We just said goodbye to a mostly gray February, Christmas feels like it was approximately forever ago, and the actual start of spring is still weeks away. As a team of technologists, our work is mostly indoors and mostly pretty sedentary, which can amplify the “Is it spring yet?” doldrums for even the most resilient among us.
We’re serious about work-life balance at Clevyr, so in the office, we have a ping pong table and Nerf guns that let us decompress and re-energize. We also have a long tradition of taking an afternoon walk to let lunch settle and talk out work and non-work ideas. Our focus on balance also means that for the past five years, we’ve had a hybrid model where most of us are working remotely most days - and ping-pong and foam darts just aren’t as fun by yourself.
Strategies for a Smoother Season
We asked our team how they stay sane(ish), positive, and productive while we wait for the sun to come back, and got some great advice.
Go Outside and Get Some Sun
Our Executive Vice President, Andy Bigbie, loves a good long walk, even when it’s chilly or downright cold. “If there’s snow on the ground, it makes things so quiet, and at night it’s so bright out you can see and hear everything so vividly.” He loves the opportunity to clear his mind so he can come back relaxed, refocused, and refreshed.
If you can’t bear the thought of actually going outside when it’s below freezing, Project Manager Erin Corbin recommends “live plants near your desk and sitting near a sunny window.” Our Chief Operating Officer, Katie Paddock, says, “Winters in Oklahoma mean you have to bring the outside in! Keeping the curtains open and the houseplants close is a non-negotiable to keep the mood up.”
Our bodies require natural sunlight to make vitamin D (to keep bones strong) but natural light can also help regulate your body's circadian rhythm, so spending time outdoors or nearly outdoors can help just about every bodily function, from sleep to digestion to temperature regulation.
Diet and Hydration
Supporting your mind and body with plenty of water and a variety of healthy foods is vital for mood, energy, and focus. Senior Operations Process Engineer Anne Saunders is always on top of her 5-a-day! “When it’s gray and freezing outside, a snack of bright fruit or a “girl lunch” with lots of veggies and finger foods feels like sunshine!”
When we’re down, we tend to reach for simple carbs, but it’s important to incorporate a variety of foods into your diet that build brain power and improve your mood. Foods rich in omega-3 fats, like fish and nuts, and foods with high levels of tryptophan, like chicken, spinach, and bananas can make a difference. And when in doubt, have a glass of water!
We also love our hot drinks, from CEO Matt Williamson’s signature lattes to Tech Lead Aaron Krauss’s hot tea. Just keep an eye on your caffeine intake, and try decaf coffee or herbal teas if you’re getting too much.
Exercise
Developer Geena Jackson reminds us to, “Get up from time to time and move around! Bonus points if you use that time to play with your pets!”
Developer Michael Watson extolled the benefits of a standing desk and taking walks, while CTO Jason Post combines the two with his treadmill desk. Process Engineer Project Management Office Lead Jessica Ichien also favors a treadmill for walks on rest days from her regular workout.
Some of us love indoor soccer and Brazilian jiu jitsu, but you don’t have to join a team or a gym to benefit. Low impact activities like walking, yoga, longboarding, and tai chi are long-time Clevyr favorite activities. We love the mood boost we get from regular exercise, and the increased endorphins can actually improve thinking and memory!
(source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-can-boost-your-memory-and-thinking-skills)
Social Connection
Working remotely can feel pretty isolating, but it’s important to maintain social interactions with colleagues, friends, and family to combat loneliness. Our team is active in chat and our work management platform all day every day, but sometimes that’s not quite enough.
Senior Dev Jer Brand uses virtual meetings to stay connected, “not that you have to even talk, but just being able to is nice.” Senior Developer Chris Fritz goes further, working from the office to recharge his social battery - “2.5 years of full-time remote work at my last job was enough for me.”
President Matthew Brimer won the day, though. He combines exercise and social connection by coaching his kids’ volleyball teams - he gets multiple opportunities to “hit volleyballs and yell at teenagers” every week!
Getting Help
Real talk - if you think you might have seasonal depression, especially if your symptoms are severe, talk to a healthcare professional. There are therapy techniques and medication options that can help, but we’re not doctors, and nothing in this blog post is intended as medical advice.
