Reflections While Working From Home
This past year has taken so much from us. Whether you’re missing a loved one, the energy of a crowd on the dance floor, or just a general sense of freedom or security, you are not alone. We are in this together, but working and living behind a screen can feel so lonely. As a student and dietetic intern, the expectations of what my education will feel like have shifted so dramatically, and it is difficult to visualize myself emerging from this academic program.
Will I be able to contribute as a valuable asset in my future career? Will I feel confident and ready to fulfill the expectations of others as part of a professional team? These are the questions I have asked myself since the beginning of my graduate career (hello imposter syndrome!) but the uncertainty of the pandemic has provided a space for these thoughts to amplify.
The Struggles Of Remote Work
I’m so grateful for my family and the safe home I have been able to live and work in throughout the pandemic, but it has been difficult to switch to remote work. The lines between professional and personal life are blurry. My level of productivity in a day has grown closely tied to my worth as an individual because there is less separation between these two aspects of life. If my eyes dart away from the screen to locate a distraction or I get off the couch to give my sweet dog a pat, I can’t help but feel like these ordinary moments of life are time lost or wasted in my quest for competence. Even taking a lunch break can sometimes seem like straying from what I “should” be doing to fulfill expectations.
I realized that my personal worth is so closely tied to my identity as a student, and therefore being a good student equates to being a good person. It’s times like these that lead many of us to question ourselves and the world around us.
But I want to push back on this sentiment. Quarantine has led me to come to terms with the fact that I am so much more than a student. Reminding myself of this has been a preliminary step in my journey towards creating a work-life balance, a balance that realizes the value I bring to the world regardless of whether I completed my to-do list that day or not.
I am a person who brings warmth and compassion to interactions with others. My sensitive spirit expresses through music, tears, or words, and I can often find a sense of beauty even in times of pain or distress. Everyone has qualities like these that bring so much value to the world.
4 Strategies For A Better Relationship With Remote Work
I want to challenge everyone in these chaotic times to see, and I mean really see, who you are. Take time to notice professional or personal attributes that contribute to your identity. Maybe you’re a blogger or a fan of baking. Perhaps you are a parent or a confidant. Don’t these roles carry worth? Strong connections with yourself, others, and the activities that bring you moments of joy will likely leave a more lasting impact than a productive afternoon. And let me be clear -- I don’t want to discredit the value of hard work, but I do want to challenge the toxicity of becoming consumed by it as a marker of virtue.
I’ve tried to actively adopt some strategies into my life to help affirm my worth as I continue to work from home. Some ideas include:
1. Identify Clear and Intentional Work-Life Boundaries
Despite the conveniences of working from home, it’s been challenging to complete tasks in an environment that doubles as my sacred space. One way to mimic the structure of a workplace is to create scheduled time frames for work and relaxation times. Ask yourself: when will my day begin and end? How can I make the most of my work time to allow for true relaxation as well? Planning out your time can help set a boundary and invite you to be truly present in both of these outlets.
2. See Each Day For What It Is, A Set Of Moments Rather Than Something Absolute
We often start conversations with a question about the day. Days are often defined by one word or emotion in our vernacular, which can make it more difficult to appreciate the small moments, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Sharing both high and low points from a day, when able, has been a helpful tool for me to think a bit more positively and recognize my personal contributions regardless of how the workday went overall.
3. Take Breaks, And I Mean Really Take Breaks
This is so simple, but taking time away from a screen to completely unwind might just be what our bodies need to approach a sense of peace. It also allows the chance to interact with another person or area of the room. Try stepping outside, weather permitting, or taking a quick stretch break. Give your pet some love. This has helped me recharge and reconnect with the bigger picture of our world.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Honest With Yourself and Those Who Love You
A new mentor of mine brought up the concept of “humanizing the workplace,” which necessitates recognizing the human experience and giving grace for our imperfections. This is something that our society still needs to work towards, yet practicing honesty and addressing the needs of yourself and others in your life is one way to honor your true self. Even when emotions are not pretty or exactly the version of yourself that you want to reveal, embrace emotions and let them sit as they are.
The Bottom Line
Your level of productivity is not a symbol of your inherent worth, we are just living and learning as we endure these difficult times. I am still trying to fully welcome that sentiment into my heart. So do not be afraid to notice the little moments of life, and please take the time to eat your lunch and appreciate your pets while at home. You deserve it.
And psst...Listen to next week’s episode with our good friend, Lily, to hear more about these themes of identity and self-worth.
