I’ve wanted to work from home for years now, and I’m finally there.
I quickly learned that I no longer have any incentive to NOT wear yoga pants. I’ve only done my makeup five times since I’ve been in Chicago: to look at apartments, when we had visitors for a day, to meet friends for coffee and to go out to eat with Graham.
My day starts when my alarm goes off at 7 a.m. Most days I dismiss the alarm and go back to sleep, especially if it’s raining. If I have the motivation, I run. Sometimes I have errands to take care of before work, or I may try to go to a yoga class at a studio.
Once my workday starts, I join meetings via conference calls. I usually check in with my manager at least once throughout the day. But before I can do any of this I walk over to Starbucks. I used to balk at spending money there, but my visits have become how I get myself out of the house sometimes. I often show up in yoga pants, boots and whatever jacket is nearest to me; it never matches. I order the usual and walk back to my building.
I try to break up my day by taking the dogs for a run around the neighborhood. This is a new development. If I don’t take them out I’ve found that they’ll end up wrestling, begging for attention or taking too many naps.
If I have any lulls in my workday, I’ll stop to do some yoga, pushups or core work. It’s not usual for me to finish reading a report and then practice handstand against the wall for 10 seconds. It’s also common for me to walk into the kitchen for whatever snacks we have in stock: chips and salsa, mac and cheese, an apple, cheese and crackers, etc.
As the day winds down, I’ll start cooking dinner as I log off my computer. I might rush off to yoga class before taking the dogs out again and then spending time with Graham if he’s home.
Goals for my new work routine:
Work from a coffee shop at least once a week. This doesn’t have to be an entire day; even an hour would do me some good.
Yoga in the studio twice.
Take the dogs for a run at least twice.
