I recently ran across an article on creating a home office that increases productivity. We often think of being more productive as accomplishing more during the day – and sometimes that is true. But if your business includes creativity (and what business does not?) the word “productivity” can and should be changed to “creativity.” The interesting thing that I noticed in reading the article is that most of the ideas on the list are things that I have espoused for years as a ways to help you become more creative. Here are three things that you can do today to increase your creativity.

1. Have a great view. Looking at nature is a great way to de-stress. It would be wonderful if your home office, or wherever you write, has a great view of the ocean or mountains, but most of us just don’t have those views handy. A window onto your own yard can do the trick just as well. Studies show that we should look up from our computers for a moment or two about every 20 minutes to rest our eyes. Place your computer where you can get a quick view of a pretty tree or a grassy lawn and renew your creative energy at the same time.

2. Get Comfortable. When we moved to our new home a few months ago I had a great time putting together my new home office. It is, in fact, the first time I’ve ever had a room that was designated just for my office that didn’t also double as a guest room, my own bedroom, or the family room. But whenever I typed on my laptop I was so uncomfortable I couldn’t work for very long. I finally realized that the angle of the desk meant that my feet were straight down, and because I have some knee problems, my legs felt unsupported and uncomfortable. It took mentioning it to a friend to come up with the obvious solution: a small ottoman to keep my feet at the proper angle. If you aren’t comfortable in your surroundings you can’t be creative. And sometimes the simplest solutions elude us just because they are so simple. If you aren’t comfortable in your writing area try to analyze why. Then, if you can’t come up with a simple and inexpensive solution yourself, ask a friend.

3. Have Your Own Space. Yes, I’m thrilled to finally have a dedicated home office, but I worked for many years without one. Dedicate one space in your house to your writing. Even if it is only a chair with a basket nearby for your pens, pencils, laptop and other materials, having one spot that is sacred to your work where you can quickly and easily find the materials that you need. It will save you time, decrease your frustration and increase your creativity.