Tips to Brighten an Office During Winter

You may have noticed that it's a lot darker now when you leave the office. It may also still be dark out when you get up in the morning.

With winter approaching, the days are shorter and, as such, we see a lot less daylight. You may also have to contend with rain, snow and storms as winter approaches. While it may be hard to get out of a warm bed and into the cold, most of us force ourselves upright and trudge along.

If you find yourself slower and feeling more down than usual during this time of year, you're not alone. Many are affected by the change in seasons and daylight, and in severe cases, some may have seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.)

For most of us, coping with the change in light and weather is made easier by following a few tips for the office:

• Light - if you relied on natural light before to light your office, now is the time to turn on your office lights, lamps and other electric sources to brighten your work area. Often, a brighter environment can help lead to a brighter mood.
• Music - if you can, play uplifting and up-tempo music at work and during your commute.
• Comfort - make sure you are comfortable at work. Being uncomfortable is distracting and can lead you to be less productive and efficient. Make sure your office chair meets your needs and, if you're in a cold office, be sure to bring some sweaters, jackets or even a space heater to keep warm. A wardrobe cabinet or combination storage cabinet would be ideal for storing these when not in use.
  
• Greenery - a plant on our around your desk can be a wonderful reminder of greener, brighter times if all you see is gray outside.

Even though the weather may turn colder and bleaker, you have much greater control of your environment inside your office. A few simple changes can help winter move by quickly.