Finding a work life balance when you WFH can be a stretch. The computer is always right there and on. The puppy, the dishes, laundry, and yesterday’s grocery order tug at your heels like a puppy. I’ve heard many women talk about the kids and the challenges of Zoom school too. I don’t have that experience, but I can empathize.
I work from home since I began my professional writing career. In other words, COVID didn’t put me here. Things changed with it though. My husband who is in a corporate role started to work from home. Then my food budget went up as gas bills when down.
I actually let those changes in and was able to adapt. For one, I really used to worry about my husband commuting 1.5 hours at 7 P.M. It seemed inhuman. And for another, it’s a pandemic and that’s that. Wishful thinking does nothing useful.
All said, I’ve realized even more lately that balance while working from home is in constant flux.
What is your idea of a work life balance (WLB)?
My sense of work life balance is that it is an organic process. I feel like I need to touch base with myself every day to figure out what actions I can take to be in sync this day, this moment.
It has showed me that balance is a mix. Partly of what you have, how content you are with it, and how much you can go with the flow.
I am fortunate to have three floors and a basement. The second floor we each have an office. So space wise I can’t complain. That said, there are challenges that add to the mix and try to tip the scales.
The way I get to a more equal version of myself is holistic. My mind, body and spirit need to sync up. I do this through meditation, yoga and writing. I have a daily practice of all three. Though writing for clients takes precedence over my own blog.
Do you breathe during the day?
I do. It’s the one thing I really need. Doesn’t mean it is easy. Let me tell you in the next blog about Koda. For now I will tell you that I’ve moved my desk into the bedroom, I’m puppy training with a pee pad in my master bathroom and her poo poo is stinky so deep breathing is a bit iffy at certain times.
Why work life balance is important even if it’s a distant goal?
That said, and given we all hav our circumstances and attitude, can we agree we still need an action plan to fuel the positivity? Especially when added to the pressures of working from home and its extras.
I’m not sure if this is hard for you. Whether you think work life balance is important but not (always) possible. I can only do what my years of yoga teaching taught me and that is:
-Use your challenges as a teacher
-Self reflect
-Practice
-Have no expectations but set a goal
-Prepare for the next step
-Honor where you are
My Latest Steps to Getting More Work Life Balance
Does waking up count? Ha. Ok here are a few things I do to bring more equipoise to a work from home lifestyle.
#1 Lighten the mood with candles at the end of the day.
#2 Meditate for a few seconds at the end of the work day to clear my head.
I created the Yoga Mind CD if you would like to try it.
#3 I read something inspirational so I can keep learning and thinking with a different part of my mind.
My latest fav expression is “Clear is kind”. It’s from Brene Brown’s book, Dare to Lead.
#4 Follow the clear is kind mantra in my life as much as possible to be a better communicator and listener.
Colored pens and a diary are something that keep me organized at work. They help me keep track of goals, ideas, gold star or review moments.
#5 Branch out to do more things I love on the weekends. Cook, garden, walk in nature, binge a series.
#6 Make healthy food. I cannot get enough lemon water and my latest yumm – the Waxman Waldorf.
Thanks for reading,
Rana
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