It's All About Balance

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Everybody’s world has been upended with the pandemic and all the changes it has caused. I work from home four days a week, and I report into the office on Mondays. In my new routine, I’m at my home office desk most days, starting about 5:30 AM. And I’m usually there until 5:00 or 6:00 PM. I really like that I can attend readings, workshops, and other events virtually, but that means I’m at my desk later in the evening or on weekends. The new normal requires some balance. Here are some ideas to help.

  • You need to stand up and move around throughout the day. I miss my stand-up desk at work. I try to stand during conference calls, so I’m not sitting all day. I tend to stay stationary too long. I also bought a desk bike. I can pedal while I’m sitting. (The mute button is my friend when I’m pedaling.)

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  • Routines are important. If you can stick to a routine as much as possible, it helps. What works for me is to set my normal wake-up alarm for work days. I don’t set an alarm on days that I’m off or weekends unless there is something I need to do. This helps me separate the work and non-work days. They all tend to run together sometimes.

  • Try to get outside when you can. Walks, jogging, hikes, and bike riding are all good ways to change the scenery.

  • Many conferences and workshops have been cancelled, but a lot were moved online. There have been so many opportunities for virtual classes, readings, workshops, and conferences. Many of the Sisters in Crime chapters have opened their meetings to guests, and I have attended some really good presentations. I was able to hear presentation by Kathy Reichs (of Bones fame) recently which was outstanding, and I was able to attend the Murder and Mayhem Conference (normally based in Chicago).

  • Many dance, yoga, and exercise classes have moved online. Our neighborhood dance studio offered free lessons via Zoom.

  • My critique group has moved online, and I really like it. I miss hanging out and having lunch with everyone, but I find that I’m more productive. We usually meet in area libraries, and often it’s about a 30-40 minute ride for me (both ways). Now on critique group days, I have more time to do other things because there’s no commute.

  • I’ve talked to a lot of folks who have said that they snack too much when working from home. The kitchen is just too convenient. I try to limit the junk I keep in the house (though there is always a stash of dark chocolate — I need that for writing days). I also try to keep meals on a regular schedule, if possible.

  • I have binge-watched or streamed more TV/movies than I ever have. I’ve found a lot of interesting shows that I wouldn’t have watched otherwise.

What ideas would you add to my list? What’s been working for you lately? And have you purchased any equipment or tools for this work-at-home, stay-at-home time?