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I didn't consider that I was endorsing commuting. Point well taken. If I had a nice weather-protected path to walk to work (like the underground networks in so

I didn't consider that I was endorsing commuting. Point well taken. If I had a nice weather-protected path to walk to work (like the underground networks in some major cities), walking would be far preferable to driving. My argument, nay, my observation, is that some type of transition between work and home appears to be vital to my well-being. I suspect that the time component for that transition is just as important. For example: What if I built an office in my garage? That would give me a physically different space, but I'd be deprived of that transition time to switch mindsets. What I don't know is how much time is needed for the same effect. Would a 5 minute walk suffice? Could it be even better? Who knows?

aleksei 6y ago
Many people have had the same experience over the past year. There's three things that are usually suggested which might help you, that you've touched upon. First, you should have a dedicated work space. A room is preferable, but you can make do by erecting sight barriers to your desk for example. The main idea is to make it easy to leave your work 'at work' and not be reminded of it in your free time. Second, clothing. If you feel your day lacks structure make sure you're not lounging about in a tracksuit all day. Put on clothes you would wear to the office before work, and take them off at the end of your day. Wear shoes. Third, take a walk before starting work and afterwards. A 20 minute walk will allow you to plan the day ahead and get in work mode, and will let you unpack the day and unwind after work. Ignore the rain. So basically, make going to work a ritual (as foolish or unlikely to work as it may sound). You should also minimise distractions and control impulses to do non-work related things while 'at work'. If you can, consider getting out of the house for lunch or eat at your desk and not at the dinner table. Lastly, take part or try to instigate remote water cooler chats with colleagues to keep sane.
- nickelcitymario 6y ago
  Great tips! I particularly like the idea of creating a ritual. I think you've nailed it on the head with that one.
- mrkstu 6y ago
  Good tips. I'm lucky enough to have a great room available for an office. I curtained the doorway off, to remind the rest of the family (and myself) that when it is closed, I'm at work. Put a standing desk in, to help maintain my health. I still shower and show up 'at work' around the same times I did before. At first I was there around the same time I'd leave for work, but I found I was not able to concentrate productively for 12-13 hours a day, so I've cut it closer to an 8-6 schedule, with some breaks to eat with family or drop kids off where they may need to go. Take advantage of the greater flexibility- take the good with the bad. Was listening to Phish on the surround sound speakers connected to my receiver via bluetooth to my Mac Mini the other day, while working on my desktop I'd brought home attached to a nice big bright 4k monitor that I have at home, and connected via SD-WAN to the corporate network. Was a pretty productive and glorious way to get a lot of work done.

aleksei 6y ago

Many people have had the same experience over the past year. There's three things that are usually suggested which might help you, that you've touched upon. First, you should have a dedicated work space. A room is preferable, but you can make do by erecting sight barriers to your desk for example. The main idea is to make it easy to leave your work 'at work' and not be reminded of it in your free time. Second, clothing. If you feel your day lacks structure make sure you're not lounging about in a tracksuit all day. Put on clothes you would wear to the office before work, and take them off at the end of your day. Wear shoes. Third, take a walk before starting work and afterwards. A 20 minute walk will allow you to plan the day ahead and get in work mode, and will let you unpack the day and unwind after work. Ignore the rain. So basically, make going to work a ritual (as foolish or unlikely to work as it may sound). You should also minimise distractions and control impulses to do non-work related things while 'at work'. If you can, consider getting out of the house for lunch or eat at your desk and not at the dinner table. Lastly, take part or try to instigate remote water cooler chats with colleagues to keep sane.

nickelcitymario 6y ago
Great tips! I particularly like the idea of creating a ritual. I think you've nailed it on the head with that one.
mrkstu 6y ago
Good tips. I'm lucky enough to have a great room available for an office. I curtained the doorway off, to remind the rest of the family (and myself) that when it is closed, I'm at work. Put a standing desk in, to help maintain my health. I still shower and show up 'at work' around the same times I did before. At first I was there around the same time I'd leave for work, but I found I was not able to concentrate productively for 12-13 hours a day, so I've cut it closer to an 8-6 schedule, with some breaks to eat with family or drop kids off where they may need to go. Take advantage of the greater flexibility- take the good with the bad. Was listening to Phish on the surround sound speakers connected to my receiver via bluetooth to my Mac Mini the other day, while working on my desktop I'd brought home attached to a nice big bright 4k monitor that I have at home, and connected via SD-WAN to the corporate network. Was a pretty productive and glorious way to get a lot of work done.