green, white and black, according to a 2014
study. They also tended to increase anger. If
work stress, overwhelm or social isolation
are an issue, paint your home office a soft
yellow. Multiple colour studies suggest
yellow rooms can calm anxiety and are
most associated with a brighter mood.
If your job involves creativity, you might
want to add more blue. In studies on paint
colours, blue was most associated with
imagination. It also promotes mental focus.
It’s also possible to combine, add and removesparks of colour with things like scatter
cushions and other accessories.Foster a temperate climate
Being too hot or cold can be a distraction
from work. Ashworth, who has designed
many office interiors, says the standard
temperature for comfort for most offices for
someone with moderate to no movement
is set at 22°C. Beyond air-con, you can
also adjust your comfort with clothing and
windows. At 24°C, chemicals startto markedly outgas from paint, fabrics and
furnishings, he adds.Ventilate
Indoor air pollution is one of the top five
environmental risks to public health,
according to the Australian Department
of Environment and Energy. Indoor air
contaminants include chemical toxins like
formaldehyde as well as dust mites, fungi
and bacteria. Common symptoms of VOC
exposure include headaches, eye, mouth
and throat irritation and drowsiness.
The best way to reduce indoor air
pollution is by having good ventilation and
air exchange, Ashworth says. “Open a
window, even if it’s just a crack, or at least
flush out the space regularly.”Introduce indoor plants
Plants can also be enlisted in the battle
against indoor air pollution and soil micro-
organisms are believed to be responsible
for the mechanism.
The NASA Clean Air Study found several
houseplants — including peace lily, ficus
and English ivy — effective in reducing
five common indoor toxins: formaldehyde
(in plywood, particleboard, paper and
synthetic fabrics), benzene (in plastics,
detergents, glues, exhaust, paint, furniture
wax), xylene (in printing, leather, paint,
exhausts), ammonia (in window cleaners,
floor waxes) and trichloroethylene (in
printer inks, paints, lacquers etc). Photography^GettyImages46 | wellbeing.com.au
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HEALTHY HOME OFFICE