Office Zen

Happy Monday!

To celebrate a fresh new week (if "celebrate" is the right word for that...), I wanted to talk a little bit about my very first work office.

I started a new job a few weeks ago, and the original plan was that I would just have a desk by the front door. I was fine with that, as so far I have only had cubicles and desks and my jobs. But just before starting, I learned I would be moved into my very own office, and I was thrilled!

I'm an introvert, so I find it easiest to work if I have my own space. I got to work on my first day and set out a couple things: a mug to hold my pens, an owl picture holder and a couple cute note pads, to name a few.

I am also deeply affected by whatever environment I'm in (aren't we all?) so I have picked up a few things lately to help get me in a clear-headed working mindset. My walls are still totally barren and I don't have a window, so these things have brightened up the place. Here's how I have made my office a little more zen and cozy the past few weeks:

1. Plants - So I got a cute little succulent for $5 last week, but I have since learned the one I got needs sunlight. I kill every single plant I have, and I'm trying to change my ways. So I researched plants that need little to no sunlight, and I found a few. This is the one I want to bring in. It's a golden pothos. This is a great option to help clean the air, which is important when you're in an enclosed office all day.

2. Space clearing spray - I got an Amazon gift card for my birthday, and since then I have been all about spring cleaning-type things. This stuff is awesome. I bought it specifically to leave at the office, and after I spray it my space feels renewed.

3. Lavender Lemonade soy candle - The scent of this candle is fresh and bright, and I usually light it in the afternoon as a pick-me-up. Lighting candles also relaxes me and puts me in a writing mood, which I do a lot of at my new job.

4. Salt lamp - I also got this guy at Amazon. It helps purify the air, reduces allergies, improves your mood and gives off a pretty glow.

5. Green tea - My current favorite is Numi's Gunpowder Green tea. I drink a lot of herbal tea and warm water with lemon, but green tea gives a little caffeine boost. Which is critical on a Monday morning.

Also important: Spa music and a pretty desktop wallpaper, currently of a small cottage town in Ireland.

How do you make your space more relaxing?