Whether you work for yourself from a home office or toil in a traditional office setting, your surroundings can have a profound impact on your productivity. From the layout of your office to the inspirational posters on the wall, those little touches can make a big difference.

You do not have to be a decorator to design the perfect office space. All you need is a little bit of creativity and the desire to see it through. Here are some smart ways to create a fun and productive working environment.

1. Display the Thing That Inspires You Most

Less is more when it comes to workplace inspiration, so think about the things that inspire you most. It could be a favorite quote, a book gifted by your mentor or even a picture of your kids. Just think about what inspires you – and keep it with you while you work.

2. Keep Your To-Do List Handy

Keeping track of everything you need to do can be stressful, so make tracking your tasks easier. Whether you keep your to-do list in electronic format on your office computer or tack it to the wall, having it front and center can inspire you and help you get more done.

3. Schedule Catch-Up Time

It is easy to get distracted by your overflowing inbox and constant stream of reminders, but there is an alternative. Instead of constantly checking your inbox and instantly responding to every incoming message, set aside a few minutes each hour to catch up on those essentials. By blocking out time for these routine but vital tasks, you free yourself for more important things.

4. End Each Day with Some Me Time

Whether you work from home or in a traditional office, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the end of the day. That is why it is so important to relax and unwind when the day is over. Scheduling five minutes of meditation or taking a brisk walk around the office park is a great way to clear your mind and ease the transition from work to personal time.

No matter what you do for a living, staying happy and productive can be a real challenge. It takes hard work to maintain the productivity you need and a bit of creativity as well. The above tips can help you feel better, get more done and enjoy a better work/life balance. Those productivity gains may not happen all at once, but if you stick with them, they will come.