Written by Betty Nguyen
“These are challenging times, both emotionally, physically, and financially – there’s no question about it. But I know that someday we’ll look back on how we came together during this crisis, showed courage and optimism, helped our neighbors, and answered the call to stay safer at home”.
As many of you know, our travel company is currently on a slow pause. We’re still posting content on our social media channels, we are handling trip cancellations and rebookings, but most importantly, we are looking ahead to the future with hope and positivity.
Our team members made lemonade out of lemons through this. I interviewed some of them and their responses for working from home are definitely encouraging and note-worthy!
Carly Mask
Hearst Award-Winning Photographer and CEO of a boutique California-based content studio, Camp Digital, that powers the creative needs of founders, small businesses and major lifestyle brands, including Nike, Keds, Lime, and Airbnb.
Instagram: @carlymask
Starting and completing home projects (currently redecorating outdoor spaces and designing our nursery), listening to new podcasts (Brené Brown’s new ‘Unlocking Us’ is my current favorite), having virtual dinner parties with friends via Zoom, improving my Spanish skills and starting French for the first time with the Duolingo app, supporting local businesses with to-go orders and curbside pickup, and taking advantage of free or discounted resources amidst COVID-19, like Yale’s “The Science of Well-Being” course.
2. Your Favorite Way to Break up the Work Day
Participating in virtual HIIT and yoga workouts via Instagram Live (and finding an accountability buddy who’s taking the class at the same time), taking solo walks around the neighborhood, discovering new trails and hikes with the husband, listening to podcasts, reading pregnancy and motivational books, finding new TV series to watch at night, checking in with family and friends.
3. What is your “silver lining” through all of this?
Connie Chang
Community builder and social media maven at Wish.
Instagram: @conniec
Schedule virtual lunches with your team and virtual happy hours or game nights with friends & family throughout the week to stay connected. We may be alone, but we can be alone together!
2. Your Favorite Way to Break up the Work Day
I’m a new Peloton bike owner and it has been my “Quarantine 15” life saver. I’ll ride a few times a day to stay active and keep my mood up. I’ve also been doing guided meditations through their app for 5-10 minutes a day, which has helped keep me calm during these uneasy times.
3. What is your “silver lining” through all of this?
I’ve been FaceTiming with my friends and family all the time, whereas before, we rarely even spoke on the phone. Times of uncertainty does make you realize what’s truly important in life and that you shouldn’t ever take the time you have with loved ones for granted. Also, how great is it to have cleaner air to breathe and to see animals wander areas they rarely had before. Loving all the “Nature is healing. We are the virus.” memes!
Ressa Gallardo
Houston-based travel and lifestyle content creator that runs the blog, “Reesa Rei” which consists of solo travel guides, whimsical colorful places, and one-of-a-kind hotels.
Instagram: @ressarei
1. One of Your Favorite Work from Home Tips
2. Your Favorite Way to Break up the Work Day
I recently have been starting off my day with pampering myself! I listen to light music, apply on a facial mask, and check my phone/laptop for emails. Afterwards, I do my normal hygiene routine and dress myself in a lounge wear outfit, so I can feel more put together instead of wearing my pajamas all day. I will spend the majority of the day working in my home office space. Afterwards, I either play with my dog in a private outdoor area or take him for a brief walk. I’ll also do a light workout routine that involves floor/yoga mat work. Then, I make dinner and spend the remaining rest of the day writing on my blog or reading.
My silver lining is that I am spending more time with my family. I often feel like I’m planning my life months in advance, and since many of my travel/life plans are cancelled, I’m able to really focus on my own wellness while bonding with my loved ones.