The Importance of Nesting when Remote Working and Quarantine Working

We've all learned the hard way that Quarantine work is not Remote work. It doesn't feel the same because it's not the same. It's a hard time right now and tension is high.

"People are overwhelmed, afraid, and stressed. There's a background pressure - a psychic weight or stress - that is different in these times. This isn't a problem you can fix with a new webcam or a podcasting mic."

I really believe that self-care is important and one should be as deliberate as one can in how they live.

One day we were working in the office and the next day we were home indefinitely. Some in spare bedrooms, most in our kitchens, laundry rooms, garages and front porches.

What does "nesting" mean?

Nesting is not just what a bird does to prepare their space for the coming family, it's also what we can do as humans to make a space for ourselves to be successful. It's the deliberate practice of setting up your work area so that you can be successful and fulfilled.

Your space doesn't need to be fancy. Nesting isn't blinging your space or making it look expensive - nesting is making it YOURS.

• Can you sit and work comfortably? Is your space ergonomic as it can be?
• Is your monitor or laptop angled in a way that doesn't cause eyestrain or neck strain?
• Do the things around you feed your spirit? Toys? Gadgets? Family pics? Post-It Notes?
• Be intentional. Don't just let your space happen. What is calming for you? What's productive? Do you like a nice whiteboard?
• Perhaps a fresh notebook can de-stress you? Your office can be a Zen garden. Does clutter calm? Fill it with fun. Do you like open space? Clear your desk.
• What's your lighting situation?
• Do you have natural light or a window nearby? Maybe you should.

Stop for a second. Perhaps while reading this blog post. Look around and ask yourself - why is this space like this? How did it get this way and do I feel good here. What can you do? Maybe it's just straightening up. Perhaps literally just turning another direction to adjust light.

This is the start of a process to make your space you own. You can't control your quarantine situation but you can be intentional about your nest.

What have YOU done to make your space your own? How are you nesting?

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