Figuring it out

Wrapping my arms around the working world again and beginning to realize all that working remote for an energetic, growing hydration company entails. For those of you that work from home, perhaps you can relate (or maybe you have forgotten) the adjustment to the home office. It seems ideal, setting your own schedule, having the flexibility to train in the afternoon and work out of the 8-5 norm, padding down to the computer in your pajamas and sipping an oversized mug of joe (or Chai in my case). It is wonderful, but it is an adjustment.

No one told me about the lonely factor; I didn’t realize how much I need/enjoy the work environment. Sure I can complain with the best of them about office politics and drama in the workplace, but those interactions are human, they are social and they are validating. It is a weird sensation to go through the day and not hear your own (or another) human voice till well in the afternoon.

Resolving this issue was easy once I identified what was bothering me. Waking up each morning I now set intention for the day (where before it was set for me – got to be to the office by 8, so better get up early to get in my run). Even if this intention is as simple as making it to the 6:30am yoga class at my gym so that I’m back to the computer by 8, it is intention and motivation to be excited about the day. Before going to bed making a list of work projects that I need to/would like to accomplish, complete with check boxes so I can check items off as I progress. Spicing up the work day by heading to a coffee shop for a change of scenery and to feel other human energy. Planning to meet a friend for lunch, a bike ride or trail run to break up the day. Planning dinner parties, walks and movie dates so that I can enjoy some social interaction after a day of solitude. Making these adjustments help significantly, in fact it is all quite wonderful really.

Then, just as I get into a groove of “working from home,” work sends me out on the road. Fly, drive, meetings, presentations, email, run… breath? So I guess the lesson for me is learning to enjoy each moment for what it is, be ready for the next change and challenge, and stay in tune with what I need to stay happy and balanced.