7 THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT WORKING FROM HOME FOR 1 YEAR

Our Basil has sprung to life again this spring!

In May of 2015, I was offered a position with a company that offered remote working option. That meant no office, no meeting rooms. It means that employees carry out their duties away from a traditional ‘office’ setting.

When I started to consider the pros and cons of this new “remote” work-life, I did what anyone from my generation would do. I took to the internet and explored every blog post I could find. Most of the articles spoke about “what to expect”, “what not to do”, “what to do”, “how to transition”, “how to not be lonely", "most efficient ways to be your own boss", "rules of engagement for a remote gig" and so on. They all had great information, however none of them focused on how the person’s life changed or what it was really like for them day-to-day. Folks, who know me closely and read this blog regularly know that I am an extremely social and extrovert personality. So, for me it was a special thing or challenge.

I want to take a minute to share with you how working remotely has transformed my life and what I have learned. Of course, no points for guessing that I accepted that consulting assignment and boy was I glad that I did!

Here are 7 things (out of many more) that I have learned from working remotely in the past year:

1. The “Office” is a catch 
In every job where I had to report to an office, I spent entirely too much time there. I stayed late, arrived very early, ate there, had a key, braided my hair in the bathroom and so on. No matter what day of the week it was, there was just never enough time to finish my work. I am a program manager and there is always one more thing to tweak, assignment to finish. I just could not stop. I would end up leaving after dark, never having seen more than what my commute to work allowed. On the days I did try to leave on time, say around or sometime before 5, I would get those dagger eyes from fellow employees, as if my 8+ hours spent at my desk were simply not enough. I found myself sneaking out or telling white lies about having to run this errand or go to a doctor, just to escape. I dreaded Mondays, didn’t even glance at my computer for personal or social media on the weekends, because I felt angry and overwhelmed from how many hours I worked the past week. I felt drained and I felt trapped.

After a year of working from home I can tell you that I have done better work that is more satisfying than I ever have in my life. There is something about sitting in your yoga pants with your baby in his bouncer, those familiar smells of home sneaking into your office that just makes the day better. It makes all of the work feel less like work. All of a sudden my days were more productive, I dreaded sitting at my desk less and work got done. I leave my desk whenever I want now, whether it’s to get a snack or to take a walk around the block with my munchkin and for some reason at 5:00pm I am done. The work is done!

2. Makeup shmake-up.
In the hundreds of blogs I read to prepare myself for remote life the #1 most consistent “tip” was to still get ready everyday. Ummm, I don’t know who these men and women are, but what a waste of time! I have already applied this tactic during remote interviews in the past and know the pros and cons. If you have a face-to-face meeting or a video Skype/FaceTime call scheduled by all means, put a little pride in your appearance. Otherwise, shower or don’t shower, I don’t care and I promise you the other remote workers you talk to all day probably won’t care and might not shower either. As for makeup, I don’t even have a lipstick at home now to apply in case of an emergency!

Side note: If you stop by my house unannounced, I will be in some sort of workout clothes that could include yoga pants. I have brushed my teeth and washed my face but my hair will be in a messy bun. That also says that I have a four and a half month old baby to take care of. Just saying.

3. Finding the Om!
The rumors are 100% true. People who work from home are much less stressed and overall more pleasant to deal with on a daily basis. My coworkers, whom I Skyped with, ask me how I am doing, tell me to have a great weekend, the works. What they don’t do? Complain, whine, nag and so on. This is because typing your thoughts instead of just blurting them out gives you that split second to re-think what you are about to say. Moreover, no more water cooler or restroom break gossips for me too.

It is AMAZING and in the end makes everyone better, including myself. This past year has been such an eye opening experience for me. I have seen the light on the unneeded, unwanted stress that I used to carry around. I truly feel like I am a different person now. Lots of people ask if you get lonely working from home, but I feel like I have more time and actually want to see people more now. I schedule brunch dates or coffee get-togethers because I can, whereas working in an office you probably just want to go home and take your pants off.

4. Do I have own a vehicle?
So, this part is relative to where you live and what you like to do. I am extremely lucky as I live less than a mile from a park, the gym, subway and bus stop and the grocery store. At my age, these the only places I really go to. Sad but true! Since I am walking/jogging/riding public transport/taxis to run my errands, I do not own a vehicle. I don’t have to get gas so I save a ton of money on fuel costs and general car maintenance.

5. Enjoying my workout.
This is hands down my favorite part of working from home. I get to go to workout midday. It is so hard for me to work, take care of my baby and then go to gym when HD is home at night. I love working out and now I sneak in a workout whenever my baby is taking a nap. Moreover, since I do not have to save time to shower and be presentable when I get back to the office, I do not rush through my workout. It offers me the perfect break in my day to wake up my mind and body, putting me back in the mood to be productive and get my job done. How am I in the mood to go to the gym instead of just take a nap you ask? Go back to #2 and read about what I wear. Half the work is dressing the part. You can make yourself feel pretty guilty trying to take your sneakers off and nap in your workout clothes.

6. Tidy Up.
A clean home is a happy home (and office). Keeping clutter at bay and the living room tidy, really helps me stay focused. If I walk to the kitchen to refill my water bottle and step on laundry and baby toys, guess what I am going to want to do? Fold laundry and put away the toys.

I try to do a walk through in the morning. I tidy the living room, wash any dishes, laundry, etc. That way everything is in it’s place before I start working and that makes for less distraction. 

7. Investing in a good gear.
The last thing I learned right away was that you have to have all the office supplies and gear you need to do your job, at home. Don’t try to work at the bar in the kitchen if you need a drafting table to get anything done, it just doesn’t work that way.

For me, its easier. I have a macbook and a windows laptop. A really good computer chair that has moveable wrist rests and wheels and tons of online cloud storage from Dropbox or Google Drive rounds off my list. If you work for a good company, they might assist in the costs of some of these items, especially a computer. If not, make the purchase, save your receipt and write it off on your taxes. You will be glad and look forward to working when you have good gear while “going to your office” every day.

Here are a few other things that have tremendously helped my transition to (LOVING) working from home:

SKYPE| FaceTime| GOOGLE APPS| ASANA| YOUTUBE| HUITESUIT| WORDPRESS| DROPBOX| WALMART SUBSCRIPTION| COURSERA| COFFIVITY| JANGO AND/OR SPOTIFY| POPSUGAR

If you are thinking about working from home, I say go for it! But either way, I hope what I have learned this past year working remotely enlightens you or helps you on your journey. Or maybe you already work from home. Do you agree with any of these? Do you disagree? Have you found better ways to do things? Do you have any must-haves on your list? I would love to know, please feel free to share!

How I try to be happier in record time

Thankful for these beautiful mums doing so well in the Fall in NYC

Cultural and media messages do not help. Advertising creates needs and desires that we did not know we had. 

Social media makes other peoples' lives seem better than ours. We strive for more.

How to change this instantly? Gratitude, the act of counting your blessings and not your troubles, is the key. 

Here's how it works:

Right now I am sitting on my couch working from home. It's chilly, and the window is ajar. There are subway trains passing by at regular intervals. The music I have on seems too much and the machine noises from neighborhood.... I cannot focus. I do not like noises, and there is too much of it. I am hearing them everywhere. I am going to have to close the window. I am slightly cross, because I had just settled down, when the doorbell rang for a delivery. I am tense and clenching my jaw (even notice a few tears) and feeling irritated.

Here is the flip of the coin. With great effort, I drag my attention away from the noises (I may feel tense, but having a good moan also feels good) and make a gratitude list.

I am thankful for…

-being in a position to write this in the comfort of my living room
-you giving your time to read this
-the delivery guy who made an effort for bringing the package to my doorstep a second time 
-having friends and family, who are bursting with love, care and best wishes for my family
-having a full time work assignment that is so infinitely interesting and humbling
-the subway trains outside, which triggered this thought in the first place

- an active mind to think clearly and thank everyone

- a healthy body that helps me do most of the daily chores on my own

How do I feel now? My jaw has relaxed. I feel calmer. Connected. Happier. I really do.

Of course, things can get much harder than the subway train or machine noises outside my window. 

Life is full of painful experiences that take us to all the dark and frightening places. Whatever it is that you are struggling with, take a minute (or two) to turn your attention towards the small or big things that are good in your life. It may feel hard, but the rewards are worth it.

You do not need anything other than willingness. In your head, on paper, in a diary or online, make a list of things that you are grateful for in this moment. Try making a habit of it; every morning, spend one minute doing this as soon as you wake up. Exercise your brain this way and it will become as natural as breathing.

If you need any further convincing for the benefits of gratitude, research has shown that it can increase happiness by as much as 25 percent, improve sleep, enhance decision-making skills, strengthen relationships, decrease materialism and increase optimism. That is not bad for what amounts to only a few minutes a day.

Have a peaceful festival season my friends!

PS: This post is for my friend, Juhi, who recently had less than pleasant experience. I am especially thankful to learn that all is well at her end. 

As always, please feel free to send any comments and feedback on pallavibharatgmaildotcom. 

Breaking my silence after an year!

ROY BABY: 22 WEEKS

Hi Folks!

Breaking my silence after a whole year and it’s pregnancy update time. Last week we reached 21 weeks and time is passing by in a flash! Will try to be more regular with the posts from now on.

Baby Updates: Baby is the size of a spaghetti squash! That seems HUGE to me! Rohith and I cannot believe there’s a little baby the size of a spaghetti squash hanging in my belly. Nervous but exciting!

Weight Gained: Didn’t weigh myself. Last week it was 4 lbs

Workouts: I am trying to get back into more regular workouts (it took a backseat last month thanks to some pregnancy scare) I am thrilled to be picking it up again. I really hope to maintain a regular yoga and meditation practice throughout the remainder of my pregnancy.

Since summer in NYC is so lovely right now, I cannot help but feel a little disappointed that walking/running outside or in the gym just not for me. I would love to go for a run around the neighborhood park with Rohith, but the pee frequency totally rules this out as an option. I know listening to my body is the most important thing to do right now. I have come to terms with the fact that I will not be a pregnant runner. I am obviously a little sad about this as I had really built up a regimen earlier this year and started to fit in a lot of my old outfits. However, my short walks every afternoon after lunch have been a great way to soak up some sun and enjoy time outside. Seeing a lot of other pregnant ladies walking around the parks in the afternoon is also very encouraging.

Symptoms: After too long on my feet or sitting, I have noticed they start to feel a little achy and swollen. This is not an everyday thing, but it happened a couple of times lately. I fall in love with Rohith all over again when he gives me a fantastic foot massage a few times at night while we watch TV. My sciatica pain has also flared up whenever I am exhausted or stressed my feet. Hopefully with yoga stretches, I might be able to keep it at bay. I have also noticed that my hair have gone slightly thinner and falling more than pre-pregnancy. Read online quickly and found out that this will change later.

Food Aversions: Ice creams and sweets. I am not sure whether I will be ever able to enjoy them again. Meh for now!

Food Cravings:

• Fruits. Lots and lots of them. Keep them coming. Also avocados.

• Wine: I cannot wait for my first glass of Cabernet or Blush post-baby! A glass of chilled sauvignon blanc also sounds appealing at times.

• Boiled eggs (So grateful this craving continues to be a strong one!). I simply cannot handle eggs prepared any other way

• Milk, paneer, cheese and yogurt

• Dry fruits and nuts

Sleep: Sleep has been good. Only getting up to pee in the wee hours of the mornings causes a bit of restlessness. I am beginning to come to terms with this gradually.

Looking Forward To… Our 24 week appointment! 

Any Baby/Pregnancy-Related Purchases? Nothing as of now, besides a few larger sized clothes for me. I am planning on getting rid of all my beautiful designer work clothes, cocktail dresses and casuals via an online service at the earliest. Rohith and I also made a quick browsing trip to BabiesRUs last weekend. It was overwhelming is to put it mildly. We eyeballed a lot of items, however thought really hard on what we would absolutely need vs. what we want for the baby, given our tiny apartment. Also since Rohith and I are very conscious about buying everything sustainable and green, it might be an additional challenge for us.

Stretch Marks?: Thankfully, none. After my morning shower, I am applying a cocoa butter oil and hoping this helps.

Belly Button In Or Out? Flat for now. I am not showing a lot also as yet. No one offers me a seat on the subway thus far!

Happy or Moody Most Of The Time? Happy!

Any Movement? Oh Boy! Feeling lots of wonderful (and strong) kicks and rolls daily. I also notice more movement while I am at work, in bed right before we go to sleep or I get up. In fact, often times I get up in the morning by the baby's kicks. Also happens right when I first go into a horizontal/ half lying position or eat/ drink something. Rohith and I joke that our baby is an early bird like his Ma, which doesn’t bode well for Rohith considering he is a night owl. Makes me very happy!

Pics: Coming soon.