Freelance Writing Tip: Keep a Comfortable Office
As a freelance writer it is important to be comfortable at all times. While it can be difficult to stay comfortable if you work in an outside office, most freelance writers have the luxury of working at home. That being said, I receive regular emails from writers who are finding it difficult to settle in for one reason or the next.
There are three things that are very important to your comfort as a freelance writer:
1. The right temperature. If you are cold you will find it difficult to concentrate. To go along with this, have you ever tried typing when your hands, fingers, and wrists are cold? If so, you know just how difficult this can be. Of course, you can cause just as many problems if you become overheated. Do whatever it takes to keep a comfortable temperature at all times.
2. A comfortable chair. When I first started working as a freelance writer I was using an old wooden chair with a seat pad. This worked for a few months, but soon enough my back was cramping up midday and I was losing my concentration because of the discomfort. Shortly thereafter I purchased a large, padded chair for $75 and have been comfortable ever since. This may sound like a big purchase, but it is one you will definitely enjoy. Take it from me: this is not something you want to skimp on. Buy a quality office chair early in your career and it will keep you comfortable for years to come.
3. Make it easy to get what you need. All the supplies and documents that I need on a regular basis are kept within reaching distance. This includes highlighters, invoices, my printer and much more. You don’t want to find yourself leaving your desk on a regular basis; this will break your concentration.
How comfortable is your home office? If you follow the three tips above it is safe to say that your office will be comfortable, for the most part. And while many think a comfortable office is overrated, I can assure you this is not the case.
