Inspiring work, kids and wellbeing at home
As we all adjust to being at home as our new normal, it’s never been more important to have a functional, flexible and comfortable space where you can focus on work, while keeping the kids educated and entertained, and managing your health and mindset.
We’ve corralled the most useful and affordable pieces to help you do just that. From home office essentials and smart learning devices for kids – plus some tried and true toys to keep little ones occupied – to workout equipment for the whole family, everything’s available for you online, so you can shop anytime you like from the comfort of your home.
An epic office furniture range
The Epica furniture range combines work ergonomics with style. Exclusive to Harvey Norman, the Epica desk can work seamlessly in your home with its clean lines and refined design. Working from home doesn’t have to be dull or boring. Epica desk POA, Harvey Norman
In pizza we crust
Inspire your children to become future entrepreneurs with the Osmo Pizza Co. Imaginations will come to life when running a fictional pizzeria with pizza tray and a selection of toppings, kids will learn basic mathematical as well as communication skills whilst taking orders via the companion app. Pineapple on pizza? Yes please! Osmo Pizza Co. Game $54, Harvey Norman
No gym? No worries
There are now plenty of apps or online videos for you to run your own home workout. Not only can yoga improve your flexibility and muscle strength it is known to have benefits to your mental health. Take the time to look after your mind, body and soul. PowerTrain Eco Friendly Yoga Exercise Mat $28, Harvey Norman
A place to work
Revamp you home office space
Creating the right environment to work from home will help keep you focussed on your tasks ahead. With a comfortable desk and chair, a laptop, some good lighting and desk organisers, you’re on your way. Bring your workspace to life with some plants, some colour and something to make you smile. And to help you achieve a better work-life balance, try taking a 5-minute break every 30 minutes or so for a relaxing cup of tea or coffee, a snack, a chat or a short walk. This will help you reset, refocus and stay motivated for the next stretch of work. You’ve got this!
1. Webster Office Chair, $199 each, Harvey Norman
2. Logitech MK220 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, $34, Harvey Norman
3. Muse Flint Planter, $24.95, Pillow Talk
4. HP EliteDisplay E243P 23.8-inch Sure View Monitor, $299, Harvey Norman
5. Breville the Easy Air Purifier, $219, Harvey Norman
6. Habitat York Wall Clock, $24.95, Pillow Talk
7. Amalfi River White/Natural Table Lamp, $94.95, Pillow Talk
8. HoMedics Ellia Thrive Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser, $99, Harvey Norman
All prices correct at time of publishing. Please check with individual retailers for item availability.
A place to learn and play
Keep your kids occupied
Creating the right environment to work from home will help keep you focussed With the kids cooped up at home, as parents we’re adding even more to their to do list. As well as working, parenting and housekeeping, we’re now also teaching young kids from home and giving older kids the right environment to learn. And, let’s be real – no matter how hard you try, extra screen time is going to be on the rise. The good news is, there’s plenty of creative ways to keep them educated, engaged and entertained, both onscreen and off.
A favourite device-based game among schools, kids and parents alike is Osmo, a clever, hands-on learning game system. It’s designed for ages 5 to 9, and while it does require a screen (it’s compatible with iPad, iPhone and Fire Tablet), it gives kids an inspiring new way to learn and practice maths, puzzles, spelling, drawing, coding and more. If you’re concerned about how much time they’re spending on screens, try and schedule that screen time when you’re in a video meeting.
And when you’ve signed off from work for the day, don’t forget the power of back-to-basics family time. A board game, playing in a cubby house (ready-built or make-shift), a card game, cooking meals together – all these experiences are where kids learn from us as parents how to work well with others, how to create and how to enjoy the little moments. It all adds up!
1. Osmo Pizza Co. Game, $54, Harvey Norman, online only
2. Lifespan Kids Wombat 2 Playhouse, $248, Harvey Norman, online only
3. Crocodile Creek 36 Piece Floor Puzzle, $29.95, Baby Bunting
4. Keezi Wooden Kitchen Play Set Food, $116, Harvey Norman, online only
5. Kahuna 6ft Trampoline, $197, Harvey Norman online only
6. Hairy Maclary & Friends Board Book, $19.95, Baby Bunting
All prices correct at time of publishing. Please check with individual retailers for item availability.
A place for mind and body
Wellness space
Creating the right environment to work from home will help keep you focussed Looking after our health and wellbeing is essential to keeping us feeling and fighting fit, both physically and mentally. And now more than ever, exercising on a daily basis is so important in releasing those feel-good endorphins that help us to reduce stress and feel strong.
Keeping active is key; find something that you enjoy and try to incorporate it in your everyday life. Start with incidental workouts such as walking, playing with your children or gardening. Gradually build in other workouts such as squats, lunging or push-ups. You can even create your own home gym with free weight, medicine ball or kettle bells — the choice is yours.
Remember to stay hydrated, positive and keep moving!
1. Everfit 2.1m Adjustable Portable Basketball Stand Hoop, $84, Harvey Norman
2. Beurer Aromatherapy Foot Bubble Spa, $99, Harvey Norman
3. Lifespan Fitness X-02 Hybrid Cross Trainer, $236, Harvey Norman
5. GRID Foam Roller, $35 each, Harvey Norman, online only
6. Lifespan Fitness Cortex 8KG Slam Ball X, $23, Harvey Norman, online only
All prices correct at time of publishing. Please check with individual retailers for item availability.