26 Cheap Working-From-Home DIYs That Pinterest Is Raving About

Organize your physical and digital space for a healthier work-life balance.

Remote work can be tricky. While you may have heard the advice to "never bring work home with you," that may feel impossible when you work from home.

Researchers have found that working from home may lead employees to put in more hours than they would in the office.

More hours working online can result in more stress, more eye strain, less exercise, and insomnia. Yikes.

While getting that bread is important, it's important to give yourself time off work to eat the loaf. And when you work from home, your work and personal life may blend together.

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Working on a computer doesn't just have physical consequences. It can also impact your digital health. (Have you heard of digital hygiene?) Fortunately, you can have a healthier physical relationship with your digital work.

Pinterest users love these trending tips and DIYs for people who work from home. Will you?

1. Plants. Lots of plants

Elizabeth Renstrom / Via Bloomberg Businessweek.

Plants can add some much-needed oxygen and life to your home office. They also can instantly make your desk look trendier and cuter. Find some suggestions for some desk-friendly plants here.

2. Save your eyes with a blue light blocker

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Doctors agree that blue light from a phone or computer can disrupt your sleep schedule and cause problems like headaches or eye strain. No, thank you! Save your eyes and your bedtime with a blue light-blocking app. Find a list of free screen shaders here.

3. DIY a standing desk

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You can move this lap desk from your bed to a table for a standing desk. Learn how to make it here.

4. Make a concrete block desk or shelves

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If you have some concrete blocks and a piece of wood, you can stack them together to make a rustic new desk. Find out how to make it here.

5. Stretch your legs with a foot hammock

Propel Gear

A foot hammock is the perfect way to stretch your legs when you're working at a desk. It can also add a pop of color to your work space. Find out how to make your own here.

6. Use an easy Zoom green screen

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At work or at school, no one will know you're taking that Zoom call from your bedroom when you hang a green screen. Learn how to set up your own easy green screen here. You can also experiment with Zoom backgrounds before going all-in on a green screen.

7. Make use of natural light

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Natural light can help you avoid eye strain and feel more alert. Consider moving your desk or chair beside your window and learn other strategies to have better lighting when you work from home here.

8. DIY a dry erase board

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Shower board is an affordable alternative to dry erase boards. Many home improvement stores will even cut them to the size(s) you prefer before you leave the store, so you don't even need your own power tools. Find some inspiration for making your own here.

9. Recover an office chair

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If you're working from home now, don't settle for that old, lumpy office chair. Give it a makeover with these instructions.

10. Connect a laptop and television for dual monitors

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Do you miss your dual monitor setup at your office? Get tech-savvy with an HDMI cord, a laptop, and a television monitor. Click here to find out how to connect your own dual monitor system at home.

11. Plant trees with your web use

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Help the planet every time you use your computer or phone by using Ecosia, a free browser option that plants trees, or the productivity timer Forest.

12. Elevate your laptop for flattering video calls

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Instead of looking down at your computer, stack your laptop on some books or on a standing desk so your webcam is at eye-level. The higher angle may make your video chat participants feel like it's easier to make eye contact. Get more tips here.

13. Host caption-friendly video calls with Google Meet

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Whether you are Deaf, have a hearing impairment or sensory processing disorder, or would like captions for any other reason, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams both have real-time captions. Find out how these accessible technologies work here.

14. Send virtual cards and invitations

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Just because you're working remotely doesn't mean you can't connect with your coworkers. Celebrate birthdays, send thank-yous, and mark other events with fun virtual cards that are as beautiful as print greeting cards but much better for the environment. Find your favorite e-card platform by reading this list.

15. Replace your digital picture frame with a gallery wall

Shutterfly / Via shutterfly.com

If you're working on a computer all day, you may not want to look at another screen hanging on your wall. Give your eyes a break and enjoy your memories by printing and hanging your pics on your wall. A gallery wall can also make a personal and beautiful background for your home office. Find out how to make your own here.

16. Use mirrors to enlarge your small space

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If your desk area feels cramped, a large mirror can help your workspace feel roomier. Get some inspiration here.

17. Transform a closet into an office nook

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If you have an extra closet that you don't use very often, give it a glow up and make it into a tiny home office. Put a table, some shelves, or other supplies in your closet to make a custom office cubicle. Find out how to make your own here, and find some inspiration here.

18. Have a "no screen" zone

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If you have to ~literally~ bring your work home with you because you work remotely, then it can be hard to compartmentalize between your work and home life. Establish a physical space, like a meditation corner, in your home where you can leave your electronics and your work behind.

19. Turn end tables into a functional workstation

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Make your own table with some shelves, drawers, or two end tables. Find out how to make your own here.

20. Wall decals create a no-damage, customizable backsplash

Dream Kids Decal

If you don't want to cause damage to your walls but want to spruce up your home office, a wall decal can transform your walls with a nature scene, a fun pattern, or a more neutral backdrop like a faux brick wall.

21. Set up a tripod with a binder clip

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Need a phone stand in a pinch? Rest your phone in a jumbo binder clip, support your phone between a stack of soup cans for a downward view of your desk, or get resourceful with any of the DIY tripod options listed here.

22. Close off your space with a curtain or clothing rack

Jillian Cocklin / Via pinterest.com

If you need a backdrop for your desk or want to close off your workspace, hang a curtain or drape fabric from an inexpensive clothing rack. When you're done working, you can close the curtains to provide some physical separation between you and your work day. Find more ideas for separating your work and personal spaces here.

23. Use a selfie light or lamp

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Taking a video call at night? Feel backlit or washed-out in your video calls? A cheap selfie light or a lamp on your desk can brighten your Zoom sessions.

24. Enjoy a "virtual balcony"

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Want to work outside but don't have a balcony or other green spaces? Researchers have found that nature helps reduce our cortisol and stress levels, and virtual exposure to nature can have similar positive effects. While it may not feel like you're in a real garden paradise, you can replicate the experience by having real plants, hanging art prints of flowers, playing nature noises like rainfall or birdsong, using a nature scene as your Zoom background, and watching video tours or time-lapses of forest scenery.

25. Set up "office hours" for motivation

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If you don't have regular working hours, it can sometimes be difficult to remain motivated and avoid distractions. You can schedule virtual "office hours" or "working hours" and invite coworkers or friends to join you. You can also feel like you're working with someone else if you watch one of these "Work With Me" videos.

26. Sew up some wrist and back support

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Save your back and your wrists with these DIYs. Sew some wrist pillows to avoid strain from typing. Then, craft your own no-sew back support cushion.

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Tell us your favorite work-from-home life hacks. What are your favorite productivity or wellness apps to balance your day? Have you made your own home office on a budget?

Comment below to let us know.