I’m writing today with reference to the workwear choices and lack of attention regarding grooming which seems to be attached to working at home.
Priorities have slipped
Whilst your new routine probably affords you more time and hopefully, you have managed to squish something constructive into those extra magic minutes, somehow your normal hair, shave and dressing appropriately routine has potentially slipped to a lower priority.
Drawing of me by my 4 year old daughter below…Those are prickles on my chin, apparently!
What does it matter?!
If you are doing the work required (and I would hasten to add this isn’t autobiographical) what does it matter if you are dressed just in your pants?
If your only motivation for putting on makeup or doing your hair is a team video call, then maybe it is a subconscious rebellion against societies expectations rather than laziness!
Laugh it off…
I encouraged my colleagues to each wear a hat for our video calls every day… it was funny, it was silly but it also hid my untamed fluff masquerading as a hair style. I know makeup for the ladies has become something of less importance. Perhaps lockdown is teaching us to be less self conscious and more confident about ourselves.
By the time we’ve covered every part of our body to go buy a loaf of bread what does it matter that you skipped the hair gel and left your lipstick at home?!
Your locks and lockdown
Unless you are lucky enough to live with a hairdresser or are prepared to gamble an ear letting your partner play Sweeny Todd you are probably sporting a Barnet a little more unkempt than usual.
For the men, it might be now is the time to try growing a real beard… (although they’re not great for germs i gather) and if your partner is like mine you won’t be getting any kisses for the duration of its stay!
Going back better
A bit like the jilted fiancé in a cheesy rom-com who works out tirelessly at the gym and dabbles with several crash diets with the hope to win her former lover back, maybe you too are feeling the first day back will be a chance to debut ‘the new you?’
What’s been going on?
For my own health benefits, rather than to try impress and in a bid to keep fit whilst nursing a knee injury my morning exercise has transformed. From a run to a walk with some press ups/ sit ups/ squats etc thrown in to mix it up. I’m certainly in the best shape I’ve ever been in, and feeling good for it. Have you rediscovered exercise? How’s that working out?
3,2,1 back in the room
So, I’m back to work… It was a gentle start, what with the 1st May being on a Friday. I set my alarm for 6am, got out for a walk, did some exercises and was logged into my emails by 8 o’clock (once I remembered my password!)
If you are back to work too, I hope it went well for you. If you are starting a period of furlough best of luck and make the most of it – If you need any words of encouragement check out my ‘one man went’ blogs.
Speak again soon.
Andy
New Working 