Work From Home Affirmations.
A Few Simple Reassurances to Ease the Stresses of Working From Home.
Have you seen the viral video of the stressed reporter who's toddler enters his office while live on television, only to be followed by his other baby in a roller, then a panicked partner? He tries to hold his composure and ignore the reality behind him. I feel like there are many more healthy alternatives to handle and embrace working from home.
An agency I collaborated with recently shared a few helpful words of encouragement and work from home tips that were beyond refreshing. Below is my personal take on the affirmations I'd recommend reading over, even saying out loud to yourself, when you could use some work from home encouragement.
Spotty, questionable WiFi is okay
Unexpected background noise is okay (my pups, Barley and Rye, are great at joining my Zoom conversations)
Keeping your video call camera off is okay
In the same vein, muting yourself during a call is okay
Eating food during a video call is okay (I've noticed that I'm prone to skipping over lunch when working from home- sometimes eating during calls prevents missed meals)
Working anywhere in the home is okay (the bathroom *might* be an exception here)
Working anywhere- even if not your own home, is also okay (I'm actually writing this while working from a lake house for a change of scenery)
Taking calls from your phone so you can get fresh air or take a break from your computer is okay
Setting clear start and end times and work boundaries is okay
Taking care of pets, loved ones, friends and family members during the work day is okay
Taking care of yourself during the work day is okay
Scheduling a workout, meditation or therapy sesh mid work day is okay (I find therapy mid-work week can be an incredible way to break up busy days on zoom)
Putting your phone on 'do not disturb' and/or closing your computer for a tech break is okay
Responding tomorrow is okay
All of this is to say that putting you first, before your work, is more than okay.
Until next time,