Kickin’ It Outside 

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There’s no better cure to a stressful day than some fresh air and sunshine. Going outside does great things for the body, mind, and soul. I believe the outdoors were provided to us as a place to retreat to and reset. 

Body

Simply going outside can provide great health benefits. Time outside can help you be more active and even sleep better. Just a plant in a room can make someone feel less anxious or angry. Going outside emphasizes this, and exercising outside is the best thing you can do. Fresh air relieves stress which means you’re less likely to have high blood pressure (so get your daily walk in!). 

Mind

The outdoors boost and restore your mental energy.  The “greenness” of the outdoors has been proven to improve concentration and increase creativity levels. So if you’re ever in a rut at work, go outside for a few minutes to refuel. During that refuel the sunlight will keep up your serotonin to make you happier throughout the day.

The Japanese have a practice called forest bathing. This practice is not to exercise, but just be in nature and take it all in by opening up your senses. Even a quick forest bath unplugged from your devices can destress and relax you. So go bathe in the fresh air today!

 

Soul

For me at least, spending a few minutes outside makes me happier. Even if I’m just watching some Netflix, I prefer to do it from my hammock where I can feel the breeze and smell the freshness in the air. Fresh air is good for the soul in other ways as well. It is social, even if you aren’t trying to see people, you likely will. My time with friends has been almost exclusively on walks and hikes the last few months and I’ve really come to appreciate that people and the great outdoors are really some of the most important things in life. 

 

Our partner this month gets people outside on a regular basis. SKY Soccer strives to create an experience for all of its athletes that is enriching to their body, mind, and soul. They are doing this by creating an outlet for outdoor exercise, building discipline from the game, and providing a social experience too. 

So really, when you get stressed out, just remember to take a break. Go for a walk or a run, if you can’t go get a cup of coffee or just do something for yourself to refresh!

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Goodbye WFH

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As we say goodbye WFH (work from home) and hello to our new normals, it is important we take with us the lessons we have learned over the last few months.

Whenever I used to get really busy, I would always think it would be nice to have a couple of months where I could veg out and watch all the Netflix I wanted. You know what they say – be careful what you wish for! I think quarantine gave us all a taste of this and I’m not sure we will ever want quite so much time on our hands again.

The four or so months of staying in emptied the walls of Ment for a while however our members are slowly coming back into the office (yay!). After hearing from them, it is clear to see that while quarantine had its low points it also had its upsides. 

The New Normal

We have all been affected personally and professionally by the outbreak. During these last few months, we were challenged to create a new normal, and still are. For most, work did not stop, but WFH (work from home) meant that the kids had to be taught and taken care of, laundry needed to be done, dinner needed to be made, all while keeping up with our work tasks interchangeably. Thankfully there was camaraderie in the fact that we were all at home. Many of our members decided to create a new dedicated workspace from their homes but said that there were still many distractions. 

Beyond working and doing chores, our members found other ways to be productive with their time. Tim and Keilah from SKY Soccer both did a lot of exercising to keep their mental and physical health in check. The Harris’ spent a lot of time outside with their dogs. Kari spent a lot of time with her dog too (I think we all wore our dogs out with too many walks). Nick gardened and ran. Eric spent time Netflixing and planning for future trips. — these are just some of the things they did to keep happy and healthy during possibly the weirdest 4 months we’ll hopefully ever have. 

We’re All in This Together

Our members work in several different industries which is why work was very different for everyone. As we can see from above though, we all can relate at some point during these strange times. Some of our members saw business as usual, and some, unfortunately, saw a loss. However, everyone took this as a time to reevaluate in some way, shape, or form and slow down. Whether it was with their companies’ futures due to complications from the coronavirus, or their work-life balance routines. 

When it is all said and done, I think we can all agree it is nice to leave the laundry in the basket and step out for a few hours to go to the office, dedicate our time and brain space to our projects, and then be able to go home and feel completely present.

 

*Special thanks to our members with OnTarget Cleaning and Restoration for staying really busy by cleaning and sanitizing to protect from COVID-19! 

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Moving Your Body and Mind

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Do you realize that exercise and movement are in fact not always the same? Movement comes in many forms. There’s the physical type, of course, but then there’s the type that requires making personal progress in our lives; the kind that might not be visible to the eye but still requires much effort. This is why movement is also one of our favorite –ment words. 

The more simple definition of movement is described as a change or development. This could possibly be the best definition in my opinion. Why? Because the meanings are endless.  

 

Physical movement   

Yes, physical movement is important. Exercise is oftentimes based on the movements we already do in our daily lives. Things like walking, starting the lawnmower, squatting to reach your cooking pans, etc. It sounds pretty basic and to be honest – it is. But that’s the point!

It’s not always about burning calories, it’s about giving our bodies the attention they need. Weightlifting and running are great, but we forget about the smaller things that we can do as well. Things such as working on your posture by sitting on barstools or on the floor (I’ve been doing this a lot lately and it definitely draws focus on how your body is positioned). Stretching frequently and taking non-strenuous walks can also be a good option. 

Living a rather sedentary lifestyle isn’t uncommon these days and especially so when the word “quarantine” has become a casual thing. But research shows that the less active we are, the less active our minds are. This can lead to mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression. 

 

Movement in life

This one might be rather non-traditional, but it is definitely a thing. 

Be active. Not just physically, but in the things you do daily. Move towards the things you want. Be active in the journey towards accomplishing your goals. Set goals. Work towards them. Do little things. Whatever you do, don’t stop!

A part of what allows us to get to where we want to be in life is the people, places, and attitudes we surround ourselves with. We have the choice to actively seek out what we need in order to grow. As we said before, the opportunities are endless. 

We like to see everyone moving forward in life and how + where you work should not be what holds you back. That’s why we created a space with the freedom to move as you please, both in life and from one downtown Bowling Green hotspot to the next.

 

Bottomline

Progress comes from movement. You will never get anywhere if you don’t take that next step. We are here to take those steps with you, beside you, or carry you up to them if need be! You’re making big moves and so are we. Let’s do this. 

 

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DIY Workouts

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Goodbye traditional ways of working out, hello getting creative and DIY workouts. There is no denying that the new norms we have been forced to adapt to have brought about some disruption. However, it’s never too late to bring some normalcy and structure back into your life. Getting active and exercising is the perfect way to do this. Whether you’re still stuck at home or transitioning back to office life, we’ve got some ideas that should fit into the lifestyles of just about everyone. If you thought you needed a gym membership or fancy equipment, think again!

 

Get moving – at home

Got kids? No problem! Incorporate your little ones into the workout. I guarantee they will have a ball with it. Make it a family thing and bring everyone into it! 

Play a game. Make your workout a little more fun or rewarding. Grab a deck of cards, assign an action to each one and the number on your card is your number of reps! Try to get through the whole deck or challenge someone else. 

Gather up those household items. Creating our own home weights since…well the 2020 pandemic I guess. I’m not even going to lie and say I don’t have at least three college textbooks lying around that never got any use…until now! I’ve been hearing that water jugs can really up the challenge also. 

Bed stretches. Yep, it’s a thing and you’ll love it. Not having to get out of bed for this one, or better yet – already completing something before even putting your feet on the ground. That’s my kind of time management. 

Get involved. If we haven’t all learned by now, 2020 has gone remote. There are so many great ways to stay in touch with others during this time. From Zoom to Instagram Live, and even Facetime, group workouts are all great options. If nothing else, you can always watch past videos from most of these events so if you miss a workout, you can go back and find it! 

Our community partner Bowling Green Backyard Bootcamp has been doing just this for all of their bootcampers. Head coach and owner Allison Millet has classes for all types of workouts every day of the week! Affordable prices, perks, and a coach who knows how to keep in touch and engage with their audiences – That’s what we like to hear! Many of our members are taking advantage of their Ment member perk this week and are attending a series of FREE workout classes (some, maybe even as we speak.) 

Get moving – at the office

Office stretches. That’s right, you can do them at your workplace too. Most of us probably already are because let’s face it – sitting in a chair all day makes for the perfect way for your body to get stiff. Do you know how many modern-day offices I’ve seen with a yoga mat in the corner? I’m telling you, people are catching on! Taking a five-minute break and sitting on your phone at the desk OR simply standing up and moving a little to get your body back into alignment. It’s no longer a tough choice for me! 

Leg/arm lifts. If it’s something you’re already doing in the gym or at home, why not do it at the office! Bring those small hand weights with you in your work bag or grab a paperweight or stapler from the desk and build a little muscle while you check emails or watch that new training video your boss sent you. 

Take the stairs. This may not be for everyone but it definitely is an option. It requires discipline, I’ll admit, but it will be worth it when you get one step closer to meeting your goals! It’s a sure-fire way to get in some cardio at the workplace. 

Wall/desk workouts. There are really endless options for this one. From squats to wall push-ups to everything in between, all you really need is your desk chair and the four walls you’re already sitting in! Fair warning: shutting the office door and/or blinds may yield better results and prevent an office audience outside your window, but that one is up to you! 

Stand-up Meetings. I used to think this was a crazy idea. Standing up for an entire meeting? But then I realized in my 9 -5 job as a cashier, sitting down isn’t even an option. So actually I’ve just been training for this one! But seriously – sitting in a chair all day? It’s overrated. There are actually a ton of benefits to doing this in the workplace. Did you know it also improves productivity? If there was something you could do to think better – wouldn’t you? 

 

Make it a good one!

Sure our year may be looking a little different than we intended, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of it by getting creative with ways to maintain an active lifestyle. Maybe you have become a bit of a couch potato here lately? You’re not alone! But it’s never too late to re-spark that motivation that you had and make 2020 the year that you planned it to be. We haven’t forgotten about our 3:59s and if you never made a new year’s resolution, it’s never too late to set a goal (or a few) for yourself! 

If you thought Ment Cowork was just an office, we’re here to remind you that we are a community first and foremost. We’ve got the space to roll out your yoga mat, roll your workout ball in or anything else your heart desires. Don’t be a stranger, we are here and we are open! 

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Mental Health 101

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It’s your intern Hannah coming back at you guys with one last blog on mental health before I hand it over to Sarah for the rest of summer!

Mental health awareness month couldn’t have come at a better time. A worldwide pandemic, self-isolation, gloomy weather, and boredom = the perfect cocktail for a lack of motivation and a spike in poor mental health. We want to make sure that you guys stay on track with what the CDC has been called being kind to your mind.

 

Taking back control

I’ve been seeing so many social media posts and memes saying things like “why did I even buy a 2020 planner?” I have to say I have been feeling like that a lot lately too. But then it hit me. This doesn’t mean that I have to stop planning or looking forward to things. All storms will pass and this won’t last forever.                       

So why do I have to stop doing something that gave me such a sense of normality? We may not have much going on right now but the things we do shouldn’t be any different than before. Write it down in your calendar. Keep making to-do lists. Take control over the things you can. 

 

What does mental health look like?

It looks different for everyone. There is no handbook on how to care for yourself. For some of us, it means carving out more time for ourselves, finding happiness in the “little things,” taking more moments to practice gratitude, or simply remembering to breathe. I will be honest – it’s a little of all the above for me! 

I’m not going to make the usual basic list of things you need to do to take care of yourself because let’s be honest, only YOU know what you need to do. YOU know you best. But there are a few things some of us often forget are an option sooo…oh look at that, I am making a list after all. 

Be open with yourself and others. I know – easier said than done. 

Be mindful. Become aware of your situation and focus on the present. Simply be aware that you are aware – if that makes any sense? I just started this book and I highly recommend it! 

Eat healthy and be active. It sounds like the overworn cliche but I can guarantee it’s not! Our community partner Allison Millet acknowledges mental health with just as much importance as physical health and encourages everyone to find their balance. It doesn’t mean running a marathon, it just means adding a little more movement into your routine. 

Interact or recharge. These are complete opposites but also go hand in hand! There’s an interesting theory behind the personality types:  For my fellow introverts out there, spending too much time with others can cause us to feel drained and we need time to recharge in order to be at our best. For others, interaction leads to thriving and they need to be around others to be at their best. Both of these are okay. Just do what is best for you. Ment Cowork is a pretty even mix of both so you shouldn’t have trouble fitting in here! 

Create a routine. For some of us, it’s been all work and for others, it’s been nothing but play. Neither of these is “healthy.” It’s about that balance. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Set some goals but don’t overwork yourself either. Find a reason to “get out” and get into a different space. 

Create the perfect environment. Ever see a room with the perfect amount of natural light and your mood goes from 0 to 10? It’s a thing! From plants and skylights to cozy nooks and books – open coworking lounges to private office spaces, you know what you need and we’re here to make it happen. 

 

Struggling is normal

With the especially trying times here lately, many of us have experienced the blues. And That. Is. Okay. 

And if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that it really is those small things that make an impact on us. When all this was going on, was it the big trips, vacations and shopping sprees that brought us joy? Nope. It was time with our families, brewing coffee every morning, and having time to finish that book that made us look at things a little differently. 

 

But most of all…

We simply wanted to stop in and say that you are not alone. If you read one of our latest blogs on the reopening of cowork spaces during the pandemic, you’ve probably gotten a good idea of the direction we are heading with our current take on the situation. With that being said, whether it’s coworking or anything else in life, finding the perfect medium really is the key. 

Whether you’re jumping up and down to get back out into the world or hesitantly watching from afar, we will be here – ready when you are, to help you get back on track. 

 

Take care of the world by taking care of yourself.

-a Hannah Vanover original quote

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Let’s Move Into May

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From a few backyard workout sessions to a community-wide movement, our latest community partner Allison Millet of Bowling Green Backyard Bootcamp has taken her business from her home to all around the Bowling Green community.

We could all use a little extra motivation right now and that’s where our fitness friend Allison Millet comes in!

“There are ways that we can all have more movement. It’s about finding ways to focus on you.” 

 

About Allison

Allison has been a coach for over 20 years and has taken her passion for fitness to the next level since the start of her backyard workouts in 2010. 

What started as a small group of people began to grow until the lot beside her home was no longer sufficient. She soon found herself asking, “Now what?” 

Millet now holds classes at multiple parks and locations throughout the community and has an inside gym location during winter months. 

Backyard Bootcamp is made up of a team of coaches all offering their own set of classes from yoga and stretching, to classes designed specifically for glutes, abs, upper body, and more, along with mash-up and all-encompassing workout classes. Basically, if you need it, they offer it! 

The classes are focused on helping bootcampers find the best version of themselves that they can be – one that is healthier and happier. 

 

Working out your mind

As we know, it’s mental health awareness month so we’re all trying to focus on our health a little more here lately, right? Did you know practicing a little extra movement can be just the way to do that?! No, I promise this isn’t a gimmick to make you put down the wine glass and hop on the treadmill – it’s me simply reminding you that getting up and getting out (in your front yard or on your yoga mat that is) may be just what the doctor ordered. 

“It’s a stress reliever… working out releases those happy endorphins,” says Allison. 

Studies show that we’re not lying guys! You’re hearing this straight from the mouth of someone who can barely touch her toes most days, so believe me when I tell you that having a little extra time on my hands lately to practice yoga has been an excellent relief for me. The best part is? You don’t even have to be good at it! You just have to do it.  

 

Making it happen

Allison also spoke on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by doing things such as practicing healthy eating habits and enjoying the simple things in life like spending time with family and being in the moment. 

The local business owner has not let the current circumstances get the best of her. When regulations were put in place, she was quick to adapt and switch to an online format for all of her classes. Allison stays connected mainly via Facebook with a group page specifically for those who are members or what she calls “bootcampers.” All calendars and weekly challenges are now online and can be found on the calendar on her website.

Classes are offered on a 6-week basis allowing people to sign up ahead of time and take part in the bootcamp experience. (Ment members — you guys are in for a treat!) As of right now, all community members are invited to join the classes at any time. Another perk with the new format: bootcampers currently have access to the online “vault” of all previously recorded classes, allowing everyone to work out on their own time. 

For more details (trust me you’re gonna want to see all of the awesome things she is doing) check out her website and start moving toward a better you! 

 

Moving on up (and hopefully outside) 

We’re moving in a direction of our own here at Ment Cowork. One that includes taking steps to get back on track as a bit of normality creeps back into our daily routines. Here’s to hoping, better yet knowing, that our partner Allison can help us out with this one! Whether we’re fighting the daily struggles of COVID-19 or fighting to shed those pesky pounds, success is just a kick, punch, and a few “you can do it!”-s away.

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The Perfect Environment – Going Above and Beyond

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We know that environment makes all the difference in your work-life balance and that’s why it’s the second of our core values. Something that we aren’t straying from during these times. 

“So many people are getting caught up in all of the chaos and forgetting to go back to their roots,” Ment Cowork owner JD Haase enlightens us.

That’s why we are sticking true to what we know and bringing you the info that you NEED to hear. We definitely put focus into how we can make our Ment home a thriving community, but it’s also much more than that. 

Our current COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to shift their way of thinking and areas of focus in their lifestyles, workplaces and beyond. Cool hangouts and fun perks are great but now it’s also about looking at “how can this place contribute to my mental and physical health?” While many are now considering how they can effectively make their environments safer and promote healthier living, we were ahead of the game when we started here at Ment. 

The most important thing in time of crisis – preparation. While some simply see these little things as advancements, we see them as precautions and care for our members. Things like touchless lights and faucets to advanced HVAC and cleaning care routines. 

Our forward thinking building owner and real estate developer JD Haase had truly thought of it all before allowing the city’s first ever coworking environment to open its doors. Haase’ prior experience in the food industry made him more aware of the precautions that needed to be taken in the business world today. 

 

 

Going All In

Our staff discovered the potential of Ment Cowork – a true definition of a diamond in the rough, when JD said the building had spoken for itself. 

“The space let us know what it wanted…it sounds crazy but it was just wanting to come to life,” he said. 

New life was breathed into the space over a nearly two year span.

“It was a long process but we wanted to make sure that everything was up to par.” 

The renovations and additions to the building have made it modern, functional and safe and something that our staff believes will outlive us all. 

“I’ve never been one to sweep things under the rug,” said Haase. He spoke on the importance of doing something 100% or not at all.

“I don’t believe in grey. Things should be black or white, not in between.”

 

Main coworking lounge in Ment Cowork – before

 

 

 

Main coworking lounge in Ment Cowork – after

 

Location, location, location

For us, it hasn’t just about what was in our building, but what was outside as well. While many businesses are temporarily closed, we have seen a decent amount of traffic and downtown happenings here near 911 College St. Why is this? Because our area offers the best of traveling, convenience, and proximity to the square, ballparks and other walking paths as well as so many local businesses, shops and restaurants.  

If we haven’t realized by now, mental health is just as important. With Spring having arrived and going green and living healthy being a topic on everyone’s minds, many are finding their own ways to get out without “getting together.” This means taking a walk or simply getting some fresh air. That’s where a little sunlight, downtown views and location can make a world of difference.

One thing that I can almost guarantee we will all be a little more cautious about when this is all over? Distance! Call it luck but we’re not too worried about that either around here. From private office and dedicated desk options to our open coworking areas and floor plans, we’ve got this stuff down pat! *sigh of relief* 

 

Our Advice

Stay ahead of the game. Research. Find out what people are looking for in their ideal place of business.

Learn from the past. The mistakes of today will be the lessons of tomorrow…is that not a famous quote yet because I feel like I just made one?? This pandemic will change how we all operate our business models when doors are opened again. 

Stay aware. Keep your eyes and ears open to what people are talking about. Listen to what people want. Our needs and wants are shifting and will continue to do so. 

Most importantly – stay true to who you are. Are we perfect here at Ment? Well of course not but we are {ment} to adapt. We are taking notes and keeping up our usual creative flow of ideas to bring you all even more than we had before.

 

We can’t wait for you all to be back. See you on the other side! 

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Bringing Life Into Your Workspace

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Social distancing doesn’t include plants am I right?! We love our green friends now more than ever! Whether it’s for the little extra mood boost that they are giving us, the improved air quality and immune system boost or the new home projects we can take on with them, they have become our new favorite thing.

Did we mention it’s officially spring? Unfortunately, some of the joys of our beloved season have taken a backseat to the issues surrounding our current COVID-19 pandemic…but let’s not forget the importance of making the best from our situations. 

And let’s also not forget – creating your ideal work space is key in having an environment that motivates and inspires you. If you are not happy in your workspace, then chances are you are not producing your best work. 

Kicking it back

If we take a look back on that little danish lifestyle term “hygge” and our previous theme from February, we can find that plants are just one of the many ways that you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere (and one that allows you to be more productive). It’s all about finding those little things that bring us joy and comfort – something that has become a must here lately as we could all use a little extra hygge right about now. 

 

All about the Biophilic Design

When it’s hard to get outside – bring the outside in! Don’t just take our word for it, there is an actual term for this practice and one that Ment has 

greatly taken into consideration with the design of our coworking space.

“Biophilia refers to the fact that as human beings, we have an instinctive bond with nature and our natural surroundings.”

The use of Biophilic design has many benefits including enhanced wellbeing and boosts in worker morale. Research shows that flowers generate happiness and reduce stress related depression while also improving memory and concentration. 

 

Health Benefits

There are some crazy cool benefits that can come from plants. Did you know air quality is actually a major problem? Even more so in your own house than in the middle of a city! This is because air pollutants make their way into these places that we call home and many times don’t make their way out. This leads to increased chances of bacteria and viruses…sound familiar? 

Let’s not forget about how big of a role mental health plays in our wellbeing. It is important more so now than ever before that we don’t take this for granted. Simply being around a plant, whether looking at it, smelling it or just working around it can lead to positive effects on the brain, boosting your moods which in turn boosts your immune system and relieves stress. What don’t these little guys do?! 

 

Redecorating time is here

If you’re looking for a way to fill an empty corner or add some color then of course Plants are the perfect way to do that as well. With the extra time on our hands, it could be the perfect opportunity for us to all do some much needed redecorating. Turns out theres even a science behind it. Using the techniques of Feng Shui can move you in the right direction towards using them effectively. 

 

Get creative

You know you’ve been looking at those home projects and wishing you had the chance to do them yourself – chances are you do now. Get creative with nontraditional ways of displaying your florals and greenery such as on carts, benches, shelves, crates, or even a ladder (per my next home project for my own house). Limited on space? Get a little crazy and hang them around! Hanging plants are always a unique and fun way to show off the life of your plants! 

Still wanting to stick with your roots of desk and table plants? No problem – get crafty! The amount of cute and creative plant pots that I have come across recently is enough to make you want to buy a plant anyways. Paint your own and make it your next DIY project – this way you can make sure that your pots and decor match your space in a way that you want them to.

 

 

Get floral

If you thought this was only about green, think again. Flowers are just as important and if not more aesthetic than your ordinary plants. Not to mention, they add an extra pop of color while giving you many of the same benefits that your greenery provides. Many local shops are finding ways to remain active with customers, so contact your local florist to see if there are options for you to get your hands on some florals during this pandemic. 

 

Fake it till you make it

Sometimes, for many reasons such as allergies, workplace restrictions, (or in this case, the unfortunate times of a Coronavirus outbreak) we turn to using man made greenery. This a perfectly acceptable (and honestly smart in my opinion) way to bring the outdoors in without all of the hassle and heartbreak of having to depart from your once full of life peony. With the latest announcement made by Governor Beshear, it’s harder than ever to get out and buy local products, so this may be your best option at the moment. It’s the cost effective gift that keeps giving! 

 

 

Asking our partner

We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask our community partner Jules Sandlin, owner of Jules with the Flowers and current community partner, for her take on this. Sandlin says that using unique things found in nature such as twigs, leaves and even moss can be unique ways to add a personal and natural touch.

“These things just add an extra element of texture and nature and that’s always a good idea.” 

Most important: have fun and create a space that is truly your own! Use this time away to make your work or home environment the best that it can be. No matter the budget or style that you’re going for, there is a design that works for you and we can guarantee that it has some greenery and color with your name on it. 

We simply have to give a shoutout to our partner Jules for the added beauty this month around our offices and for not letting the unfortunate circumstances stand in the way of our partnership. We are thankful to have such an amazing workspace that captures the feels and vibes that we aim for. From the exposed brick and perfectly placed greenery, (all thanks to Sarah Smalling Interiors), to the skylights and windows galore, we have captured the essence of nature in a way that makes us Ment and we hope that you can do the same for your workspace. After all, there’s just something about that natural life that we just can’t get enough of these days!

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Tips for How to (Sanely) Work Remotely

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For some of us, working remotely has already been a thing for years, but for others it’s a whole new concept. Many are now transitioning to a new way of working due to the rise of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the precautions being taken. From major companies, media sources and universities world wide, we are being encouraged to stay home. While freelancers and digital nomads have been practicing social distancing for years, some of us are finding it challenging to be productive within the walls of our homes.

So what can you do to work productively from home? We want to share a few tips that we use in our coworking space that are easily adaptable to you in your home right now.

 

Be Aware

If you’re like us, you’ve probably felt as though you live behind your desk most days. Now it will be even harder for you as you navigate how to divide your home life from your work life. The key is to be aware of where you are doing your work, when you are doing it and how often you are doing it. Keeping this separate from your home life as much as possible will keep you from going stir crazy. 

Going Off the Clock

While it is necessary to be available when needed, it’s also important to make sure we know the importance of being away from our work when we need to as well.  This means fighting that urge to check those work emails when you’re “off the clock.” Studies say this can lead to further work anxiety and we have enough anxiety going on as is. Those emails can wait, because sometimes your sanity cannot. Take care of yourself first so you can do a fantastic job later.

Take Breaks Often

This could be when you break to eat or when you need to just get a breath of fresh air. (Also we would like to point out – please break to eat. Sometimes that is a forgotten necessity.) Eat lunch away from your work spot. Whether this is your at-home desk or your couch, step away from your work while you eat. Trust me, your crumb-less keyboard will thank you and so will your mind. Get outside, exercise in between Zoom meetings or even take your laptop (if you must) to your back porch while the kids plays outside for a change.

Switch It Up

A key factor in getting work done that we focus on is being comfortable and productive. Chances are if you’re working in the same spot day after day, you may lose inspiration or start to feel burnt out. Being told you have to remain at least 6 feet away from others and preferably stay in your home only adds to the feeling of “burnt-out-ness.” Get creative. Set yourself up for success and designate a few work spots for yourself and your spouse. Most importantly, make sure they are not the spots where you relax or spend time “off the clock.” 

Practice Self-Care

Probably most important of all, take care of yourself. This is what all of these tips boil down to. Simple things like taking a shower, creating more than complaining, drinking water, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep and so on… These few simple improvements are what is going to get us through this time. Do it for yourself, your career, your family and your sanity.

 

 

Some could look at this time as another roadblock in the world of business. We choose to look at it as a push in the direction toward restructuring and adapting to modern practices. Coworking has been a leader for years in the societal shift to working remotely. Although the current circumstance is not favorable for many reasons, we are still staying here and being a resource when needed.

Best of luck to you in your work journeys remotely!

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Embracing the “Hygge” Lifestyle

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If you love over-sized sweaters, fuzzy socks, salt lamps and have an obsession with blankets, then you are going to be all ears for this. Our theme for the month of February – “Hygge.” 

Raise your hand if you’ve heard of this crazy Danish concept before. No? Me either. Well that is until I took an international public relations class last semester. I chose to study the country of Denmark because, well they are supposedly the happiest place and people in the world and need I say more? I kept coming across this concept so much that I just had to research it. Turns out it’s not crazy at all and most of us are actually practicing it – it’s actually pretty neat! 

HYGGE

Originating in Denmark, Hygge is a term for the all encompassing feeling of comfort and well being. 

Synonyms:  Happiness, coziness, security, simplicity, reassurance 

“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home.” 

Enjoying the little things in life, practicing self care, being present in the moment and creating a feeling of contentment are all ways in which one can practice this concept. Sounds like something you’re down for? We sure are! With all of our natural light, diffusers, lamps in every corner, (and don’t forget the couches) we are all about this way of life. 

The Danes practice this concept as a way to combat the winter and rainy day blues. Sound familiar? I ask as I am writing from the comfort of my couch, pajamas, coffee in hand and blankets in my lap on this gloomy February day. 

And now, with our newest community partner Slow as Folk, we have beautiful artwork on display all month long to help tie this whole beautiful and comfortable lifestyle practice together. Slow as Folk artist Sarah Gust is all about a simple lifestyle and incorporating comfort items into her daily routine as well as her art. 

“I want to be comfortable and I want my customers to be comfortable as well.”

We can relate to this on a spiritual level  because if you don’t have comfort, how will you be satisfied with your work, life, etc.? Our members deserve to have the space where they can work in an atmosphere that works for them – whatever that may be. With this being said, we just had to jump on board with this concept for our theme of the month. 

Ment Cowork will be here all month long helping you to bring a little Hygge into your life.

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