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Improve your Workspace

Lotte Vesterli on October 26, 2020

Just like many other places, we’re seeing increased coronavirus-based restrictions here in Denmark. We’re not going back to normal for a while, which also means that you will probably be working from home for weeks or months yet.

You probably set up a home workspace back when you started working from home, but take a look at it again. Can you make some improvements to your chair, your desk height, the placement of your keyboard and mouse/trackpad, or something else? During your next break, google “home working ergonomics” and find an improvement tip to implement this week.

Get Outside

Lotte Vesterli on October 23, 2020

We all need some way of handling the stressful situations that life sometimes throws at us. In New York, some of their bars have apparently started offering axe throwing. Despite our Viking heritage, I haven’t heard of bars here in Denmark with that option on the menu.

But physical effort does have a useful balancing effect. If your work keeps you in front of a computer or a desk all week, the weekend is a time for you to use your body instead of your brain. Don’t just go to the gym and run on a treadmill. Do something outside where you get fresh outside and sunlight. I will take a walk and enjoy the fall colors. What will you do?

Step Back to get Perspective

Lotte Vesterli on October 22, 2020

I just let a buzzing insect out of my office. It had gotten in somehow and was now trying in vain to fly out through the window glass. It was unable to understand the invisible barrier holding it back, and kept trying the same thing.

We humans are not all that different. Sometimes, we realize we are not moving in the direction we want in our life, but respond by trying harder. When you have your nose against the glass, you cannot see it.

The power humans have, and insects don’t have, is the ability to step back from the situation. When you gain perspective, you can figure out what is holding you back and how to move forward. Sometimes, you are able to consider you situation yourself and find a solution. Sometimes, talking with a friend can help. And sometime, you need to talk to a professional  therapist. Don’t keep buzzing against invisible barriers. Get help. 

Talk to Someone

Lotte Vesterli on October 21, 2020

To stay healthy, you need to communicate with someone. Working from home removes the small talk that is part of a day in the office, and starting a video meeting is like going into a meeting room: The setting limits off-topic conversation.

If you live with someone, make sure to create time for conversation and don’t just spend the evening slumped in the sofa with a screen each. If you live alone, call someone on the phone for a chat. Again, video feels like a meeting. Just use an old-fashioned voice call. You can even call people while you take a walk and do two good things for yourself at the same time.

Spend Your Time Wisely

Lotte Vesterli on October 19, 2020

A shiny new phone doesn’t improve your life. But new information can.

The time you spend reading about and thinking about things is time you cannot spend on important things, like good books, inspiring movies, or simply reflecting on your life.

Take a moment now to think about how you spend your time. Can you spend it just a little better this week than last?

Put Your Phone to Bed

Lotte Vesterli on October 14, 2020

I love how this Yale Professor has made a tiny bed for her phone. She recognized that she had a hard time turning it off at night, and found a way to put it to bed. She has shared this tip and four others for coping with anxiety and stress on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCQim9VrnDY.

Do you have a bed for your phone? Maybe you should have.

Set Goals for Every Day

Lotte Vesterli on October 12, 2020

If you are working from home, you don’t have the physical separation of work and leisure you have been used to. That can make the days run together, and lead to feeling disconnected and unenthusiastic about your life.

To fight this feeling, make sure you set goals with different timeframes. Each day should achieve a couple of mini-goals, and each week should have at least one goal. If your work doesn’t provide you with goals like this, you will have to make them up yourself. It doesn’t matter if they are private or professional goals. What is your goal for this week?