Office Décor for Stress Relief

Today is National Stress Awareness Day, and with how the past 19 months have gone, I think it’s safe to say we all can benefit from any tips to help keep our stress levels low. Especially at work! Many of us know the most common tips to destress – get out in nature, move your body, eat healthy, don’t look at screens just before bed and practice self-care, whatever that means to you. I know some of these are easier said than done, but I sincerely hope you are taking the time to take care of yourself! You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Something that isn’t as commonly talked about is how to promote a stress free work environment, so I wanted to give you some ideas for how you can set up the ultimate workspace – zen style. Whether you’re back in an office, working from home full time, or some combination of the two, keep reading!

We all get overwhelmed. We all get stressed. Some of us have trouble unplugging, and some of us work around the clock. No matter what your work-life boundaries currently look like, I promise that you will benefit if you follow any of these tips in your office, or designated work from home space.

1. Decorate! More specifically, use décor that makes you happy and relaxes you. Here are three pieces that everyone can benefit from:

   1. Get a Himalayan salt lamp. If you’ve never heard of these, read this post.

   2. Get plants! Here is a list of the best plants for stress relief. (pro-tip: get aloe or a snake plant if you lack a green thumb like me)

   3. Fountains are amazing too. Read this post to learn 6 benefits of indoor fountains.

2. Use essential oils to help you focus and keep stress levels low. Did you know many candles are made from harmful chemicals that can lead to health problems? Essential oils are distilled straight from plants and can be use aromatically, topically, or even internally.

   1. I have a few favorites from Young Living that I use every single day while working: Brain Power, Genyus, Clarity are always diffusing in my office to help keep me focused, and Stress Away and Joy live on my desk with rollers on top in case of stressful emergencies.

3. Keep your office organized and your desk clutter free.

4. Get a comfortable chair. Need I say more?

5. Give yourself 10-15 minutes at the end of the day to make a list of the things you want/need to get done tomorrow. When you start working, give yourself 10-15 minutes to go over your list and prioritize before jumping onto a call or responding to emails.

I hope these tips can help you destress today and every day! Make sure to check in with yourself regularly. How are my stress levels? What can I do to help reduce the stress in my body?

Make sure to read my previous blog, “Clocking Out” is More Important than Ever, for more stress-relieving tips focusing on how to create a more equal work-life balance for yourself.

Here's a photo of my home office set up!