For a while I let my office go and it was just stuff all over the place with nothing fun or interesting about it.  I didn’t feel like the space was me at all and spent much of my day staring at things that didn’t bring me joy.  I recently took a step back and really took the time to make it my own.  Since then, I’ve found myself to be more productive and enjoy being in this space.  Here are some quick and easy ways to design your own office space a little more you without breaking the bank:

Just have some fun and play!

Bring something to the office that you can play with if you are stressed.  I have a small container of Kinetic sand that really helps me mellow out and is a fun topic of conversation.  I’ve also seen play-doh, Legos, puzzles or stress balls.

Display your favorite books

Bring in some books that make you happy, are inspiring, and you could use as a resource.  Don’t just bring in old college texts, really think about what books would be helpful in your career and make you happy to look at every day.

have a jar of Candy handy

If you want to keep people more peppy while meeting with you or want more drop-ins to say hello, candy will do the trick.

Display Pictures

Bring in pictures of your family, pets, and friends and update your desktop background frequently.  Be surrounded by the people and things you love all day.

Bring life to your office with Plants

Bring in some life or the idea of life in your office.  I don’t have a green thumb and have committed to fake flowers but I love the way they brighten up my space.  Easy plants like cactus can really make a space feel livelier and flowers can bring in that pop of color.

Have your playlist up and going

Make a playlist or find a channel that helps you stay in the zone. When I need to bust through some work, I put on some of my favorite hip hop songs.  Music is what keeps me energized for the day.

Find a favorite cup that feels like home

If you are a coffee, tea or water drinker get a fun new glass.  Something that will make you laugh, inspire you or just make you happy to hold it.  Remember, these things are typically part of a morning/all day ritual so enjoy what you will be holding!

Grab some New writing instruments

This sounds silly but back to school shopping was one of my favorite things. I loved getting crisp new notebooks and fun pens.  Bring in some new writing instruments for a fresh new start.  I put my pens in a vase with beans and love the way it looks.

Design your own office space by getting rid of the clutter

When you notice that huge stack of papers overflowing, take 5-10 minutes to look it over.  The less crowded your office is, the more room you have to think!

Find and print out a quote

Find a quote that inspires you and put in on your monitor or somewhere else in your workspace.  Look at it when you need that extra push.

Have your essentials easily accessible

Leave shoes, feminine products, make up or anything else you need for anything that may come up.  Since I commute to work, I leave a few pairs of heels in the office and you never know when your make up will need a touch up.