I am not into having plants in my house, especially on my desk.
It’s not that I have a problem with nature. I understand that greenery keeps our lives balanced.
But, the humid feel of Hanoi isn’t the only issue; it’s the mosquitoes.
Vietnam is home to 181 mosquito species, many of which carry diseases and cause allergies. The prevailing weather conditions further compound the problem, ensuring these insects are prevalent throughout the region.
I am someone who experiences a lot of hot flashes, especially after giving birth. The hot flashes are intense, I feel even hotter than I did before getting pregnant, but the worst of it started after my baby arrived. I can feel the heat radiating under my skin, and even a tiny amount of external heat makes me start sweating.
Sweat attracts mosquitoes. That’s why mosquitoes target me while leaving my child alone.
A workspace should always be clean, fresh, and focused…
Having an office filled with plants is the complete opposite. Plants, soil, standing water, and humidity in general create a mosquito breeding ground. That destroys physical comfort and is far from clean.
You might get a slightly refreshing view from the greenery, but isn’t everything else worse?
I really don’t understand the logic of people setting up a workspace in the middle of a garden. Don’t the mosquitoes bite them?
If you’re asking me for alternative ways to refresh your cubicle, these are my advices:
- Keep the room dry and cool using a small window rather than a big one. Big windows trap sunlight and heat, forcing you to spend more money on air conditioning.
- Clear off your desk whenever you leave the room. Keep only minimal items-like your laptop, charger, and notebook-and pack them into your bag when you’re done. Wipe down every surface and remove your mug. A bookshelf isn’t necessary either, as everything is digital now.
- Decorations? No. A weekly cleaning routine? Yes. It’s not difficult, you just need to wipe down your desk once a week.
- Invest in a high-quality power strip that accommodates multiple charger types to organize your desk: What I love about my 20s is that having the time to test out different power outlets. I realized that besides keeping your devices safe, a premium power strip keeps your setup looking clean.
Keep It Simple
Ultimately, creating a productive workspace isn’t about following trend decor or turning your desk into a mini jungle. It’s about tailoring your environment to your physical comfort and daily reality. For me, that means eliminating anything that traps moisture, attracts unwanted pests, or adds unnecessary clutter.
However, if you’re truly passionate about plants!
