Are you looking for a simple and effective way to improve your work performance and well-being? If so, you might want to consider adding some plants to your ergonomic desk setup. Plants are not only beautiful and decorative, but they can also offer many benefits for your productivity, such as reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing creativity and problem-solving, and improving air quality and mood. In this article, we will explain how plants can help you work better and happier, and how you can create a plant-friendly ergonomic desk setup that suits your space and style.
The Benefits of Desk Plants
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, desk plants offer a myriad of benefits that contribute to your physical and mental well-being. Let's explore the remarkable advantages that plants bring to your ergonomic workspace:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Studies have shown that exposure to plants can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, which are associated with stress and anxiety. Plants can also create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in your workspace, helping you to focus and cope with challenges.
Enhancing creativity and problem-solving
Plants can stimulate your brain and boost your cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and concentration. Plants can also inspire you to think outside the box and come up with new ideas and solutions. Korpela et al., for example, have discovered that the Dutch and British offices had 15% higher worker productivity when plants were added to their office spaces from a study called "Nature at home and work: Naturally good".
Improving air quality and mood
Plants can filter out harmful pollutants and toxins from the air, such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. These substances can cause headaches, fatigue, and irritation, which can affect your productivity and mood. Plants can also increase the oxygen level and humidity in the air, which can make you feel more alert and energised.
Practical Tips and Inspirations
Now that you're ready to embrace the power of plants, let's explore some practical tips and inspirations to bring your ergonomic desk environment to life:
Choose the right plants for your space. Depending on the size, shape, and lighting of your desk area, you might want to choose different types of plants. Some of the best plants for desks are succulents, cacti, snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants. These plants are low-maintenance, resilient, and adaptable to various conditions. They also have different shapes and colours that can add some variety and interest to your space.
Place the plants strategically. You want to make sure that your plants are visible and accessible, but not in the way of your work. You can place them on your desk, on shelves, on windowsills, or hang them from the ceiling or wall. You can also use plant stands, pots, baskets, or terrariums to elevate or decorate your plants. The key is to create a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Care for your plants regularly. To keep your plants healthy and happy, you need to water them, prune them, repot them, and fertilise them as needed. You also need to check for pests and diseases that might harm your plants or spread to others. You can use a spray bottle, a watering can, or a self-watering system to water your plants. You can also use scissors, tweezers, or pruning shears to trim or remove dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can use organic or synthetic fertilisers to nourish your plants every few weeks or months.
Nature-Inspired Décor. Complement your plant companions with nature-inspired décor elements. Think wooden trays, stone paperweights, or leaf-patterned organisers. Embrace earthy tones and natural materials to create a cohesive and calming aesthetic.
Adding plants to your ergonomic desk setup can be a great way to boost your productivity and well-being. Plants can help you reduce stress and anxiety, enhance creativity and problem-solving, and improve air quality and mood. You can create a plant-friendly ergonomic desk setup by choosing the right plants for your space, placing them strategically, and caring for them regularly. By doing so, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of plants in your workspace, and make your work more enjoyable and satisfying.
