In the past week, I've been grateful to receive all sorts of tips for working from home. Some in the form of daily checklists, others in the form of heartfelt emails from friends.
And honestly, most of them offer the same tips:
- Make a plan for your day
- Take a walk around the block
- Eat lunch away from your desk
- Drink water
- Connect with friends
Although these are all great suggestions, and many of them I actually adhere to, I think there are several that have been overlooked, at least among my peers.
So here's my two-cents when it comes to staying inside and facing these times:
Give 👐
Times of uncertainty and fear can be the most difficult times to give. But also the most crucial. Most think monetarily, but giving can take on many forms - from calling a friend who you sense may be craving connection, to simply checking in on a neighbor -- we are surrounded by opportunities to show kindness.
Our StorkStand team has partnered with our local Alameda County Community Food Bank, where we send a portion of every sale. The ACCFB happens to be where we volunteered as young kids.
One exercise I find to be really helpful includes asking myself, "What do I really need right now?" Whatever comes up, I try to give to someone else. I'm always surprised by the physical and emotional shift in my own body when I give the very thing I feel I am lacking. It's honestly super empowering.
Listen 👂
Most of my career has involved long daily commutes into San Francisco, at least an hour in each direction. For me, this equates to stress. Even if only subconsciously. Therefore, this transition in our environment has unexpectedly given me the opportunity to slow down and listen. Listen to my body and my environment.
The human body is incredibly resilient. When subjected to constant stress, it still manages to survive. But it is within moments of deep listening that we allow our bodies to heal and thrive. So check in with your body. See what it says.
Get excited about something 🤓
So many people keep encouraging me to be kind to myself during this stressful period - to be patient when I feel unproductive. And I deeply agree with this intention.
But wouldn't it be even more fun to get super excited about something new? A book. A hobby. Singing lessons. A little side business!
What did you want to be when you were 7 years old? What if you used the next 30 days to dive head first into that thing? What could you do with those extra two hours of saved commute time? Even if you only take one step, do it with some chutzpah, as my grandmother would say. Get excited about something, anything that feels real!
I hope these little tidbits are as helpful for you as they have been for me.
Stay Safe and Keep Giving,
Mike
WFH Standing Desk
Whether you're working from your kitchen table, your couch, or porch, StorkStand is a new WFH tool I think you'll really enjoy — check it out.