Desktop Setups can be conducive to achieving the Flow State while working from home. Flow is a mental state where you are so engulfed in an activity; you lose the sense of time and self. It’s what athletes sometimes define as being “in the zone.” We’ve all encountered it at some point in our life where we go on and on working on something, and your mind automatically blocks off all distractions. Nothing else seems to matter other than the task you’re focused on.
“Flow” has been researched extensively by psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi . We won’t go into what Flow is in this article but will go over how optimal desktop setups can help you achieve Flow while working from home (WFH).
Why Is Flow Important while Working From Home (WFH)
Studies have shown while executives are in Flow, they are five times more efficient and productive. Wouldn’t you like to finish your work in 25%th the time? Being in Flow helps you tune out distractions as well.
While Mihály has outlined conditions to trigger Flow, including setting goals and challenges, we’ll focus on setting up a work environment that eliminates distractions. These external factors can contribute to and trigger Flow.
Flow While Work From Home
One of the things that ruin your Focus, as HBR identified, is a cluttered and messy desk. Setting up a dedicated office and having a clutter-free desk is imperative to Focus. An excellent guideline to de-clutter would be Marie Kondo’s Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
Flow is key to enhancing concentration, creativity, and success while working from home. Whether you are coding, a writer, designer, or performing any job really, Flow can help you achieve it more efficiently and creatively.
Limit Distractions & Complete Concentration
Distractions are the greatest barrier to obtaining Focus and flow at work. A comfortable work environment will limit external distractions. We don’t want to limit distractions, but we want to set up an environment that gives you joy. The perfect Desk Setup will make you want to do work. Sounds ridiculous, right? A Cluttered desktop can cause distraction. There are quite a few researched triggers that induce Flow and are collectively known as “Flow Trigger”.
According to a UC Irvine study, it takes 25 min to regain Focus on your original task once you’ve been distracted. Science. Compound that with regular distractions, and you’re going to have an unproductive day.
Our Work from Home Desk setup goal is to replicate your work environment as close as possible at home. All this while eliminating any distractions that lead us away from work.
Desk Setup For Flow:
Great lighting
A desktop setup with great lighting helps prevent “Computer Vision Syndrome” that leads to Headaches and eyestrain. All factors impact your ability to concentrate and achieve Flow.
- Set up close to Natural Light if possible
- Minimize light reflections and glare from overhead or behind the monitor
- Have enough light to prevent eyestrain
Clean and decluttered desktop
Eliminating visible physical clutter can increase productivity and induce calm. Clutter can cause stress and frustration. A clean environment can induce calm and confidence.
- Good Cable Management. Cables are like hairs; once tangled it’s hard to untangle. With all our connected devices, cables can become unsightly. Hide your cables and it can provide a soothing and clean environment.
- Proper Ergonomics for less strain
- Standing Desk to provide the right and adjustable height
- Properly adjusted monitor and keyboard
Have the right tools for the job
Not having the proper tools and setup for work from home can cause frustrations and distractions. Many companies provide stipends for desk setups while working from home. Get the proper tools you need to reduce distractions and maximize Flow and overall success while working from home.
- Comfortable and ergonomic keyboard
- Proper mouse and mousepad (prevent carpal tunnel)
- WiFi speeds to support Zoom and video calls – Place router in close proximity to your computer.
Limit Interruptions and automate everything
Automate everything you can to limit interruptions. Set up a docking station to make starting up work easy. Fewer hassles mean fewer barriers to getting going.
- Noise-canceling headphones Helps remove distracting noise. Playing white noise can also help to filter out signals that might distract you.
- Smart home assistants – Adjust lights and environment with minimal input from you.
Plants and greenery for Flow
Plants have been researched to improve your concentration and focus. What better way to enhance your desk aesthetics while improving work from home flow and concentration?
Music to maintain Focus
Music has also been researched and shown to have positive effects on study and concentration. The right kind of music can help us concentrate. Music helps to block out noise and distraction. Lo-Fi music has been all the rage for study and concentration. Music without lyrics help to keep distraction to a minimum.
Additional tips to Optimize Flow in your Work From Home Desk Setup
Distraction Journal – A popular productivity method that helps identify and track what causes distractions. This self-reflection exercise to jot down different distractions during your workday will help determine what causes those distractions. Once you have identified different distractions, you can modify your desk setup to eliminate the distraction.
Creating the perfect desk set up for Flow at home is an iterative and constantly changing process. What might work this month would not work the next. Some research has also shown that switching up your environment helps with motivation and learning. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4138787/
