There’s no question that 2020 has brought on unprecedented hardships due to government overreach with a goal to stop the spread of the Corona Virus. These government restrictions have forced closures of small businesses and have forced citizens to remain at home for weeks on end. Many of you are thankfully able to work from home so economically you’re surviving without too much stress. But by not going to your office daily, there is not many opportunities to get out of your home. Creating a comfortable home can help with your approach to all of the time you’re being forced to spend there.
There are some simple things you can do add comfort to your home during this difficult time. Here are a few.
Efficient Heating/Cooling
Keep your home a comfortable temperature. Working from home means having the opportunity to turn your air conditioning or heating off while you’re at work during the bulk of the day, then setting your thermostat to kick on an hour before you arrive home no longer exists. This is the way many had controlled high energy bills. When you’re home all day, your heating or air conditioning will need to be running around the clock to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day and night.
Having an HVAC system that is working at optimal efficiency is vital to keep those energy bills as low as possible. If your system is not heating to the set temperature and is having to run constantly, there is likely an issue that needs to be addressed. A HVAC Contractor can check out your heating and cooling system and give you an assessment of it’s performance. Hopefully if there are issues, they can be repaired cheaply. You’ll recover the repair costs back over the course of several months of lower energy bills.
Your windows could also be part of the problem. If there are gaps around your window frames, then you’ll feel draughty in the winter and too hot during the summertime. Speak to your local windows replacement company for some quotes. You will also save money on heating and AC bills when you have energy efficient windows that fit correctly. It’s worth the investment.
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
If it looks like your work from home situation will be ongoing, it’s worth the investment in good quality ergonomic furniture; especially your chair. You spend a lot of time sitting, and it can take a toll on your body. Be sure to stand frequently, at least once an hour. Be sure the desk or table your using is at the correct height for your arms to be in the best typing position. Your elbows should be bent at about a 90 degree angle; with your hands slightly lower than the elbows. An ergonomic desk will help you achieve this angle so you can minimize the chance of workplace injuries such as repetitive strain injury.
We have to use our keyboards and computer mouse hours a day. Be sure they keep your hands and wrists at the best angle to avoid any injury. This seems like such a small thing, but over time, these types of injuries can often require surgery to repair. Take care your yourself.
Use Blankets and Throws
As I mentioned before, it can be expensive trying to keep your home warm in winter months and cool in summer. Many are trying to cut down on those recurring bills by keeping homes warmer in summer and cooler in winter. Since we’re in the middle of the colder months, having soft blankets and throws on hand not only warms you up in a chilly house, but also gives a sense of comfort and relaxation.
You cannot discount the aesthetic appeal of blankets and throws as well. If you have a neutral pallet in your home, blankets, throws, and pillows can completely change the look of a room. Take a chance on bold colors in addition to your more neutral base colors. Deep gem colors can make a room look inviting and rich. Try deep emeralds, garnets, and amethysts to give a luxury feel to your space. It will give your room a new look, plus add that actual warmth on movie nights or just relaxing evenings by the fireplace.
Hopefully we’ll be able to get back to normal in the coming weeks, but while you’re forced to be at home a majority of time, make creating a comfortable home a priority. It will help with your family’s overall feelings of happiness and lessen stress for everyone.