but not least is a vital part of a working space - inspiration. Where in your vision will you put the things that lift you, give you energy and inspire you? I made sure I had a rack for my favourite photography books and some cards and quotes that resonate without fail every day. And of course, a chocolate lab is a non negotiable.

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Pay attention to your desk set up.

A desk set up might just be one of the most important considerations to your home/work life. I learned the hard way - during Covid lockdowns I spent a lot of time panicking about all the income I lost and spent hours a day manically bashing away on a laptop which was positioned on my lap while I was crosslegged on a squishy sofa. Bad move. The pay off was a couple of badly herniated discs and resulting nerve pain for an entire year that has never quite left me emotionally and physically.

I was very fortunate in the day I got the keys to the studio I was contacted by Flexispot about gifting me a desk - a desk that was already on my Wishlist and a few weeks later the EW8 all in one standing desk in Maple arrived.

The desk took around an hour to put together with clear instructions and once set up I couldn’t have been happier with it. Being ADHD I struggle to sit at my desk for long periods so this mix of a sitting and standing desk is perfect for me. You can find your ideal heights and set them as a programme for easy access. And the control centre also has a USB and USB-C port which I find incredibly pleasing.

There’s a little drawer to keep the clutter off your desk and the top is sleek and smooth meaning your mouse moves around with ease. Flexispot have launched some amazing discounts for August, to see some codes for some big savings, follow this link.

It’s important to make sure your screen is as much infront of your face as you can get it so I use a laptop stand with bluetooth kepboard and mouse for my laptop. See more about a healthy desk set up here.

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Don’t forget the plants

Having plants in your workspace has not only been found to contribute to better productivity and wellbeing but they also play an essential part in removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and xylene. They also create a focal point when you need to switch up your view or look away from your screen for a moment.

I like hanging plants to create a mood and also save workspace. Succulents and cactuses are great hanging by a window (though hang them just out of the direct light which can scorch them) and ferns do an incredible job of cleaning air.

Plants are an essential in a workspace.

Consider essential oils.

I love to have my diffuser going in the studio. But did you know that there are a number of ways you can utilise essential oils without buying a diffuser? You can have a bowl with rice in and add drops of your oil. Or you can have a pink Himalayan tea light holder and drop on. You can dilute in spray bottle and mist around. Or add to your pulse points. I love this focus blend of juniper, peppermint, lemon, rosemary, cinnamon and frankincense.  It's specially formulated to strengthen memory, help stay focused and enhance creative thinking.

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Let me know if you have any ways you keep your workspace healthy!

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