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Finding Your Own “Porch” While Working From Home

The coronavirus pandemic continues to change our lives every day, forcing many companies to make the shift to working on an at-home basis. The team here at 898 has made that shift, which has come with its share of adjustments and challenges. One such challenge that being stuck in the house can bring is not being able to step away from your work for a while and decompress for a short time. At 898, “The Porch” is our way of doing that in the office, as it has video games, guitars, drums, and other activities that we can use to shift our focus for a bit each day. It is important to find some time to step away from your work each day so you don’t become burnt out or frustrated with it. Here are a few ways you can create your own porch at home, so you don’t become burnt out from your work.

 

Literally Anything Music

If you know anything about me, you know that I love listening to, collecting, playing music, and sharing that with others. Now is the perfect time to discover some new bands and artists, or listen to some old favorites you haven’t checked out in a while. If you play an instrument, stepping away from your computer for a quick 15 minute practice session can be a lot of fun. Either way, there are tons of ways to enjoy music, so take advantage!

 

Learn or Try Something New

Remember when I said practicing your instrument can be a lot of fun? Well learning a new instrument can be fun, too! Now is a perfect time to learn or try something you’ve always wanted to. Have a guitar or keyboard you’ve always wanted to learn but never had time? Check out Justin Guitar and get started. Have a new book you want to start? Find a comfy spot and do it. Have a recipe you’ve always wanted to try? Cook it for dinner one night. There’s really no limit to the new things you can learn during this time. Make sure that when we come out of this, you have a new skill, knowledge, or lesson that you can teach us. We’ll all be better because of it!

 

Revisit an Old Hobby

Now can be as good a time as any to get back into something you used to enjoy. Maybe you used to love cooking and trying new recipes, and being in the house can be a great time to rekindle your excitement in the kitchen. Maybe you just haven’t found the time to get back in the gym lately. Being at home can give you the opportunity to start working out again, even if you don’t have your own exercise equipment. Tons of gyms, like Mega Barre Youngstown, are offering online and video classes through various platforms. You can check out Mega Barre’s Facebook page for more information on their online class schedule, or look up others for more information on how you can get back to your regular workout routine from home. 

 

Enjoy the Weather

I know it’s hard to believe with everything going on, but Spring is, in fact, here. Although there’s been some rainy days lately, we’ve still had our share of beautiful sunny and 55° days as well. Just because we are practicing proper social distancing guidelines, doesn’t mean you can’t get outside for a run or walk, or get the patio ready for when the warm weather is here to stay. As long as you maintain six feet of distance between those around you, now is a great time to take advantage of the Spring weather. 

As you can see, there are so many exciting things you can do to keep your mind sharp and take a break from work for a while. It doesn’t have to be limited to these things, though. Find whatever is unique to you, and go for it. Things are uncertain right now. Take some time to notice the joyful things around you (even if it’s binge watching “Tiger King”). Either way, find something, dive in, and enjoy time on your own at-home version of “The Porch.”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zach Patton is an Assistant Account Manager at 898 Marketing.  As an Account Manager, Zach’s responsibilities include strategic development, creative concepting, market research and analysis, social media management, and content creation. Zach is a native of Youngstown, Ohio, and a graduate of John Carroll University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.