AdNews last year launched the WFH Diaries during the depths of the fallout from the pandemic, a way of sharing how people managed their days.
This time, with lockdown running again, we're asking for a run down on how everyone likes to start their day working from home. Some dress to impress, others slip on the t-shirt. And everyone has their own way to carve the day into manageable chunks.
Kristy Camarillo, Head of People & Culture, The Royals:
My daily lockdown routine starts earlier than I’d like...
2am – 3am: Toddler sleep training.
5am – 7am (anywhere in between): My alarm comes in human form. Two little pairs of feet waking me whenever they see fit. My husband brings me coffee in bed (bless), where our youngest and I workshop the progress (or lack there) of his sleep training.
7.30am: ...And up. Rotating choices of cereal, toast or smoothies. Mine is consumed standing up while I whizz through getting ready. (I’ve got my routine down to 8 mins flat, including hair, make-up and outfit. I’m sure the lack of time spent is starting to show.)
8am: My husband clocks on to get a jump on his work before our daily “Groundhog Day” baton relay begins.
8.30am – 5pm: A whirlwind of meetings, calls, Zoom classrooms, movement breaks, trying to negotiate a satisfactory balance of toddler and kindy activities (tough crowd), short-order cook shifts, homeschooling attempts and cleaning up mess – with Daddy and I alternating, usually with a quick high-5 and coffee handover in between.
My schedule today: Vibe checks with Royals, the finishing touches on our new staff performance program, interviews with potential future Royals, a leadership meeting and COVIDSafe policy updates.
Somewhere in there was lunch. Actually sitting down. With sun on my face. Exhale.
5pm: Spaghetti is on. Meatballs baking. I squeeze in another work call while supervising bath time.
5.30pm – 6pm: Family dinner. Squeaky clean faces now covered in pasta sauce. Questioning my decision-making on the order of tonight’s evening routine.
6pm – 7pm: The Royals’ Virtual Trivia Night. One of our junior creative rising stars takes out the title to beat our reigning champion, the Sydney ECD (aka “Quizzie Rascal”). Possible wrong career move.
7pm – 8pm: Bedtime stories, wind down and nightly Moshi* ritual (*our favourite sleep and mindfulness app for kids). Warning: It’s so effective it works on adults, but tonight I avoid waking up suddenly an hour or so later.
8pm: Success. House quiet. Yaaasssss.
8pm – 9pm: Time for my online Barre class (NOT “Barr-ay”, ScoMo). I’m glad I found the motivation. It’s worked wonders to shake off stress and I chase it with a short guided meditation on gratitude and joy (an extra mood booster).
9pm: Notifications snoozed, quick shower and a (large) glass of rosé firmly in hand, I take a grounding barefoot victory lap around our backyard to breathe in the fresh air and stare up at the stars. Our decision to move out of the city a few years ago feels more advantageous right now.
9.30pm: A few more emails, respond to Whatsapp messages from friends and family, check tomorrow’s calendar and toy with actioning a few more things or a quick Netflix binge.
I’m out of steam. It’s a Tempranillo and chocolate kind of night.
Lockdown Upsides:
- The Royals. Winning pitches, delivering the standard and volume of work we have, and always looking out for each other – in spite of the lockdown curve balls – is so inspiring.
- Bonus time with the kids. It’s the simplest of moments with them that have meant the most.
Lockdown Downsides:
- Like most working mums who love their job, I’ve found trading “me” days in the office to instead wear 6+ different hats has been the biggest challenge. I miss the energy, the spontaneous conversations, the light, the killer views, the espresso and The Royals’ individuality that feels somehow caged in on screens. Can’t wait to harness that again.
- The socialisation the kids are craving.
- The lack of deep work time.
Lockdown Learnings:
- A routine is good but as the weeks drag on, some variety or something new can be a godsend.
- Looking after yourself is not an indulgence, it’s self-care. Any minutes are better than no minutes. It will boost focus, reduce stress and help keep you sane.
Some days I feel like I can move mountains, and others I couldn’t push a hoarded roll of TP.
Let’s face it, we’re all fatigued at having to cope with lockdowns, but we CAN do this.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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