Clean Your Desk Day: How Good Desk Design Boosts Mental Health

Clean Your Desk Day is the perfect opportunity to not only tidy up your desk but also reflect on how the design of your workspace impacts your mental health. With the rise of remote working, many people are now taking on their professional responsibilities from the comfort of their own home. While this arrangement offers flexibility, it can also create new challenges – chiefly, how to keep our work environments organised and out of the way of our home life.

Whether you work from a dedicated room, a quiet corner of the house, or even a garden room, your workspace plays a critical role in how you feel both during and after work. Let’s explore the importance of a clean desk, the benefits of thoughtful workspace design, and how we can help you create a workspace that fosters focus, clarity, and well-being.

The Link Between Clutter and Mental Health

A cluttered workspace can directly contribute to feelings of stress, and mental fatigue. When your desk is disorganised, your brain works harder to filter out distractions. This can lead to increased anxiety and hinder productivity. It’s easy to see how, in a home office environment, this can spill over into personal life, making it hard to “switch off” at the end of the day.

When your workspace is clean and organised, you create a sense of control and calm. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that enhances focus and supports a healthy mindset. A clean desk allows for better clarity, a sense of achievement, and the ability to focus on the tasks at hand, reducing feelings of stress and burnout.

Designing Your Home Office for Better Mental Health

Wherever your desk, thoughtful design can help separate your professional and personal life, which is crucial for mental well-being. Here’s how to optimise your space for a healthier mind.

1. Location Location Location: Choose a Space That Supports Your Well-being

In the house, choose a quiet, well-lit area to create your office. Ideally, this should be a room or corner that can be separated from areas associated with relaxation or recreation, such as the living room or bedroom. This helps to mentally distinguish between work and home life.

If you’re working in a garden room, take advantage of the natural light and calming views of nature. Garden rooms can offer the perfect balance between a secluded, focused space and the refreshing, natural environment that helps ease stress.

2. Declutter Your Desk: A Clean Desk Equals a Clear Mind

On Clean Off Your Desk Day, take the time to organise your desk. Begin by clearing away unnecessary papers, office supplies, or other items that may be taking up valuable space. A minimalist approach is often most effective – leave only the items you use regularly. This encourages a streamlined, focused environment, helping to prevent distractions and allowing you to concentrate fully on your tasks.

Make use of organisers, trays, or drawer systems to neatly store documents, files, or tools you don’t need now. This keeps your desk clean and ensures that everything has its place. Bespoke storage systems will prevent your home turning into an office extension.

3. Incorporate Biophilic Design: Bring Nature Inside

The garden room offers a unique opportunity to blend your workspace with nature. If you have space consider adding plants, natural materials (such as wood or stone), or views of the garden to enhance your mental well-being. Biophilic design, the practice of connecting with nature, has been shown to reduce stress, boost creativity, and increase productivity.

Even if you’re working from a room inside your house, adding a few plants or natural elements to your desk space can have a similar effect. Research by the team at NASA show that a well-chosen plan can even help to filter the air we breathe.

4. Ergonomics Are Key: Comfort and Health

A well-designed workspace isn’t just about appearance; it’s about comfort and functionality too. Invest in ergonomic furniture—a comfortable chair, a desk at the right height, and a screen positioned at eye level. Proper ergonomics reduce physical strain, preventing back and neck pain, which can lead to increased stress levels over time both physically and emotionally. A comfortable space helps ensure that you stay physically relaxed and focused throughout the day, promoting a healthier, more productive work experience.

5. Personal Touches: Make the Space Yours

While cleanliness and order are important, it’s equally vital to make your space feel inviting and personal. This doesn’t mean cluttering your desk with unnecessary items, but sensitively adding small personal touches, such as photos, artwork, or motivational quotes. These elements help you feel at ease and remind you that your workspace reflects who you are.

All these steps are important for both your home workspace and your desk at work. It is important to remember that your desk at work is also your own personal space, so think about adding a few personal touches that help you to enjoy the time at your desk.

Clean Desk, Clean Mind: The Post-Work Benefits

Once you’ve completed your tasks for the day, it’s just as important to “clear off” your desk in the sense of mentally switching off from work. By having an organised desk and workspace, it becomes easier to leave work behind when the day is done. Knowing that your environment is tidy encourages you to step away, rest, and recharge.

A clean desk can serve as a boundary between work and personal time. As you finish your work, physically clearing your desk can symbolise the end of the workday, allowing you to mentally transition into relaxation mode.

Let us help you design a space that works for both your mind and your work.

Creating a balanced and efficient home office is essential for your mental well-being, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to optimise some unused space, revamp a home office, or create a serene garden room, we offer design solutions that cater to your functional and psychological needs.

Our expert team can guide you through every step of the process. With the right space, you’ll not only boost your productivity but also nurture your mental health.

With the right approach, your home office can be more than just a place to work – it can become a sanctuary that helps you thrive.

Whatever your desk requirements give us a call on 01908 886854 to discuss your office space with our design team or to learn more about the rest of the team head on over to our about us page.