Creating a Writing Space for Max Productivity

Time, energy, and good writing space are all we really need to be able to focus and be productive. It’s important to have a dedicated writing space at home because it signals to your brain that it’s time to write every time you’re in that space. If you tend to bounce around the house a lot as you write and feel unproductive, try creating a space exclusive for your writing. It doesn’t have to be fancy or even have a door. Your space only needs a few items to promote writing productivity.

Tips for designing a productive writing space:

Creating a space

It’s important to teach yourself to write anywhere, but it’s also important to have a dedicated writing space within your home. Your space doesn’t have to be large, an entirely separate room, or have to look like it came straight from Pinterest. Your writing space simply needs to be the place you go to write when you’re at home and have all your writing essentials within reach.

Focusing on supplies

As writers, we need various supplies as we write. Keep your supplies stocked and within easy reach. Some common supplies include:

1. Notebooks/notepads
2. Pens/pencils
3. Paper clips
4. Highlighters
5. Page Tabs
6. Writer’s notebook
7. Stapler and extra staples
8. Headphones
9. Computer and charger
10. Printer

Containing the cords

There are so many cords that come with well-filled writing space. From your computer charger to printer cords, and even a spare phone charger, they can all get in the way. Try using a surge protector to keep your devices safe. Zip ties are also a big help controlling extra long cords. Another tip is finding cord keepers to hold your cords on your desk so you don’t have to hunt for your computer charger every time your battery runs low.

Keeping it tidy

A clean space allows for a clear mindset. At the end of each session, put your computer in a specific spot, put away any supplies, and toss any scraps of paper you no longer need. This way, you always walk into a tidy writing space and can jump into writing instead of having to tidy up before you can get to work.

Making it distraction-free

If you live with others, avoid putting your writing space smack in the middle of all the action of your home. Spots in the kitchen or other main areas of your house allow for more distractions, which lowers your writing productivity. Create a space away from common distractions. Also create some healthy boundaries with your family so they know when to respect your writing time.

Infusing inspiration

If you pull creativity from your surroundings, do what you can to create an inspiring space. Try placing your desk by a window so you can have natural light and a nice view while you work. If you can’t, fill the wall you’re writing by with items that inspire you. A strand of Christmas lights, pictures of your family, or photos from your favorite vacation spot can go a long way in adding inspiration to your space. And the more inspired you feel, the more productive your writing time will be.

Boosting your mood

Scents like lemon, orange, lime, and lemongrass are great mood boosters. Keep an essential oil diffuser and a few of your favorite citrus-scented oils in your space. Or try burning your favorite candles while you work.

Promoting good posture

Poor posture can leave you feeling sore and fatigued, so do what you can to sit or stand in a good posture while you write. Maybe you need a better office chair or to simply place a pillow behind your back. Additionally, if you have a standing desk, try placing a memory foam mat on the ground to stand on. This will help with foot, leg, and back soreness. In addition to good posture, remember to stretch often and move around to promote good circulation throughout your body.

Easy to reach resources

Whether you use a physical copy of a dictionary or thesaurus or have favorite books on writing, keep these nearby. If you have to walk too far to get something, you may decide not to get it at all. If you do go get it you could become distracted on your way back to your space.

Have you created a writing space you love? Tell us about it in the comment section!

Read 10 Ways to Rediscover Your Creative Flow to learn how to max out your creativity.