Still working from home but the novelty’s worn off? These might help…

If – like half the population of the world – you’ve been working from home since March, then the novelty has probably started to wear off. What first seemed like a wonderful perk to the otherwise very depressing global health crisis has now turned into a highly stressful months-long attempt to stay on top of things in the midst of abundant distractions and, let’s face it, a lack of motivation. 

Never fear. We’ve come up with a few extremely useful items that might make things a bit easier for the WFH masses. At the very least, they might present a welcome diversion for a few hours. 

1) Top of the list for anyone fighting the WFH bulge – a standing desk. These devious contraptions have been all the rage for a few years now but let’s be honest, most of us haven’t been inclined to make the change. But once you do, you won’t look back. Great for your back, energy levels and overall motivation.  IKEA sell a fairly inexpensive version for £195, which is stylish and adjustable so you can lower it to a sitting position when you’ve had enough of, well, standing. 

SKARSTA SIT/STAND DESK, £195, IKEA
SKARSTA SIT/STAND DESK, £195, IKEA

2) Noise cancelling headphones. These are an absolute MUST if you don’t live alone in a secluded country house. So, everyone. If the budget won’t stretch to the covetable Apple Airpods (currently an eye-watering £123.99 on Amazon), then there are plenty of budget options out there. The guys at Digi Helpdesk have (helpfully) produced a list of the best ones for under fifty quid. Like these little beauties from SONY:

SONY WH-CH510, £34.95
SONY WH-CH510, £34.95

3) Forget grip strengtheners, if you want to get in shape whilst sitting (or standing) at your desk, then you’re gonna need a Powerball. Want to strengthen your grip, enhance musical proficiency, recover from a wrist injury or just improve wrist flexibility? Hell yeah!

Powerball NSD, £34.99
Powerball NSD, £34.99

4) If your newly-purchased standing desk has been surreptitiously returned to its sitting position, then you might want to think about investing in a proper orthopaedic seat cushion to make your makeshift dining-cum-office chair a bit comfier. Luckily for us, there are plenty of reviews out there to help us decide on the best cush for our tush (sorry). 

Coccyx Orthopaedic Seat Cushion, £22.99
Coccyx Orthopaedic Seat Cushion, £22.99


5) Failing all else and an inexpensive option, the classic ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign just might deter the kids – or any other unwanted visitors – for a few minutes. Well, it’s worth a try.

Do Not Disturb sign, £5.50
Do Not Disturb sign, £5.50