LBU INSIDER

March means that spring is finally here, and no doubt, many people are finding unique ways to get inspiration, from spring cleaning to spring break ideas. Since many of us have ramped up our cleaning routine at home, from once a week to almost everyday due to the widespread viral infection, I'm sure you are not jumping at the chance to clean your cubicle.

But since this pandemic brought our OCDness into a whole new different level, why should our work life miss out? It is true, your environment affects your mood and overall wellness. Cleaning up your workspace can help you better focus and stay more efficient. Or at least make it smell nicer.

Here are a few simple steps you can revitalize your cube in no time.

1. Rid of the Junk. Do you keep not one, not two, but 3 coffee cups in your desk? Maybe it's time to take some of those home with you. And this applies to other stuff you have in your desk like overflowing pens and pencils, some are out of ink or lead. Those snacks you have stashed in your bottom drawer? Rid of anything questionable, like stale crackers or expired tea bags. Transfer everything else into a sealed clear container for easy storage and access.

2. Organize your Drawers. Familiar with the grown-up version of hoarder syndrome: that tendency to hang onto every single paper and file that crosses your desk, thinking that you'll eventually need to reference it again? Well, it's time to get organized. Throw or shred anything that is clearly outdated or unnecessary -- old files and documents. Box them up and place at a nearby storage area. Investing in a filing system with clear labels, alphabetically hanging them in drawer can save you time from searching through them when you need to.

3. Clear your Workspace. Try to clear your workspace with items you don't generally use everyday. Place them all neatly in your drawers, and leave your most used items like your laptop, stash of pens and post-it notes out in the open.The truth is, a cluttered desk isn't only inefficient, but a constant, in-your-face to do list.

4. Actually Clean. Although our office is cleaned periodically, but with an entire building to clean, the janitorial staff probably won't get to all the ins and outs of every workspace. Even though the thought of cleaning dreads you the most, remember that once you've cleared out all the clutter (shake out the cracker crumbs from your keyboard, dust your computer screen, etc.) it'l be a breeze. You don't need to scrub every nook and cranny with a toothbrush, of course--but the job won't feel 100% complete until you actually get rid of the dust.

5. Spruce it Up. Spring cleaning is not just about clearing out clutter. It is also about having a workspace that inspires you. So add a few motivating posters to your cubicle wall, pick out some colorful new desk accessories, or adapt a cute little plant--whatever it takes to bring out the spring time into your windowless cube.

When the clutter is cleared away, breathe in that fresh springtime air, and kick back and relax—er, get back to work.