By Fakhitah Yusuf
Edited by Siti Sarah Sofea
When was the last time you cleaned out your workspace? Do you know that the average work desk can be filthier than a kitchen table? National Today reported that the average work desk can be 100 times filthier than a kitchen table. Hence, it is not surprising that there is a day dedicated to cleaning your desk, called National Clean Your Desk Day. The day takes place on the second Monday of January every year. Thus, for this year, the day will be January 8, 2024.
The individual who started this celebration is Anne Moeller, a clean enthusiast from Clio, Michigan. Celebrated on the second Monday, the holiday is likely a result of cluttered desks during the Christmas and New Year celebration. Desks became widely used in the 18th century. After the Industrial Revolution, various types of work shifted from physical labour to desktops, but even after computers became mainstream, unnecessary paperwork still ends up on desks. Students and people who work in creative fields often have the messiest desks, but it is essential to clean and organise them to boost productivity and focus.
Therefore, what can we do on this day? First, throw away things that are not needed anymore. Separate them into trash and recyclable things. After getting rid of what you do not need, you should organise what is left on your desk, depending on your preference. To make it merrier and enjoyable, you can involve your friends or colleagues and turn the desk-cleaning activity into a lighthearted competition. Then, preserve the good moments by posting pictures of your desk on social media.
Cleaning your desk has so many benefits. It helps you organise and declutter the things on the desk and contribute to efficiency when working. You might realise the space on the desk is quite spacious after getting rid of the things that are not needed. Uncluttering the desk also helps to clear the mind. A tidy desk is an excellent way to kickstart the new year. The cleanliness of the desk also helps to be more productive. Time is no longer wasted just to find misplaced files. Everything is in place, which will make you less stressed. I personally approve of that. Whenever I am stressed, struggling with deadlines, cleaning my desk helps me clear up my head. Starting today, let us clean the desk regularly to enjoy a peaceful mind and a better workspace.
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