March 20, 2020·By David

8 Years in Social Isolation

Thanks to the wonderful Louise, who now finds herself on the Key Workers list as a teacher, alongside me as someone in food production (bread), distribution, sale and delivery; our garden has been a lifeline for me as a getaway from my home office and more recently our kitchen based bakery and repurposed garage as a storage and packing warehouse.

I realised a while back that my social network was left behind in Sydney. Then after backing off from my Kop Hill Climb responsibilities, which was mainly pub meetings, I probably spend 90% of my time at home. The few trips out being non food shopping, for a meal or to visit family. All of which are now curtailed.

So here are my tips for those newly confined to, and working from, the family home;

Go to work. That is get up at a sensible time, make the bed, [shave,] get changed for work and commute to your workspace, whether that’s a home office of some other room. Stop and play with any pets that slow you down on route.
Don’t turn the TV on, but do turn the radio on, you’ll appreciate the chatter. Ignore landline family calls, but plan to make calls to customers and suppliers so you have someone to talk to during the work day. Make use of video conferencing.
Avoid the urge, or nagging other half, to do homely chores such as washing, hoovering etc. Save these for sharing at the weekends :) But if you can squeeze these in during your breaks it’ll help smooth things over.
Stop for a morning coffee break, afternoon tea break and at least 45 minutes for lunch. Do these out of your work space, I watch the news in our living room at 1pm or 1:30pm some days. Incorporate a walk round the block or into the garden.
If the weather is OK sit outside, if you can in a sunny spot, even better out of obvious sight of your home. If you feel like more time away go to the nearest park, or drive through the countryside. It refreshes the soul.
Make time for your pets if you can, I sit and play with the cats just after a coffee or tea break. It takes your mind off other things, and stops them pestering you.
Stop work at a predetermined time every day if you can, it’s something to aim for and your partner should appreciate that you’re working until you aren’t.
Listen to your partner, and ask about their day off if you can get a word in. I usually just have to listen. Try not to look too disinterested.
Get a hobby or two that you can do from home. I tinker with old cars, gaze through telescope at the moon and write software occasionally.
Plan ahead, put some dates in the calendar for events that you’d like to go too, shows, short breaks, holidays etc. That gives you something to aim for and look forward to. I’ve not done enough of this and should have.

That’s not an exhaustive list but I think it captures most of my thoughts on the subject. Now pop over to my food business and send some post and packing tasks my way.

Good luck, and be kind to others,

David Banes
Bean & Grain - Artisan Food & Drink