Building new routines – Lessons learned after 1 week of confinement
A few years back when I was reading American Tabloid by James Ellroy I was shocked by a word “Compartmentalization”.
So happy to write it and not pronounce it…
More than a word, it’s a survival concept in the book which allows the main character Pete Bondurant to live through the many hard stuff he’s facing in his life.
Now my life is far less extreme and dangerous. Although cycling through the Bois de Boulogne to commute everyday does feel a bit hazardous sometimes. But for me, compartmentalization is a discipline that I have learned to apply in my daily life, especially since I have kids.
When I get back home during the week, I leave my phone and put 100% of my attention to my family. When I go to bed, my phone is turned off and charges in the kitchen. I have a good old alarm clock in my bedroom. When I’m at work I’m focused on what I’m doing.
I’m the same person, same personality, but I don’t mix things up.
This balance has been really challenged by the recent confinement and the fact that suddenly there’s no physical and time distance between work and family.
I suddenly have to beg my kids not to interrupt a call and to refrain myself from answering on slack when my work day is supposed to be ended.
Luckily I work for a company that is a model in terms of caring and understanding of people’s situation. And I’m surrounded with extremely nice colleagues who for some of them Iive the same experience.
After one week, I now realize that it’s a matter of recreating a new routine and a new discipline.
- At home, we agree on a shift planning every evening with my husband. Not an easy talk!
I’ve now come to the fact that we need to cook lunch and take a real lunch break with the kids. So far from my usual habits during the week.
I put my 20 month old daughter to bed for her nap and now actually enjoy this small break to just breath…
And after work, I have established a class time with my 5 yo, who’s so excited about that moment. And I must say I’m too now.
And also I’m paying less attention to the jokes received 10 times from different people and platforms!
- At work, (i.e. my kid’s bedroom) I’m trying to have more efficient meetings of 45 minutes maximum.
I’m postponing meetings that can wait and focus on the essential.
And I now manage to stay focus even though my kids are jumping in the background of my calls.
Usually weeks go by so fast but this week felt pretty long. I actually appreciate that feeling.
This whole confinement is a very special experience. I feel extremely lucky to only have to worry about my new discipline. My family is safe and sound, and we couldn’t possibly have a better confinement setup.
But it’s always funny to realize that although I consider myself a rather flexible and adaptable person, the first thing I’m seeking for is a new routine.
Take care every body, and stay home.
