An organized desk can be the start of an organized life. Whether it’s in the office or at home, there’s always a better way to organize. Small changes add up to great results. This article will explore the benefits of an organized desk and offer some ideas that can be easily implemented.
Benefits of arranging a scientific working corner
1. Increase productivity
Do you often notice the “mountain of papers” on your desk or feel unmotivated and bored when you start work? Scientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute have used fMRI and other approaches to show that our brains like order.
Constant visual reminders of disorganization drain our cognitive resources and reduce our ability to focus. According to another statistic , a clean desk increases productivity and endurance by up to 84%.
When everything you need is in its right place, you can find it easily without wasting time, which affects your concentration. When you are highly focused, your productivity also increases, and you will finish your work faster than expected.
2. Improve mental stability
A neat and tidy desk will give you a sense of order and organization. You know that the notebook will be on the small shelf, the pen will be in the pencil holder right in front of you, ... without having to waste energy rummaging. Moreover, the simpler your desk is, like your thoughts, the more space your brain will have for creativity, positive thoughts and significantly reduce stress.
On the contrary, a messy desk can negatively affect your mental health, according to a report in Harvard Business Review . You will become irritable with clutter, whereas you will feel relaxed and comfortable with an organized desk.
Improve mental stability.
3. Health protection
A workspace that is not cleaned regularly will create conditions for viruses that cause diseases such as influenza to develop, making it impossible for you to work effectively. A clean and tidy workspace not only keeps you mentally comfortable but also prevents respiratory diseases.
4. Ability to sleep better
You heard right! Although not directly related to sleep, the experience of being productive with a tidy desk will give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. In addition, the feeling of relaxation and stress relief it brings will also help you fall asleep easier.
5. Equipment maintenance
A dusty work environment can affect the performance of equipment such as printers, computers and other devices, making them more susceptible to breakdown. Regular cleaning of equipment will help prolong its life and reduce breakdowns as much as possible.
Equipment maintenance.
Tips for arranging your work corner for maximum efficiency
1. Get rid of unused items
Do you have any items that you haven’t used in a year? Does it still have value or is it just a waste of time, like handouts, old magazines, a toy you used to love, or a pen that’s long since run out of ink? It’s time to consider whether you’ll need it in the future.
Check your bookshelves, drawers, and hidden corners that you don’t often use to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Cleaning them up by rearranging them, throwing them away, or giving them to someone else are all effective solutions to free up your workspace.
2. Add inspiration
After removing unnecessary things, it is time to add your endless sources of inspiration. A poster with a motivational quote, a large meaningful picture, or a small, pretty potted plant... will make you more interested in working at your desk!
You also need to note that in case there is too much "spiritual food", you need to think carefully about what you need, avoid displaying too many distracting things.
3. Maximize space
You've removed a lot of things, but why does it still look messy? Have you ever heard of clamp desk lamps, monitor hanging lamps, monitor arms or monitor shelves? They will greatly contribute to maximizing your space, as well as making your working corner more minimalist and hi-tech!
Maximize space.
4. Labeling and sorting
If remembering where your documents are is stressful and time-consuming, labeling and categorizing can help! You’ll find what you need faster when it’s in a designated place. For example, receipts go in your blue shirt pocket, while important papers go in your left-hand drawer.
5. Tidy up your cables
Your desk is neat and tidy, but what about underneath? Tangled cables are a nuisance to sit and look at. Keep them out of the way with a cable tray or cable clips for a neater, more organized look. You might also consider labeling your cords and chargers for easy tracking.
6. Prepare a trash can on the table
Having to walk a distance to throw something away can make it difficult to keep up with the habit of throwing away the trash in the right place, and the trash will stay on the table longer. The trash can on the table was born to take on this “responsibility”. When you’re done, just take it out and you’re done. It looks small but it’s very necessary!
7. Go digital
Instead of storing paper files, you can store them on your computer. For example, desk calendars can be replaced with phone calendars, paper books can now be converted to ebooks, documents can also be converted to pdf files on your computer, etc. On the other hand, limiting the use of paper is also a contribution to protecting this green planet.
Go digital.
8. Clean and sanitize every day
After all, if you don’t clean every day, all your organizing will be for nothing. At the end of the day, you only need to spend 5-10 minutes to put everything back in its place and clean up for the next time you work. This will make the next work day more exciting, because there is a clean, organized place waiting for you.
The above list includes significant benefits and some suggestions for how to arrange your desk. It takes time to implement new habits and adapt to change, but it is all worth it and makes working time more comfortable and enjoyable.
