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If you can, working from home is a great environment. It saves you time that you would normally spend getting ready and commuting to the office. You can also set up your home office the way you like and schedule it to get more done in the least amount of time.
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However, you need to have some determination and be goal-oriented to succeed in the latter and remain productive throughout your workday. It’s also a good idea to have the tools you need on hand to stay focused on the tasks that matter most.
Below are some examples of equipment that can help you concentrate while performing some tasks. Most of these items can be easily placed on your desk and accessed as needed. Most recommendations are based on personal experience and other factors. More on this at the end of this summary.
noise canceling headphones
The easiest way to eliminate all distractions that can affect your workflow is to cover your ears. In this regard, choosing a gadget with active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities may be more effective than settling for regular headphones. You don’t even need to play audio while wearing it. As long as ANC is enabled, the headphones will pick up surrounding noise and generate opposing sound waves to cancel it out, effectively creating a quiet environment. Noise-canceling headphones are also perfect for playing a carefully selected music playlist to help you focus and be more productive.
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We’ve rounded up some of the best work-from-home headphones available today, including the Sony WH-1000XM5. Outstanding ANC performance is one of the benefits highlighted in SlashGear’s exclusive review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with eight microphones and two processors. If you decide to invest in this equipment, it will cost you around $350 on Amazon.
Alternatively, you can choose a more affordable brand. I’ve been using Anker’s Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 headphones (currently $100 on Amazon) as work headphones for over a year, and they’re still in great condition. I rarely turn off ANC and only feel the need to charge it every 2-3 days. They are also extremely comfortable to wear for hours on end. This is very important when you hunker down and delete everything from your to-do list.
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If you don’t like headband-style headphones, you can choose noise-canceling earbuds instead. My favorites are the Beats Fit Pro earbuds. Available on Amazon in four different colors for $200.
daylight lamp
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Science shows that exposure to sunlight can improve your concentration and overall cognitive function. It triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone associated with improved mood, calmness, and concentration. This is why it’s important to have a workstation with sufficient lighting to continue increasing your productivity levels.
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If natural light is not available, one thing you can get for your home office is a lamp that replicates the range of light you get from the sun. I personally tested and reviewed the SkyView 2 smart lamp by BIOS. It’s now my main source of light in the room I write in at home. In daytime mode, you can enjoy bright sky blue hues that make you feel like you’re outside. By placing it on your desk, you can ensure that you are engaged in your work and can effectively exert your strength until the end of the workday. However, be aware that this lamp is a splurge at $349 on Amazon.
If you want something more budget-friendly, Amazon’s current best-selling table lamp is on sale for just $20, with coupons available for even more savings. The arm is flexible so you can position it wherever you like and choose from several brightness levels and light colors.
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visual timer
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You could probably run a timer on your computer or phone’s clock app to make sure you’re on schedule, but countdowns also have a more visual way to keep track of your current task momentum. The ability to maintain is somehow enhanced. This lets you know exactly how much time is allotted to a particular task and when to stop and move on to the next task (or take a break).
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Visual timers are the perfect tool for the job, whether you have ADHD or simply need to multitask. Ticktime’s Pomodoro Timer (currently priced at $40 on Amazon) is not only an eye-catching desktop product, but also a versatile one that allows you to start and pause one of the preset countdown times by simply flipping the gadget itself. It is a user friendly device. You can also set a custom countdown ranging from 1 second to 99 minutes. You can set it to alert you with a sound (5 levels) or a flashing light.
If you want to see your numbers better, this colorful kitchen timer is an Amazon bestseller and is more affordable at $17. It looks like a simple digital clock, with numbers showing seconds, minutes, and hours. This is the preferred option if you want to immerse yourself in a task that lasts longer than 99 minutes. You can lower the display brightness, control the alarm volume and number color. It also has a vibration feature, which is useful if you’re wearing noise-canceling headphones and find yourself too focused on anything you do.
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standing desk converter
No scientist would know that sitting for long periods of time is not very good for your health. You should take short breaks throughout your workday so that you don’t burn out or feel drained, mentally or physically.
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Of course, there are busy days when the tasks seem endless. If you don’t want to ruin your momentum, you can at least change your position at your workstation by setting it up so you can work while standing. Using a standing desk as opposed to a seated position has several benefits, including increased blood flow and better posture, as well as helping you stay focused.
If you can’t afford a top-quality standing desk, the next best option is a tabletop computer stand that allows you to turn your desktop into a standing desk. TechOrbits’ Standing Desk Converter allows you to place your laptop or dual monitor display at head height, keeping your neck in a natural position while you work. Comes with a separate keyboard shelf for more comfortable typing on your feet. All trays are easily adjustable with easy-grip handles.
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The 32-inch version currently sells for $110 on Amazon, but if you need a larger work area to accommodate more tools, spend a little more and get the 36-inch, 37-inch, and 42-inch converters. can be obtained.
wide second monitor
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It’s easy to lose focus when you have multiple programs and browser tabs open on your computer. For easy access to workgroup chats, task management portals, music players, and anything else you need to access during work hours, it’s best to have a monitor that lets you see all the windows you need at a glance. is.
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One option is to have a second monitor that is wider than your main computer screen and make it your primary display. LG’s Ultrawide 29-inch Computer Monitor is highly rated on Amazon for $200, with many satisfied customers praising its image quality, color accuracy, and, of course, screen size. If you need more space for all your app windows, you can get the 34-inch version for a discounted price of $269.
Not ready to invest in an expensive monitor yet? Whether you’re on a tight budget or want a travel-friendly alternative so you can work in a coffee shop or on the go, consider a laptop instead. You can get a screen extender. It’s not as big as a portable monitor, but should serve you well on the go. I also recently reviewed a portable monitor that went viral on TikTok to see if it was worth all the hype, but given its affordable price point, the display quality and overall ease of use It exceeded my expectations in that respect. Normally listed for $130, Amazon is currently discounting it to $60.
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Methodology and recommendation selection process
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Many of the products featured in this roundup are ones I’ve had good experience with, especially in the noise-canceling headphones, daylight lamps, and monitors sections.
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Other items mentioned have been noted for their popularity online and positive reviews shared by satisfied buyers as well as colleagues at SlashGear and other tech publications.
