The Power of Your Environment: Finding Balance in a Work-From-Home World

"If we don't create and control our environment, our environment creates and controls us."

It's a statement that rings with profound truth, yet many of us underestimate just how much our surroundings shape our lives.

The Subtle Dictator: Your Environment

Think about it – when you walk into a fine dining restaurant, you instinctively know there are certain things you can or cannot do. The atmosphere dictates your behavior. The same goes for entering a religious sanctuary or a corporate office. The setting influences how we work, how we behave, and even how we feel.

In recent years, one notable shift has occurred in our daily lives. The rise of remote work has dramatically altered the way we interact with our surroundings. While working from home offers incredible flexibility and freedom, it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to our overall well-being.

The Allure and Pitfalls of Working from Home

For some, working from home is a dream come true. It offers the opportunity to explore different corners of the world, pursue careers from remote locations, and enjoy a level of freedom that traditional office jobs can't provide.

However, there's a flip side to the coin. Working from home can be a double-edged sword. If you're someone with exceptional focus and the ability to seamlessly transition between tasks, it's an excellent option. But it can also erase the clear line between work and personal life, leading to a messy confluence of both.

Consider this: I found myself in a one-bedroom apartment with my husband, both of us working from home. Our dining table doubled as our workspace, positioned right in the heart of our open living and kitchen area. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our living space became a workplace.

Every day, our living area transformed into an office, despite it looking nothing like one. We'd pack away our makeshift office on weekends, but on weekdays, the moment I stepped out of the bedroom, my laptop was there, demanding attention. The line between work and personal life blurred until it was nearly indistinguishable.

I realized that the imbalance in my well-being was directly linked to how I managed my work life within my living space. They had merged into one giant, messy entity, and it was affecting my focus, relaxation, and overall happiness.

Creating a Clear Separation

To regain control over my well-being, I knew I needed to create a separation between work and personal life. The solution for me was to use a co-working space. It offered a clear boundary between work and relaxation, and it made a significant difference in my focus and productivity.

My body and mind recognized that when I was in the co-working space, it was time to work. But the moment I returned home, it was time to unwind, spend time with my husband, and engage in activities that brought joy.

If co-working spaces aren't accessible, there are other methods to establish a clear separation within your home. Create a designated work area, optimize lighting for productivity (using white light for work and warmer light for relaxation), and keep your workspace clutter-free. Packing up your tools when you're done simulates the transition from the workplace to home, allowing you to mentally switch off from work.

Another powerful approach is to connect with nature. If possible, have a view of nature from your workspace. It's not only visually refreshing but also emotionally grounding.

The Sachi Living Approach

The principles we follow at Sachi Living are designed to help individuals create environments that promote intentional living. We believe in crafting spaces that support both productive work and relaxation.

By employing these tools and fostering self-awareness through the Sachi practices, you can cultivate a healthier environment. The result? A more balanced and fulfilling life, where you can thrive in both work and personal spheres.

Remember, it's all about recognizing the impact of your environment and taking intentional steps to shape it in a way that serves your well-being. Your environment doesn't have to control you – you have the power to control it.

Let's make our environments work for us, not against us, and find that harmonious balance we all deserve.