Home AT Work
Like many people I have always done things to make my office at work "homey". It wasn't until I returned to work from my first maternity leave that I really, really ached for my family - for my home. Fortunately I knew my little guy was in great hands as his Daddy was home with him, but still I longed to be there too along his side as he had his "firsts".
I remember on my first day back to work, my husband and son phoned (while I was in a meeting) and left the sweetest ever voice message for me. From that time on if I ever felt stressed, overwhelmed or just overcome with missing home I would listen to that message, to their voices, and amazingly I would feel comforted and calm - making it much easier for my workday to carry on. Perhaps it made my work day more manageable because their message reminded me of what I was working for - and that I was working to live, working for my family - NOT living to work!
Here are a few ideas to make transitioning back to work easier and also to make your office homier:
* Know your rights at work with regards to things such as breastfeeding etc. you are allowed to take time for this (even if your child is over a year old).
* Start your first day back on a Wednesday. This way you are not overwhelmed with an entire week ahead of you, and it also gives you enough time to begin to get into a routine again.
* Make a collage of photos and sayings and hang it on your wall.
* Make one drawer in your office your Home Drawer. Put things in it that remind you of home, or simply things that make you feel good. Things you might include: photographs, a favourite stone, a bottle of lavender oil of grapefruit extract, your favourite tea or coffee drink, one of baby's many receiving blanket, a meaningful poem.
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Photo courtesy of Admr at www. freedigitalphotos.net
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