Create a Zen Like Cubicle
Many people working for corporations and large companies spend their days in small gray cubicles under fluorescent lighting. Being cooped up this way can lead to stress, undue fatigue and eye strain, causing many cubicle workers to seek other careers or be unhappy in their jobs.
Changing the atmosphere in your cubicle can significantly change the way you feel about your workplace. Taking a minimalist approach to your space, while adding things to it that encourage serenity and focus, can give your cubicle a Zen-like feel that helps lift your whole attitude.
Instructions
1. Clean up your workspace. Throw away unnecessary sticky notes and papers. Go through your files and in-box and shred all the file papers you no longer need. Clear your drawers of pens that don't work, pencils stubs and other unnecessary items.
2. Type reference guides, information and papers from file folders into your computer and keep them in folders accessible by hotkeys. Ask for email rather than faxes, and keep any necessary papers in one in-box basket.
3. Reduce your filing cabinet as much as possible with the first two steps, then replace it. Choose a cabinet with no more than two drawers. Try to pick one with a pleasing color or wood laminate finish. If your options are limited, get a black filing cabinet. Black blends in with most décors better than gray or white.
4. Put a welcome mat outside your cubicle to prevent dirt from getting into your space. Spread an area rug on the floor inside to warm up the area. Oriental rugs and geometric designs in beige, light aqua and spring greens work well, as do dark red and shades of purple.
5. Put a throw pillow that matches your rug on your chair for lumbar support. Good posture helps stimulate blood flow, aids concentration and prevent back pain.
6. Hang tapestries that complement your rug on your cubicle walls using cubicle clips. Do the same with nature print posters. Covering the gray helps lessen any oppressive feelings. Cubicle clips have teeth that grip fabric walls and are available at office supply stores.
7. Clear your desk of unnecessary knickknacks. Put them in your desk drawer or toss them and replace them with photos of friends and family and a small calendar. Choose frames made of natural elements or brushed metal and a calendar with nature scenes or animals.
8. Set a long, rectangular pot of luck bamboo on the side of your desk facing the entry. This gives you some privacy and lessens possible stress from being observed. Plus plants are visually relaxing.
9. Put a table lamp on your desk and keep it on. The soft light from the lamp helps diffuse bright fluorescent light from above, reducing glare and eye strain.
