Nowadays, more and more of us are choosing to work from home. Not only does it allow for more freedom, but it can also be far less stressful and much more productive. However, a home office is a must, and there are a few things you need.
Whether you trade forex, write, or spend your day in meetings, here is a list of the gear you need to make your home office better than the rest.
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Standing Desk
Standing desks have exploded into popularity due to being better for your back, neck, hips, and knees. They allow for more movement, and they stop your body from being idle for extended periods.
If you want to treat yourself, a small treadmill underneath the table allows you to walk and exercise throughout the day.
Ergonomic Chair
If a standing desk isn’t for you, then you must get an ergonomic chair. It is near impossible to maintain correct posture the entire day, especially when you begin to get bored or tired. An ergonomic chair will protect your joints and prevent long-term pain.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
The last thing you need when you’re working is to be distracted by outside influences. The best way to do this is to get yourself a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Whether they are Beats, Bose, or Airpods, noise-canceling headphones are a must.
It is also important to test if your ears and head are best suited for buds or for over-the-head headphones. Considering you will have to wear them for hours at a time, how they fit is crucial.
Laptop Stand
There have been multiple studies that prove that looking down at a laptop, while not uncomfortable, can and does cause long-term neck problems. A laptop stand will ensure
your screen is higher, your chin is lifted, and your head is at a much healthier angle.
Extra Monitor
An extra monitor may seem like a luxury, but many will agree that it not only makes work easier but also increases productivity. Whether you use it for research, email, or as part of a design setup, an extra monitor is a must.
Lap Desk
There will be times when you don’t want to work at your desk and want to lounge outside or stay in bed for the day. Resting your laptop on your legs may seem like a good idea, but it can put your body in uncomfortable positions and begin to hurt very quickly.
A lap desk raises your laptop, has room for pens, a drink, and whatever else you need, and is a far more comfortable way to work away from your desk.
External Hard Drive
It doesn’t matter what job you do; you can’t perform at your best without an external hard drive. Having the additional space available allows you to save more data, and more programs and have more information available at any time.
Even if you don’t need all the space for work, an external hard drive is a great way to keep work info off your laptop and keep the office/home separation intact.
High-Speed WiFi
If you are going to be working from home regularly, or even permanently, you will need high-speed internet. Considering most offices and workplaces offer high-speed internet, you need to upgrade your connection to near the same level.
Anti-Fatigue Mat
An anti-fatigue mat is a tactile mat for your feet. Whether you are using a standing desk or not, being able to move and massage your feet and muscles will keep the blood flowing. This will lower muscle and bodily fatigue.
Once again, whether you are at the office or not, you often don’t move around as much as you should. The small movements across an anti-fatigue mat are more than enough to keep your body in check.
Webcam
All desktop computers and some laptops aren’t fitted with a webcam, and in a time of Zoom and Skype meetings, they are a must. While you don’t need a high-end one, a webcam does make work meetings and presentations substantially easier.
Coffee Mug Warmer
Finally, a coffee mug warmer is not a must-have, but it is definitely a nice-to-have. The technology is simple, place your mug on the small plate and let it keep your coffee warm; perfect for when you get involved in some work and forget about it.
