Best Home Office Upgrades for the New Year

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There’s something about a fresh year that makes you want to reset everything—your goals, your routines, and yes… your workspace.

For me, my home office isn’t just where I work. It’s where ideas turn into action, where conversations turn into community, and where habits are either supported—or sabotaged.

I love a Pinterest-worthy aesthetic as much as anyone, but here’s the truth:
If your office looks good but doesn’t help you work better, it’s not doing its job.

These are my favorite home office upgrades that strike the balance between beautiful and functional—and most importantly, help reinforce the habits that make a difference day after day.


1. Laptop Stand

Posture = energy.

A laptop stand is one of those small upgrades that has an outsized impact. Elevating your screen instantly improves posture, reduces neck strain, and subtly signals “this is focused work time.”

Why it matters:
When your body feels better, your brain works better. Productivity starts with ergonomics.

https://amzn.to/3NggK7C


2. Extra Monitor

Less tab chaos. More clarity.

Adding a second monitor was a game-changer for how I work—especially for planning, writing, and managing multiple projects at once.

Why it matters:
Less toggling = less mental friction. I keep one screen for execution and one for reference, which helps me stay in flow longer.

https://amzn.to/3Lz0kXd


3. Ring Light

Good lighting changes everything.

Even if you’re not recording content daily, proper lighting boosts energy and focus. And if you are on Zoom, LinkedIn Lives, or recording Reels—it’s non-negotiable.

Why it matters:
Lighting affects mood, confidence, and how present you feel. When you look good on screen, you show up differently.

https://amzn.to/3Zbj5TS


4. External Microphone (for Podcasting & Calls)

Sound matters more than you think.

Clear audio instantly elevates your professionalism—whether you’re recording a podcast, hosting a virtual session, or leading a meeting.

Why it matters:
Being heard clearly reduces fatigue (for you and others) and makes communication more effective.

https://amzn.to/49kGSXx


5. Lapel Mic (Perfect for Reels & Short Videos)

Freedom to move without sacrificing quality.

This is my go-to for recording short-form content. Lightweight, discreet, and surprisingly powerful.

Why it matters:
Lower setup friction means you’re more likely to actually create. And consistency beats perfection every time.

https://amzn.to/4pAsizK

Pretty bummed I didn’t see the pink version when I ordered this recently!! 


6. Desk Pad (Yes, Mine Is Pink 💗)

Aesthetic meets function.

A desk pad instantly pulls a workspace together while protecting your surface and giving your hands a more comfortable place to land.

Why it matters:
Visual order supports mental order. When your desk feels intentional, your work follows.

https://amzn.to/3YDou5V


7. Standing Desk

Movement changes momentum.

I don’t stand all day—but having the option matters. Being able to shift positions helps prevent that mid-afternoon energy crash.

Why it matters:
Physical movement supports focus, creativity, and stamina—especially during long workdays.

I started out with this one and then realized my office is too small to store this in the corner and I wanted something adjustable. So now I have something similar to the one below. 

https://amzn.to/45HIHLL


8. Walking Pad

Meetings + steps = no guilt multitasking.

A walking pad has become one of my favorite habit-stacking tools. Low-impact movement while listening or brainstorming? Yes, please.

Why it matters:
It removes the “I don’t have time to move” excuse and turns passive time into active energy.

https://amzn.to/4qlr90v


9. Weighted Vest

Focus through gentle resistance.

This one surprised me (I was definitely influenced on TikTok) but it works. A weighted vest adds just enough resistance to increase awareness and grounding during movement.

Why it matters:
It helps with focus, posture, and making short walks or light movement more effective.

https://amzn.to/45bM4KO


10. Mouse & Keyboard Combo

Comfort is productivity.

This is one of those upgrades you don’t realize you need until you have it. Ergonomic, wireless, and easy on the wrists.

Why it matters:
Reduced strain = longer, more comfortable work sessions without burnout.

https://amzn.to/4pBCXdK


Bonus: Books That Shape How I Work

Your environment isn’t complete without what feeds your mind.

A few good books within arm’s reach remind me to slow down, think bigger, and stay aligned with the kind of leader—and woman—I’m becoming.

I recently shared a full roundup of my favorite reads, so instead of recreating it here, you can explore that list below.

👉 Read the full book roundup here


Final Thought

Your home office doesn’t need to be perfect.
It needs to support the habits you’re trying to build.

Every upgrade above earns its place because it helps me show up with more focus, more energy, and more intention—day after day.

Because productivity isn’t about doing more.
It’s about creating an environment that makes the right things easier.

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