HOME OFFICE? GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

 Confidence Transforms Office Space Art in the Home

If you've had to convert part of your home into an office space, you might find you are spending a large chunk of your day staring at either a computer screen or a wall. While your job may demand you stare at the screen, evidence suggests that you will keep your focus for longer, and be more productive, when you can sit and stare at something more engaging than that blank wall.

Maybe you are lucky enough to have a window in your home office, one where you can lift your eyes, and look out. You might even have an inspiring view.

No window? No worries.
 
If you don't have that option, then having a piece of art on the wall can be a great solution. Why? Because art (including abstract art) gives the brain a chance to relax and refocus.

Professor Semir Zeki, at University College London explains “When you look at art whether it is a landscape, a still life or an abstract – there is strong activity in that part of the brain related to pleasure. Brain scans showed a 10% increase in blood flow, which is the same as when you look at a loved one."

Think of a painting, or any art on the wall, as a chance to give your mind the equivalent of a big stretch or a refreshing walk around the block.

When does it help to have a piece of art in an office?

Research exploring links between cognitive function and interaction with visual art shows that if you engage in particular thinking activities, having a view, or a piece of art to look at, allows your brain to function better at a variety of tasks.

These might include:

  • Coming up with new ideas
  • Weighing up pros / cons of a decision
  • Problem solving
  • Prioritising tasks and activities
  • Rehearsing what to say (e.g. upcoming meeting, giving feedback)
  • Listening to our intuition

So, if your role requires you to do any (or all) of these tasks, think about switching your desk to a window, to allow you to look out at the view. Or, of your desk faces a wall, decorate that wall with enough interesting art works, photos or images to give yourself a break from the laptop and the phone screens.

What will you create? A collage on a pin board? Will you include family photos? Postcards? Art posters? Album covers? Original art? A favourite landscape?

Check out our collection of original artworks.

Discover more: Want to read about the wisdom of staring out of windows?

  • Check out this article from the School of Life.
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