Creating a Comfortable Working Environment
What would your ideal work environment look like?
Today, let's sneak a peek into Soul Barn's studio and explore together the daily lives of our partners, their favorite healing tools, and stress-relief techniques!
At Soul Barn, the quality of our five senses is especially important. We immerse ourselves from different perspectives, harnessing healing power to craft a relaxing and satisfying sensory journey one after another.
Under the sensory perception of sight, sound, smell, touch, and more, I believe we can transform our work environment into a daily oasis of healing and sanctuary.
Sight
Stepping into the main space of the studio, newcomers are immediately drawn to a vast expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows bathed in natural light.
The wooden floor harmonizes with the warm sunlight and thanks to the expansive window, we can witness the slow transformation of the blue skies, white clouds, orange-red sunsets, and deep blue nights while working.
In addition to the natural light that spills into every corner of the studio, there are the plants that bring life to this space.
Seemingly a lush living circle, each plant grows with its own personality. The plant collection is too numerous to list, from the steady Dracaena, Chinese Evergreen, Pothos, Ficus, Haworthia, Ginkgo, Christmas Cactus, and Thyme to the playful Pilea. They gently accompany the daily work routines at Soul Barn and send healing vibes all throughout.
As the plants' presence extends towards the floor-to-ceiling window, we have a long wooden balcony roughly about seven feet - a rare and spacious balcony space in the bustling city of Taipei.
Soul Barn has thoughtfully selected outdoor wooden lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas to complement the balcony, catering to those who wish to bask in the sun while working or holding meetings.
So, if your space allows it, we recommend creating an outdoor relaxation area within your work environment. A space that's fresh, expansive, and filled with natural light can bring more creativity, efficiency, and focus to your work. Temporary breaks can yield unexpected rewards.
At night, when the tiny string lights illuminate, our team members’ shift into a different mindset. We use different lighting at various times to remind each other of when it's time to work and when it's time to rest. This place can also transform into an outdoor movie theater - a haven of freedom that unexpectedly holds many happy and warm memories.
We suggest differentiating different work modes with mood settings that effortlessly separate your work and off-hours. It's also an excellent way to maintain a work-life balance!
Speaking of this healing space, I must share the wooden bookshelf on the right side of the main area, filled with books on travel, psychology, career development, meditation, and mind-body-related subjects.
During those moments when my mind is tangled, I sit in the comfy chair, pick up one book after another, and find the precious time to self-reflect that allows me to clear my thoughts.
About the Studio’s Mascot
Have you seen the mischievous yet irresistibly adorable smile below?
Allow me to introduce this mascot, a recent addition to our team at Soul Barn. With his presence, the studio is filled with the sound of laughter and joy.
Dogs possess a magical healing power. Interacting, play, and gentle strokes of their fur invokes delight and tranquility within us. Scientific research has shown that the companionship of pets can offer a soothing effect on humans, even giving rise to therapeutic methods like "dog therapy." In practice, it provides a profound sense of warmth for both body and soul.
Next - Touch and Smell
Inner tranquility and physical comfort go hand in hand.
At Soul Barn, we equally prioritize self-care. We prefer natural, eco-friendly, and refreshing skincare products with clean ingredients that make our skin feel comfortable. When our bodies are in their best condition, they naturally attune to a positive and pleasant work experience.
For instance, in our studio, we are accustomed to using skincare products from the minimalist British brand: DR JACKSON’S to nourish our face.
From the hydrating day cream to the reparative night cream, the soothing and nourishing conditioning oil, and the facial gel suitable for daytime and late-night wear, they accompany us from day to night.
Besides the delightful textures and their beneficial effects, the brand's commitment to sustainability is another reason why we adore DR JACKSON’S. With their all-natural and toxin-free production, using their products brings a sense of peace of mind.
"Using the sandalwood scented hand wash, followed by the matching hand cream to nourish dry skin, a rich woody fragrance envelops the senses, instantly transporting one to the heart of a forest, releasing all the tension from your shoulders."
Have you ever experienced the bliss of having a subtle, lingering fragrance on your hands after using scented hand wash and hand cream?
If not, you're welcome to visit our studio:)
The Grown Alchemist all-natural hand wash and hand cream we use in the studio, infused with the natural scents of sandalwood and cedarwood, carry their own therapeutic power. It's a little secret that makes our team fall in love with hand care.
Next - Touch and Smell
If you happen to spot the Flow & Balance cork yoga mat in a corner of our studio, don't be surprised. We place these cork yoga mats throughout various spaces to allow our team members to take a moment to rest, lie down, and enjoy a brief moment of relaxation when they feel weary from work.
Whenever I complete a work task, I love surrendering my entire body to the cork yoga mat. Apart from stretching out my stiff limbs after a long day of sitting, I appreciate the unique texture and feel of the cork against my skin. Finally, I conclude with the subtle woody aroma enveloping my entire body, gently shedding the day's fatigue.
A Conclusion with Sounds
In our workspace, we always have a variety of music playing, from uplifting tunes to calming melodies and focus-enhancing tracks. As we switch between different genres of music, it also transitions our work modes and states.
As our work hours draw to a close, we typically switch the music to something lively, signaling the end of the workday. At this point, we step out of our rooms, play with the Soul Barn mascot in the main area, or admire the beautiful orange-red sunset together on the balcony.
Through this day's sneak peek into our studio, we've shared many of the healing items and daily routines that belong to the Soul Barn team. We hope you, too, can consider your workspace as a comfortable and cozy home. Embrace the transformations in different music, lighting, and ambiance, and genuinely enjoy every task you're engaged in:)
About the Author
Chloe, the one who roams between the mountains and the sea.
She adores all things beautiful, including gourmet delights.
With two fur babies, she loves to bury her entire face in her cat's belly.
In recent years, she's been exploring the realms of mind, body, and spirit, steadily moving towards her goals and milestones.
Article translate by Victor Su
