3 things I learned from remote working in a coliving for a month
# Energy:
I'd like to talk about how energizing it was to be around other people
- Everyone that arrived had their own story, and it was interesting to hear about where they come from. Energy level was amazing and it fueled you up.
- Looking back I felt like my energy was easily drained at home.
- Hardly on my phone, always present in the moment.
- At work I was focused and had little distractions
# Open and Kind
People are open and kind
## Open
- People were willing to share so much. Living with someone you naturally form a trust and sort of dependency on each other. Facilitating a space for people to be open
- At the same time, even the quitest people were open to share their thoughts and feelings. You sometimes have to take the lead and engage with them.
- Amble opportunity to go outside the comfort zone, bring people together, and allow yourself to be vunerable.
## Kind
- People were kind, and went out of their way to help each other.
- The house was "in it together", and we worked as a whole
- The generosity of people was amazing. People were willing to share their food, time, and knowledge.
# Social Needs:
- When social needs are met, you focus better on your health, work, and personal growth
- When it came down to working, I was surprisngly productive and sharp. Because I didn't need to think how my social needs will be met, I had no trouble staying in the moment.
- Revenge bedtime procrastination did not exist
- Unwinding with others everyday reduced overall stress and anxiety
- Having people around pushes you to be your best self. Try new activities, take care of your body, and stay active.
Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to stay at Repeople Coliving in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.
It was an amazing change of pace where I got to connect with like-minded friends from all across the world, remote work in a beautiful inspiring new space, and regain a fresh sense of focus!
I’m eager to share the three pivotal lessons I’ve picked up through this amazing experience.
A Powerhouse of Energy
It’s hard to describe the amazing atmosphere that permeates in coliving space when you’re surrounded by a diverse group of people.
Everyone carries a interesting story and character that they bring into the community. There was a daily exchange of stories, ideas, and dreams which created an immense energy that powers everyone within the space.
When I’m back at home I tend to find that I lose my energy pretty quickly through the day. This wasn’t the case while coliving.
People were active in organizing activities, sharing food, stories, and skills, this kept me active and energized throughout the day.
I found that my usual energy drain and distraction, my phone, was hardly in my hand. I was fully absorbed in the moment, taking in the energy around me.
Interestingly, I found this energy spilled into my work aswell where I was more focused and undisturbed, I’ll touch on that in a bit.
People were more open that I imagined
Perhaps because we’re all in it together, I found people had surprinsgly lower walls than usual. The space fostered an environment where openness is the standard.
Even with the most introverted people, there was always a safe space where you felt comfortable to reach out and create connection.
The opportunity to step outside your comfort zone is a constant presence in coliving. There’s a shared willingness to be vulnerable, creating a bond that is hard to replicate in other settings.
People were kinder than I imagined
In the space, the generosity of everyone is evidently clear. Housemates go out of their way to assist and share with each other. People would offer to run grocieries for everyone, to share local dishes and a drink with the house. It generated this sort of kindness flywheel where everyone intern did the same, with 9 residents in the house, this created a lot of kindness!
When social needs are met, you focus better on your health, work, and personal growth
One of the most significant revelations was the direct correlation between the fulfillment of social needs and overall productivity. In a coliving space where social needs are effortlessly met, I found my focus sharpening on my health, work, and personal growth.
It was surprising to observe how productive and focused I became when I didn’t have to strategize about meeting my social needs. The concept of revenge bedtime procrastination became foreign as I found myself fully immersed in my tasks. The regular unwinding sessions with others reduced stress and anxiety, creating a balance that boosted my overall well-being.
Having people around also served as a catalyst for personal betterment. The collective energy encourages you to try new activities, care for your body, and maintain an active lifestyle.
In conclusion: The coliving experience is more than just a living arrangement; it’s a lifestyle that fuels energy, promotes openness and kindness, and fulfills social needs.
It’s a new way of working and living that can redefine the boundaries of what we believe is possible. So here’s to shared living and working - a potential game-changer for the future of work.