Get Out of the Darn House

One of the first pieces of advice that I received when I began working from home was to get out of the house at least once a day.  When you live and work within the same space, it can become uninteresting and zap your energy.  I also live alone, so the intent behind this advice was for me to get a change of scenery and connect with people.

I had this designed pretty well and it worked for years.  I went to exercise classes or the gym regularly.  I met friends and family for dinner or happy hour every so often.  I was active in hiking groups and other social events.  There always seemed to be an errand to run or an appointment to get to (those also counted).  The goal was to be somewhere else other than at home and interact with people.

I took this a step further and planned for one day per week where I would work from somewhere else other than my primary workspace, usually for a half-day. Coffee shops were my go-to locations, usually on Fridays.  I especially enjoyed small, locally-owned coffee shops where I was among other coffee-drinking, laptop-toting, wifi-seeking professionals.  If Friday didn't work well with my schedule or if I had a lot of conference calls that would be easier to take from my quiet home, I'd switch to another day that same week.  Or, if it was too difficult to work outside of my home during a given week, I'd work from downstairs at my dining room table on Fridays.  Just changing spaces within my own house gave me new energy.

As a veteran remote worker, my routine of getting out of the house was reduced to neighborhood walks and bike rides during the earlier days of the pandemic.  These walks actually became necessary for another reason - to relieve anxiety that would pop up from time to time.  Even though I had fewer changes to my routine and workday than those new to remote work, I still got anxious over the situation and what might happen next.  There were days when I couldn't wait to get out of the house and away from any news source, even if just for a few minutes.    Walking or running around my neighborhood allowed me to calm my mind and recharge.  

The advice to get out of the house still stands, now more than ever.  Many are still working from home, and since we've been at this new way of working for a while now, this is your reminder.  Get out of the house each day.  Take a walk.  Feel the sun and breathe deeply.  Look at the sky and the clouds and smile.  Say "hi" to a neighbor.  Go to a coffee shop, hang out at a brewery, or treat yourself to lunch, if you feel comfortable going places and of course, wearing your mask and social-distancing.  There are outside seating options and to-go menus, so you don't even have to stay. 

Working from home has many benefits but it also comes with its own challenges. In times when you are struggling to be creative or get inspired, or when you need some distance from family or crave connection, try leaving the house.  Getting out in a new setting may help you be more productive and effective.