Because of the Stay Home-Stay Safe order in Oregon, most of the country, and much of the world, we are now in our homes more than ever using them in many different ways. The kitchen table or the dining room has become the office and the bedroom is a classroom. For studio dwellers, multi-use space has already been a part of their routine. However, without the option of going somewhere else, those walls might seem a bit closer than before.
Here are a few things that might help balance your new multi-use space
Clear Clutter ~ This is a big rule in Feng Shui. All surfaces should be less than 40% covered so that there is room for the energy to move around the space. Try taking 10 minutes a day and clearing one shelf at a time so that everything on there will fit onto 40% of the surface area!
Clean Up After Yourself ~ This one seems logical and like it should be easy. It is something you probably used to do before. Now that you are in the same space all day and think you have time later you might be less inclined and less likely to do it regularly. Keeping up on cleaning up will allow the energy to flow around you and stay balanced. Try taking 30 minutes at the end of the workday to clean where you worked and put away all work-related items so that you are able to enjoy your space as it was intended.
Create Routine ~ Before this, routine in our lives was common. Some people woke up and started the coffee going while others took the dog for a walk. This was followed by more things that lead to getting out the door on time so that you could get to work. This does not have to change unless you need it to. For me, my mornings were always rushed to get out the door. I have made some changes that feel better to me now like basic stretching and 10 minutes of quiet to ground myself and focus on my intent for the day. I feel good in my body and I feel good in my mind. Try starting your workday with a moment to set an intention for the day (and remind yourself how amazing you are!).
Get Dressed ~ There are a lot of jokes about day pajamas and night pajamas or signing into a Zoom meeting with just a nice top on and sweat pants on the bottom. However, getting dressed is a big deal! Putting on clothes that are a match for the task at hand prepares you mentally for the work. For downtime, wearing clothes that make you feel good energetically can brighten your mind and enhance your ability to process all the mental and emotional “work” of coping with our current times.
Closing Time ~ When we were going to an office we left at the end of the day. We could leave the work there and go home to decompress and relax. Working at home makes it difficult to know when we stop or how to transition out of work mode. Creating a working space in your home that can be closed down after the day is done is important. At my home, I have an office so I can close the door and leave all the work there. For those using common space as a workspace, it might mean putting away the laptop or papers into a bag or box so that it can’t be seen. Try committing to end time and a closing routine that allows you to feel done and really done.
Space Made With Intent ~ Creating flexible, intentional space is very important now that our homes are where most things happen. When someone lays down a yoga mat to practice yoga, they are creating a space that they will be doing their practice within. Doing the same with workspace creates the invisible boundaries we need to focus on and complete our work. When we are finished with yoga, we pick up and put away our mat. When we are finished with work, we put away our work items and the space is free to be used for something else. Try taking a few minutes to write yourself a schedule for the day including what you are going to be doing in which room and for how long.