Step inside a law firm. You’ll find a bustling, fast-paced environment where everyone is buzzing with energy (or caffeine) to work toward another success in the courtroom. However, along with this energy are underlying feelings of tension, pressure, and stress that are synonymous with a career in the legal field. With most lawyers working an average of 60–80 hours per week—and many of those are spent in the office—every lawyer must have a sanctuary to retreat to where they can feel “Zen,” or in other words, centered, calm, and safe. A place to recharge, be productive, and do their best for clients and colleagues. Where is this Zen space? It can be anywhere you create it—in your law firm office or home workspace.
Here are some key benefits of creating more peace in your workspace:
It may take you a few hours or a few days to cultivate a Zen space, but you’ll reap the benefits long term. If tackling this job seems overwhelming, create a checklist, schedule the time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s from a friend or a professional service. Follow this guide to help you get started.
Fun tip: Take photos of “before” and “after” to notice the difference and refer to them in the future as inspiration to keep your workspace as Zen as possible.
Physical clutter affects your mental space. An office littered with files, books, papers, knickknacks, etc., tends to create distraction and a lack of focus. As you sort through things, keep what is essential and find a new home (recycle, trash, archive, donation bin, filing cabinet) for the rest. Consider how often you use things—from office supplies to referencing old case files on your desk—and arrange the items accordingly. As you go through your items, you will naturally begin to develop a sense of organization for your things, so when new items are introduced, you may be able to address them and put them in their place immediately. This helps to prevent clutter buildup.
A 2014 study in two large commercial offices in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands examined the impact of plants in office space over subsequent months. They found that plants could increase productivity by 15 percent through self-reported levels of concentration and perceived air quality. Introducing natural elements—such as plants—into a workspace can bring about feelings of relaxation and gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us. When these feelings arise, stress can be reduced, and the mind can be quieted to better concentrate on the work that needs to be addressed. Some plants that work most effectively to improve air quality are the Areca palms, the broadleaf lady palm or bamboo palm, the rubber tree plant (Ficus elastica), and the Snake Plant (Sansevieria). Plants also help to reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound and can be used to create some privacy barriers as well as improve the office’s aesthetic.
Spaces that are bright and abundant with lighting boost energy levels, reduce eye strain, create a more pleasant working environment, and may even promote better sleep cycles. Poor lighting contributes to headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision, increasing fatigue and decreasing productivity. If you have natural light available in your office environment, make the most of it. Position your desk close to windows and utilize curtains or blinds to adjust the amount of light entering the room during the day. Since daylight varies, especially during the shorter days of winter, have a desk lamp with adjustable brightness available. Another way to optimize lighting is through mirrors. Strategically placed mirrors will bounce light into areas with limited light or sunlight. If your office has no windows, utilize LED lights with “daylight” color to mimic natural light.
Color is often the first thing people notice when they enter an office. It can trigger primal feelings that affect both mood and behavior. If you can paint your office, choose a color that inspires you or is known to improve mood. Blue, a cool color, is said to create a balanced and calming atmosphere, stimulate thinking, and enhance mental clarity. Shades of green are known to soothe, provide calmness, and reduce eye fatigue. Red, part of the warm-toned family, is linked to strength and power. It’s the only color that can physically affect the body—such as increasing heart rate, blood flow, and appetite. Since it’s such a powerful color, using it sparingly is wise—especially in a smaller space—or consider using red for an accent piece of furniture, wall décor, or desk accessories. Yellow is said to exude optimism, enlightenment, curiosity, and creativity. The traditional bright yellow can be overpowering, so choose a buttery-soft yellow if you’d like to incorporate it into your office. White is a fresh color that will make your space brighter and more prominent. Some say white is associated with a “blank slate” and encourages possibilities and newness. If your office has white walls, try incorporating accent colors.
Incorporate into your office elements that reflect your experiences, interests, or personality. This may be anything from family photos, personalized décor, a collectible mug, or meaningful artwork. These mementos are inviting to look at and may serve as a source of comfort when feelings of stress or anxiety arise. They will also lighten your mood as you remember why the item holds meaning to you, and they may serve as an opening talking point with visitors in your office.
If your office is large enough, you may set up a space where you can take a moment for quiet reflection, meditation, or a break. As you associate your desk with work, focus, and productivity, this tranquil space will be related to a sense of calm and relaxation. It may be as simple as a cushion on the floor or as elaborate as a small sitting area. The more you utilize this space, the more your body and mind will automatically associate a sense of relaxation and well-being with it, which is a great tool when tension is running high in the office.
Cultivating a Zen workspace is about designing a personalized environment that promotes focus, lessens stress, and enhances productivity to reduce the risk of burnout. Remember, this process is not meant to be overwhelming. Consider the recommendations above and adapt them to your personal preference, time allotment, and budget. Whether it’s small improvements over time or an overhaul of your space, focus on choosing the right lighting, paint colors, plants, and mementos that make you happy. These mindful changes will nurture your mind and body, improve your work experience, and lead to enhanced work-life harmony.
