10 Tricks for Setting Up the Most Productive Workspace

Cut the clutter

Rid your immediate workspace of anything unrelated to projects you’re currently working on. Clutter and stress often go hand-in-hand, so pitch whatever you don’t need to keep your spirits high at work. Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers, says this rule applies to any projects older than three months. “Most companies have clear policies when it comes to old stuff that might be important,” she says. “So if you’re not sure whether you should hang on to something, just ask your boss, ‘Is it OK to get rid of this, or can I send it to the archives? Do we have this electronically, or do I need to keep a paper copy?’ It’s important to feel like you have room to work. Physical comfort reduces stress.” Here are 37 other proven ways to reduce stress.