DISQUS

AmandaNatividad · 5 months ago

I worked from home for about a year and it was really difficult to transition from "work" mode to "home" mode. While it was cool to be able to stay in my pajamas all day, or pop out for an errand on a whim, the situation inevitably created a 24-hour work day. But something that helped perk me up was taking a lunch break to do exactly what I wanted to do, whether it was vegging out in front of the TV for an hour or window shopping at the nearby mall.

Now that I work at an office, I find that it's much easier to have a work/home balance. I love my drive home because I can cruise up the canyon surrounded by trees and good-looking houses.

lauriesanchez · 5 months ago

Hi, Amanda! Yes, sometimes the drive can do it, especially when you have such relaxing scenery to coast through! Set that scenery to some good tunes, and you just might be on your way to "home mode" ... Perfect.

Elaine · 5 months ago

I used to work remotely full-time, and it was much harder to switch from work to home mode. I found that getting out for lunch--even if only driving to mail a letter and running thru a drive-thru--helped me separate out/break up my day.

It's easier now working in office few days a week, remote few days per week. Many times I will stop by a cafe on way home and do some writing or editing what I did at lunch. Other times I will see a movie before coming home.

When you're working at home often, it's difficult. Maybe when the work day ends, leave the house and go to the gym, go walk, go do something *away* from the house to signify the work day is over.

Elaine

lauriesanchez · 5 months ago

Hi, Elaine! It sounds like you and Amanda had the same idea -- breaking away for that hour midday. And yeah, that same concept does make sense for end of day -- if you literally walk in the door again, you feel like you're "home" and ready to go into home mode. I suppose a walk around the block for fitness or to walk the dog would do the trick, huh?

Carla/MizFit · 5 months ago

I was definitely the QUEEN of working all the time before I found a ritual. Not in a bad way even as I lovelove my work (writing) and when Im mired in fiction writing I find often I DONT wanna leave my characters just because the clock says 6p or 7p.
All that changed when I had my daughter as I really needed to draw the line and STOP WORKING and be *present* with her when my work time was done for the day.
For me it's all about the physical.
I need a TANGIBLE reminder that Im done working and am now wearing a different hat or, for me, bandanna.

I have a plethora of bandannas.

Pattern for the day job work.
Different pattern for the volunteer blogging.
Pattern for METIME (journaling)

it all serves as a great transition reminder when Im shifting from one MODE to the next.

lauriesanchez · 5 months ago

Hi, MizFit! We love your bandannas on Twitter! : ) And this is really a cool idea, because it's obvious to your daughter, even, when you can be interrupted. Love it. And great to hear that the creation of a ritual really worked for you, too!

emilyb · 5 months ago

I immediately change into my pajamas, even if I end up going somewhere later. It instantly gets me out of work mode.

lauriesanchez · 5 months ago

Emily -- my daughter does this, too!!! I'll turn around to say we're going out to dinner, and she's standing there in her PJs at 5 p.m.! But, like you, she doesn't mind changing at all -- it just puts her in a different frame of mind. Very cool. I guess slippers can probably work for some, if they don't like the idea of full-on changing. Reminds me a bit of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, when he used to slip into his comfy cardigan and sneakers at the "end" of his day. ... : )

Ima Cocto Moahm · 5 months ago

i keeping trying to comment but it never shows up, all i see our comments from emilyb and lauriesnachez. anyways i wanted to say after doing my work long day, i always like to get glass of chardonnay, a magazine to read while taking a long dumping on toilet