Buzz
We often hear how Isaac Newton did some of his most remarkable work during a plague year, and Shakespeare might have written sonnets while the theaters were shut down. And now, it seems like everyone around you is tackling projects while working (or not) from home. But here's a thought: What if you choose to do none of that?
Being at home with businesses shutting down and the number of infections rising is strange, unprecedented, and unsettling. If you're uncertain about your job situation or the state of society, feeling a bit anxious is entirely understandable. And perhaps, just maybe, you could ease up on yourself?
I've worked from home for nearly my entire adult life, and I can assure you that, even in the best circumstances, it doesn’t exactly result in extra free time. Sure, I avoid a commute, but that means I miss out on the reading or podcast time my office-going friends enjoy. Now, with social distancing in full swing, my kids are home with me. There’s more cleaning, more arguments to resolve, and constant negotiations with my spouse about who’s handling the mental labor.
I guess I save some time in the evenings now that my kids’ activities have been canceled, but by the time I leave my home office at 6 p.m., I’m completely drained from the mental and emotional strain of trying to keep up with the news while also getting my work done. I just need a moment to sit back and unwind.
This isn’t a summer vacation. And unless you’re a privileged, self-absorbed college student with people doing your chores for you (ahem, Newton), there's no reason to expect this to be a peaceful, productive time. If throwing yourself into a hobby or project helps ease your stress, that’s awesome! Go ahead and dive in! But you’re under no obligation to use this tough period to be productive, nor to feel guilty about 'wasting' it. Take care of yourself, and give yourself a break.
