If you and your spouse are both working from home, you may be experiencing a little too much togetherness. And then there are the kids who are bored and not at school.
Those who have the resources have become accustomed to large living spaces. Others around the world live in small dwellings that house their entire extended family. Even when I was a kid, homes weren’t so big. Friends from huge families tell me they lived in less than 1200 square feet with one bathroom—and this was to accommodate nine children and two parents. But times have changed, and many have the luxury of their own secluded home cave (unless you have very young ones, then no place is private!).
A friend of mine, Anne Kearney, is an environmental psychologist and artist. She and her family are living in Barcelona where residents are currently under quarantine as COVID-19 ravages Spain. Their college-age daughter flew over from the States at spring break, and is nestled in the apartment with her parents and high-school-age brother. There’s no walking outside if it’s not for food or medical treatment. At 8PM each night, however, everyone throws open their balcony doors to cheer and applaud healthcare workers.
Anne was a NASA consultant on the Mars project. Her task was to consider how to keep astronauts from going bananas on such a prolonged mission. She’s written an article on lessons gleaned about living in confined spaces from those who have resided on the International Space Station (ISS). https://www.annekearneyartist.com/drawing-connections/advice-from-space-on-living-in-covid-19-induced-quarantine. It’s a fascinating read with many practical recommendations for the current time. I hope you’ll check it out. I was gratified to see she recommended getting dressed each day!
How are you carving out your “territory” amongst your family or roommates now that you are co-located for work and play? Please comment in the box below.
Sending you appropriately physically distanced encouragement—and the nudge to find your own little spot, even if it’s a closet.
My husband, 100-year-old mother-in-law, and I are fortunate enough to each have our own space in our house. And no kids, so that most definitely makes things easier.
This house used to feel pretty big; not so much now..
Thank the Lord many of the golf courses are still open.
Interesting, helpful blog post. Thanks.