A Natural Homebody

Look, I love staying home. I will find as many workarounds as possible so that I can be home. I’m not one who needs weekend events or after-work happy hour. Leave me out of it. Being a homebody means enjoying my own company and having my own time.

However, there’s more to my world, and my body will need a change of scenery at times. It’s not that I get tired of being home, either. The truth is that hermit mode can become too comfortable. But the world exists outside, and I need air and sunlight, and human interaction that isn’t virtual.

So, the sixth and final lesson I learned after six years of working from home is: Being at home does not mean staying at home.

Nothing Dramatic Happened

To be honest, nothing major sparked this lesson learned. I just happen to know it’s the truth.

I remember back when I worked onsite, I found any reason to take a break outside. The summers were always stressful, and I found myself staring blankly at my work at a quarter to 4 PM — and trying not to fall asleep while standing at my height-adjustable table.

Back then, I took my headphones and got some steps in, trying to reduce my overstimulation. It was healing to feel the sunlight and avoid the lantern flies while Luther and Teddy’s soothing voices were in my ears. Hearing the occasional truck carrying whatever an office building would need was supposed to be annoying.

But oddly enough, it was what I needed to hear. Life outside. I felt refreshed away from the fluorescent lights and work chatter.

Working from home is a lot less on me. Perhaps that’s why I don’t go outside as much anymore — there’s nothing that I feel needs escaping from. But it doesn’t mean I don’t still need to go outside. In fact, I’m reminded of that memory whenever I go outside and hear the trucks passing through my neighborhood.

Simply Stepping Out

All I have to do is make the choice. I’ve started small with one 30-minute time block in the mornings to step out on the terrace after breakfast.

The beauty of going outside is that you don’t need a plan. It takes me twelve seconds to get on the terrace. If you don’t want to walk, find a bench and park it. For me, feeling the breeze and hearing the mourning doves is soothing. I hardly bring my headphones, because it’s the start of the day. There’s not much to reflect on, but I spend time reminding myself of what type of person I want to be at work.

Occasionally, I will have a plan and decide to do a solo date on the weekend. From bowling to museums to parks, I make sure time outside is fun and restorative.

Especially as an artist, my creative juices start to flow again when I step outside. If nothing else, this fact will always make getting out worth it.

A Short Hermit Break

Once I return to my home, I feel refreshed. I appreciate my home even more after I go out. Stepping outside helps me separate the parts of my life that can easily blend together.

Even homebodies need a fresh view. It can be as simple as slipping on comfortable shoes and getting familiar with one area over time, making it your spot for 30 minutes.

I said once before that my home isn’t a cage. As much as I love being here, I still need to leave at times. So, getting outside is a requirement I must keep for myself.

Have a cozy workday, dear.