Feeling blah? Try adding these items to the workplace.

When you’re working full-time -- it means the majority is spent at a desk (and possibly surrounded by a cubicle).

Those long stretches of work can really wear on you. The environment is so bland.

We’d like to suggest five items that can breathe new life into your workday.

Let’s begin…

1. Plants

Plants break up the drab color palette of a cubicle.

The lush colors help to improve the stale air quality on your floor.

Ask with your HR to see if it’s okay to have a (or a few) small plants at your desk to give the environment some color and feelings of relaxation.

For about $5 you could swing on by one of the local home improvement’s garden center and find something neat for your area.

2. Personal Coffee/Tea Maker

Let’s be honest… a lot of the coffee in the office is pretty darn nasty at times.

And:

That’s even if it’s there since half the people never do their part in refilling it.

Skip over having to walk into the break room and the disappointment when coffee/tea isn’t there -- consider getting a personal maker at your desk.

A small water kettle ($10 – $15) along with a coffee/tea press ($10 – $15) means you’re sipping on the best brew without having to fight over the pot.

3. Better Lighting

Sitting under those fluorescent tubes alters your mood and can often make you feel depressed.

We, as humans, need natural light.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a desk lamp and replace the basic bulb with one of the natural ones (which can be found at just about any major retailer).

For $20 total investment you’ll feel refreshed because you’re not stuck under those harsh lights plus it’ll give a cozy feel to your desk/cubicle.

4. Noise Reducing Headphones

Music, at least for me, makes me work like a speed demon.

It gets me in the zone and I keep my work rhythm to the beat. Unfortunately, I can still hear people moving around in the background, making noise, and trying to talk to me while I’m “in the zone”.

A decent pair of noise-canceling headphones should run you no more than $20 (or less).

With them, you can listen to your tunes while banging through your work and you’re cutting out all those little distractions that are slowing you down.

5. Imagery

Again, talk with HR, to see how much you can do within your little cubicle.

In this case, the improvement is through the addition of images you enjoy, a new color palette, or using different types of stationery that is colorful and vibrant.

You are effectively getting away from the boring, old white, black, and gray that we’ve come to know in the office space.

These colors will stimulate your mind and the photos will inspire.

Take a breather, absorb them, and draw from their inspiration so that you may jump back into work with vigor.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes work at the office is a drab... not every day will be stellar.

But:

You can make things go smoothly if you give yourself a few creature comforts. These are inexpensive items to add personality. Splurge a little -- $20 can go a long way with dressing up the place.