Some days, inspiration is like an old friend you haven’t heard from in a while. Is it off rock climbing in the Himalayas?

You have projects to work on and things you really want to do, but you just don’t feel inspired. You pull out your wobbly chair, shove aside some old papers and a stale Starbucks cup, and stare at a blank screen trying to ‘think.’

Inspiration isn’t the only factor in keeping your creative juices flowing, but it helps a lot. You can energize your home office space to work in your favor.

Your environment has an immediate and direct impact on your energy and mood. The great thing is you can use that to your advantage.

You can optimize the type of energy you need for any particular task, including the inspiration you need for your office space. So here are some ways to energize your home office space and keep you inspired while you do what you do.

#1. Declutter

I mean, you know it has to be done. The most obvious obstacle between you and Lady Inspiration is the mounds of distracting, unattractive clutter strewn across your workspace.

From this point on, let’s consider this workspace a sacred space of creativity and badassery.

Do you know what hinders badassery? All of the psychological effects of clutter, that’s what.

Stack and sort the papers, digitize what you can, toss what’s trash, and give your new sacred space a good wipe down for good measure.

#2. Wake Up Your Color Palette

Colors affect the mood and energy of a room, and people have studied color preference for well over a century. Blue tones invite peace and calm.

Red tones tend to do the opposite, so pick the colors for your office space that bring about the specific energy you personally need to feel in the zone.

If you’re naturally more high-strung, grey and blue tones might be a good choice to keep you focused.

Do you have trouble staying awake and energized? Add some pops of color to your decor with splashes of orange, pink, or vibrant green.

Even on a more personal level, if you want to feel more in charge and professional, add a few splashes of gold and black. Put yourself in the role you need to be in to produce your best work.

#3. Add Personal Motivation

Each of us has something that motivates us, a driving force that propels us forward. Maybe that’s your family or a personal goal you’re trying to achieve.

Leave yourself a little reminder of your ‘why’ to keep you on track when you feel like procrastinating or quitting.

This can be a picture of your family or a framed affirmation quote. It could even be something made as your screensaver or wallpaper for your computer.

#4. Make It Comfy

Nothing inspires you to stay until the job is done like a comfortable sitting area you don’t want to leave. A comfy chair is necessary for your health, your stamina, and your inspiration.

Other things to think about in the comfort category are the height and material of your desk, your keyboard, and anything else you need to work and create.

#5. Optimize Your Lighting

Natural light is the best option for any work area. If you can place your desk next to or in front of a window, you’ll naturally energize and refresh your mind and body while you sit there.

Think of it like solar charging. It’s passive energy, free for the taking.

It’s also easier on your eyes and your budget. If you do need to go artificial, get a bulb that isn’t too yellow, which makes you want to nap, or too blue, which can give you a headache after long stretches.

There’s probably nothing that will energize your home office space more than good lighting.

#6. Give Your Office Its Own Zone

Make sure your office is a designated space for getting stuff done, separate from the spot where you sleep. (I’m guilty of using my bed with a laptop as an “office” more often than I’d like.)

Your office space doesn’t have to be its own room, but it helps to have an area where you can shut out distractions when you need to focus.

A designated office zone is one way of creating intentional spaces throughout your home.

#7. Add Some Plants

You don’t want to go overboard with large, bushy plants. They get distracting and messy once the leaves start falling.

A small plant can be just enough nature to keep you grounded and feeling refreshed. It even helps keep fresh oxygen in the room, which supports better brain function.

A nice succulent or cactus adds a clean, decorative vibe to the space.

#8. Invigorate Your Senses With Inspiring Scents

Smells are powerful for setting moods and inspiring creativity. Our sense of smell is the most closely related sense to memory, which gives it a unique connection to your brain.

Aromatherapy can inspire creativity, relaxation, focus, and energy during work sessions. The best ways to use it are a diffuser or a candle.

Diffusers tend to last longer and are easier to maintain. They’re also the most versatile option when you want to alternate scents.

#9. Put Yourself In The Zone Using Sounds

With sounds, you can really put yourself there. If you want to feel like you’re in a coffee shop, play coffee shop buzz sounds.

I tend to play ‘Clubbed To Death’ or the soundtrack from “The Social Network” when I really want to focus and drown out the background noise. Both are slow, heavy rhythms with no words.

If you’re into bird sounds or heavy rain, you can make that happen easily enough too.

Bring Your Office Back to Life

A workspace that actually energizes you is built one small, intentional choice at a time, the color on the wall, the plant on the shelf, the light by the window.

If you want to take it further, building a minimalist workspace at home will keep the space calm once it’s set up.

Ready to go beyond the office? Learning how to simplify your life for more time, energy, and mental capacity is a good place to go next.