Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” There is little doubt that just as one’s internal landscape impacts external choices, one’s surroundings can influence greatly the state of her heart, mind and spirit. In cultures as diverse as Greece, Scotland and Iran, there are annual “Spring cleaning” rituals used to clear away dirt, dust and things that are no longer needed in order to make space– quite literally– for the good to enter. But, keeping an area neat and tidy is only one aspect of fostering a creatively nurturing environment. For writers, this is even more vital. Creativity and productivity are key elements for both established scribes and for those who are just getting their pens wet in the proverbial ink.
Select a Desk and Chair That Supports Your Body
Having support is one building block to success, however it is defined. When thinking of the word “support,” emotional connections tend to come to mind first, but how are you supported physically when you are writing? Are you slumped over a keyboard or sitting in a relaxed, upright position that makes you feel alert and at ease? The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests sitting in a neutral position. “Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor. Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.” Your desk and chair should facilitate this kind of positioning, but they need not be expensive. My desk is a simple, elegant, black, glass table from IKEA. Not only does the height fit me, but I feel successful when I sit there to work. Likewise, having a chair that is comfortable for your height and size is crucial. After all, how else can you spend hours working on your latest blog entry or perhaps, the next great American novel?
Lighting = Illumination
Most writers use computers to create, which can mean hours of staring at a screen. Or, sometimes, glaring at a blank page– the one that eventually ends up with words when the muses visit after you’ve wondered what took them so long in the first place. Having proper lighting gives your eyes a break. Daylight is preferable to artificial lighting whenever possible. Position your desk in such a way that your work area is neither too bright, nor too dark and remember to look away from the computer screen intermittently in order to reduce eyestrain.
Too Hot, Too Cold, Just Right
Goldilocks was on to something in the popular children’s story. She tried out three bowls of porridge in order to find one whose temperature was “just right.” Keeping your body comfortable allows your mind to be the most effective. This includes navigating the temperature of the room. If you live and work in a house, having full control of the temperature may be as easy as adjusting the thermostat. But, for many people in apartments or offices, it’s simply not possible. In these instances, investing in a small fan or air conditioner will keep you from sweltering in the dog days of July. Having a space heater or placing an extra blanket around your shoulders or on your lap can make those freezing January days bearable.
Make It Pretty
Lastly, surround yourself with images and objects that inspire. Find an artist or photographer whose work resonates with you and purchase a print. Or, if you have images you’ve captured, order an 11″x14″ print, buy a mat (black mats work well with most images!) and frame to display your handiwork. Your writing space should encourage your body to feel simultaneously relaxed and alert, your mind motivated and your spirit nourished.
Lauren Jonik is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer and photographer. She can be found wandering the city with her camera, happily devouring a new book or with a pen in hand scribbling ideas for her next article or essay. She currently studies writing at The New School. Her landscape, cityscape and nature photography can be viewed on www.shootlikeagirlphotography.com and www.facebook.com/shootlikeagirlphotography. Find her on Twitter at @laurenjonik.
