The Shift: Time At Home

Admittedly relocating work to a home office feels disorientating. No face-to-face meetings, few interactions and Social Distancing feels isolating more than we might have imagined. For some, the decimal level has drastically increased: Spring Break started early and kids are clamoring for attention. For others, time alone for two weeks or more in a studio apartment seems inconceivable. Or perhaps you’re actually celebrating more time on your favorite couch, wearing relaxed clothing and the ability to cook your own lunch. So far, so good!  

 

 

Time at home doesn’t have to feel strange or lonely.  We can feel grounded and focused regardless of circumstances. It’s possible to balance the quiet or create calm amidst chaos.

 

Whatever your circumstances, here are suggestions to create a sensible rejuvenating Home Experience: 

 

First things first, create a welcoming space, clear of distractions. Help your children do the same. Maybe it’s time to pick-up and tend to long ignored spaces! Be careful. Clearing space can become an obsession. Check out Spark Joy by Marie Kondo.

 

Keep to a schedule. Shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and then “go to work”.  What is your typical morning routine?  If it’s saying hello to co-workers, do that. If it’s refreshing your coffee when sitting down at your desk, fill up. If you’re now surrounded by family members and or neighbors, establish a routine with them as well. 

 

No commute! Use the time to read something other than the newspaper.  Dance to music at the beginning and end of the day. Enjoy a longer breakfast and indulge in homemade pancakes! Go for a walk around the block before starting your day. Fill the commute time with some Me Time. A Three Breaths Practice is helpful at any time of day.

 

Not surrounded by putty colored walls and medical equipment? How lucky is that! Consider what you like about being home: comfy blankets and pillows, a refrigerator of food and lots of resources to pass the time. Be grateful about what your home offers. 

 

Work to be done! Carry on as best as possible. Work will continue. Make your To Do list. Continue on with projects. If strategies have changed, adjust and tackle the new priorities. If there is a lull, consider what strategic projects you never seem to accomplish. Whatever the job description (writer, travel agent, Mortgage sales, Human Resource manager, Stay-at-Home parent, Life Insurance sales etc…) tend to what needs to be accomplished.  

 

Listening day and night to advice and or scary news reports isn’t helpful. Decide when to “tune in”, garner relevant information and then “tune off” the reports.  Listen to music or a favorite podcast instead. Start a book on Audible. Create or follow a new Playlist on Spotify. Read from the stack of magazines at your bedside. Stretch your body often. Keep energy moving.

 

Stay in touch with your customers, loved ones, and friends. Make a list of friends to call and schedule a time to connect. Reschedule meetings to a virtual call with video if possible instead of cancelling. Use FaceTime! It’s so nice to see others! .

 

If you’re juggling work with kid responsibilities, be realistic. Breathe together.  Help kids map out their day. Set a schedule for everyone.  Be creative. The more structure the better. 

 

Nicholas Christakis in his podcast, “How We’re Wired for Goodness” reminds us that as humans we have the capacity to love one another, create strong friendships and cooperate well in teams. We’re made to be social. It’s how we live and how we’re endowed. Draw on this innate goodness as you shift to time at home.  Spreading goodness will help us move past these difficult circumstances.