Signing off for the weekend
I’ve listened to several conversations this week about how working from home has affected us. Of course there’s the whole range from it suiting some very well and others really struggling. I particularly enjoyed the comments on You and Yours on Tuesday https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000xf0s Many of the callers’ experiences resonated.
Keeping boundaries
Across the whole range of responses was the importance of creating separation between work and home. That’s difficult for many, but can be achieved at least psychologically by literally stepping away from our laptops or phones for a few minutes and stretching our legs before starting the next thing.
So many people were missing the gap between work and home that the commute gave us. Quite a few said how they are creating that gap with a walk before or after work. One person sat in her car, on the drive, for a few minutes to make space for herself away from those others in her house who are also wfh.
Time to yourself
Near to me is a bridleway and I walk along there regularly to settle my thoughts and make room for the next meeting. Gradually people are finding their way to The Space that I have which is perfect for a day’s retreat, or even a few days’ stay. The range of things people come to think about it as individual as they are. The thing they have in common is wanting to create a boundary for themselves – a place to think, write, study, ponder, enjoy their own company and get past the everyday interruptions to reach a deeper place of reflection and insight.
I’m learning from them and know that I too need to top up my reserves so I’m signing off for the weekend (which is my boundary from the working week, yours may be different) – hope you are able to as well – and come back next week refreshed and ready for whatever the week will bring you.