Creating Mindful Workspaces: An Interview with Erin Covert
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Creating mindful workspaces:
An Interview with Erin Covert
It’s no surprise that the Covid-19 pandemic has turned many people’s everyday lives upside down. As we all strive to stop the spread, we are forced to set up shop (quite literally) in our homes. Work/life balance is being tried and tested now more than ever. Today Erin Covert - LMT for Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine, owner of Studio for Mindfulness and professional development expert in holistic practices - divulges about her passion for meditation, mindfulness and provides some very relevant tips for setting up a healthy workspace while we continue to work remotely.
Let's kick this off with some fun questions! Tea or coffee?
Tea, for sure. Usually green or chamomile, and once in a while black! I have actually never had a cup of coffee, if you can believe that.
Nope, I think I’ve had about 3 cups of coffee before 12pm, although your approach is much healthier! So, are you an early bird or night owl?
Early bird! There's just something about getting up early and writing before the sun comes up. It's like I have the world to myself at that time. It's very peaceful and serene.
I couldn’t agree more. I love being an early bird too! So, what’s your favorite dessert?
This is a tough one as I don't have a big sweet tooth...can I have nachos?
Yes, absolutely. When we can finally get out of quarantine, we are totally getting some nachos in Detroit’s Mexicantown! Thank you for sharing a little bit about yourself for all of our readers! Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?
I have been providing professional development to business leaders and team members for close to fifteen years now. I specialize in providing solutions for stress reduction in the workplace and promoting better work/life balance. I have an extensive background in holistic health as well, so I take a more mindful approach to my work, providing resources such as meditations and mindful exercises. I have a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Siena University and my Bachelor's is in Therapeutic Massage from Siena Heights as well. I have also studied meditation through American Institute of Health Care Professionals.
What inspired you to take that professional path?
Well, I've always had an affinity towards natural health practices like yoga, massage and meditation, they've just always been a part of my health routine since I was young and I think that everyone should utilize these methods because they are so helpful, natural, and safe. I also believe that everyone should and could have a healthy, happy workplace. We spend so much time, energy, and effort on our careers, why not make it fun? That's why I've decided to connect my two passions of happy workplaces and holistic practices.
What are you doing now?
Well, with the recent covid pandemic, I've shifted my work in a few ways. I have been working with companies to provide custom solutions to support their team, whether that's through a customized webinar, leadership coaching, or stress reduction planning at any phase of the employee life cycle. I am also currently providing several solutions to reduce workplace stress, such as free live online guided meditation classes, free and low cost workshops, as well as articles and resources in my newsletter.
You mentioned before that one of your services is to help others set up a balanced workspace. I feel like with everyone in quarantine, that is definitely an ESSENTIAL need! Do you have any tips for those readers who need to set up a makeshift home office?
1. Designate a certain space for your work. Try to find somewhere far away from distractions, if possible. If that's not possible, try making a physical barrier to help reduce distractions such as working behind an open binder or folder. You can also try using headphones to say "Don't bother me!", even if they're not on.
2. Try to stick to a consistent time routine if you can. Work in blocks of time, just like you might do in your out-of-home workspace. Say, work from 9:00 am -10:40 then break for 20 minutes. Do this for the whole work day, maybe working in three of four chunks of time. When you're done with work for the day, be done. Don't go back until your next scheduled time.
3. Get dressed for work, even if you don't leave the house. This can really help you get in and out of work mode when working from home. It can be really tempting to stay in pajamas all day, but your mood will boost if you get even just a little hygienically prepared for work.
By establishing clear boundaries of time, space, and apparel for your work, you can have an easier time plugging in and unplugging at a time when lines are getting blurry and days can run into each other. This way, when you close your computer, punch out and take off your work clothes off at the end of the day, you can have a greater sense of accomplishment for what you've done and relaxation will be easier. Consider keeping a log of accomplishments next to your to-do list so that you can see how far you've come!
I love these recommendations. It seems like boundaries, whether it’s setting your availability, accessibility or physical space - is so important. I imagine if we can implement those practices now it will ensure even more success when things get back to ‘normal’. Any other thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
Yes, it's important to remember that we all have what it takes to get through difficult times. Sometimes it takes working with others to get that reminder, and that's ok. If anyone is going through a stressful time and needs help, please feel free to reach out. I will help in any way that I can.
If you have been affected by any of the topics shared during today’s interview, please contact Erin Covert to explore the ways that she can help you get through this difficult time.
If you found today’s interview interesting, please check out Erin’s recent feature on Henry Ford Health System’s Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-qCgzXjT82/
