As the novel coronavirus continues to progress, more and more employees and students find themselves practicing social distancing, working from home, and distance learning to keep themselves and others safe. Although you don’t have to deal with frustrating traffic or annoying co-workers, working and distance learning from the comfort of your own home can be a disaster if you don’t have the essentials in place. And like most people, work-from-home distractions can seriously keep you from getting work done.

So to keep you on track, here is a list of 10 essential items you need in your workspace to boost your productivity and help you achieve a better work-life balance.

A reusable mug for your morning coffee

Start your morning off right with your favorite cup of coffee. If you’re on the hunt for a new mug that will keep your coffee hot while you work, a double-wall, vacuum insulated stainless steel mug is the one for you. And when you’re on the go, these make the best travel mugs.

Clothes that aren’t pajamas

While one of the perks of working from home is wearing whatever you want, staying in your pajamas five days straight can make you feel less productive. Getting back into the routine and dressing your part is one of the best ways to feel ready for a full day of work. So try changing out of your PJs and you’ll find that you get more done.

A sleek desk

You can definitely work from your dining table, but if you have space for it, getting a desk is better ergonomically and can help you concentrate better. Having a dedicated desk to work at, that’s not your dining table, will leave you with fewer distractions and better productivity.

A comfortable chair

Does your back hurt from sitting in your kitchen chair or curled up on the couch? It’s worth investing in a comfortable chair to protect your back and prevent long-term injuries.

A pair of noise-canceling headphones

Concentration is important when working from home or distance learning. Whether you have a full day of Zoom meetings, want to listen to your favorite podcast while you work, or tune out the many distractions, these headphones are an ideal choice to help you get work done.

A fancy water bottle to keep you hydrated

Don’t forget to take breaks to eat and stay hydrated. Investing in a reusable water bottle will save you a lot of money and make it easier for you to get your eight glasses in.

Adequate lighting for those late-night work

No one likes a poorly lit workspace. An adjustable desk lamp can help you find the perfect angle to make you look your best during Zoom calls and give you just enough light so you can work through the night. 

A lap desk so you can work from bed

If you don’t have the space for a whole office situation or want a change of environment from working at a desk, getting a lap desk allows you to work on the couch or outside on your patio.

A planner to keep you organized

Now that we’re home more, every day starts feeling the same and you lose track of time. While many people have gone digital, there are others who enjoy writing out their to-do lists by hand. Having a productivity planner is a great way to stay organized and to plan for the weeks ahead.

Enhance the atmosphere with a scented candle and plants

Brighten up the mood of your workspace with a candle. Simple things like lighting a candle or bringing more plants into your space can instantly change how you feel and work. And it looks great on your desk too.