Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders. When I worked in a traditional corporate office, a mental refresh might mean a walk to the coffee station, a visit to one of my team members, maybe even a step outside to sit on the patio for a few minutes.
These days, as a company of one, I typically work at my kitchen table or in my library. As much as I love my home, a different environment can be invigorating and inspiring.
I’m also mindful of a practice my daughter implemented at her company, Geben Communication. Heather encourages her employees to work away from the office once a week. The when and where isn’t what matters. What is important and valuable is the change of venue; new energy, different people, a new view.
I prefer a smidge of structure so I’ve adopted “Work away Wednesday.” Every Wednesday afternoon (pending any more pressing needs, of course) I plan to take my laptop and iPad and relocate to a local Panera for a few hours. This ritual is a nice way to break up the week, reflect on what’s been done and what I need to focus on to wrap up the week. In my short experience, I have also found myself to be super-productive during my work away.
I hope that local friends will drop-in and enjoy a coffee break with me. You know who you are!
Last Wednesday, I was there at Panera, sitting at a table next to the fireplace, enjoying a cup of tea, a shortbread cookie and plowing through an amazing amount of work.
I sent my husband this photo and his response was “Living the dream”. I am a lucky lady.
If you work from home, what do you do to stay fresh?
