16 February 2010
by 
Feng Shui consultants, sleep experts and probably many psychologists advise against working in the same place you sleep. It’s not a good idea, they say, to bring workday stress into your sanctuary.
Until this year, I agreed. No computers in the bedroom. No television. No exercise equipment. (Experts say these highly-charged items also inhibit relaxation.) Not even a reference book. I did keep a pen and notepad near the bed for jotting down story ideas or recording dreams, but that was as far as I went.
Until this year. Some minor health problems that led to intense exhaustion by about 7 PM, a toddler who doesn’t sleep through the night, and a cold winter convinced me that the coziest place to work might just be in bed.
I’d put my daughter to sleep by 9, pull on my cozy, warm, fuzzy pajamas, and climb under the covers with my laptop. Now, my health problems are gone. But my daughter still wakes up every 3 to 6 hours and, to be frank, it’s February and still damn cold. On certain nights, the weight of my down comforter just looks too appealing to pass up. At this moment, for instance, I’m writing this from the comfort of my bed.
“Every Day is Casual Fridayâ€
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t lounge around all day, and I don’t recommend that for any freelance writer. A few years ago, I was a big proponent of “looking the part.†I’d shower and dress for work everyday, the same as I would in an office. Granted, I’ve always worked in casual industries where daily attire consists of blue jeans, sneakers and a free t-shirt from a trade show. Seriously, the bosses couldn’t institute casual Friday because we’d all wear bathing suits to work. Or towels. Or worse. “Dressing up†meant a t-shirt without an advertiser’s logo on it.
So I basically continued dressing the part of “hip young magazine editor†when I became a full-time freelance writer and work-at-home mom. I still feel more productive when both me and my daughter are showered and dressed (complete with shoes) before lunchtime. If I’m doing a phone interview, I put on make-up. Really. Looking “together†makes me feel “together.â€
I feel the same way about my workspace. I like my desk clean. I can ignore the three-week old toast crumbs under the couch and the fruit punch spilled on the DVD remote, as long as my desk is organized. It’s almost as if I can block the rest of my environment out when I’m at my work space.
Business Owner by Day, Writer by Night
Knowing this, you’d think I’d be the type of person who found it anathema to work in pajamas in my bed. But I don’t. I’m not sure why, but without my task list, calendar, and reference books in front of me, I feel more focused. I can write as if the only thing I have to do is the article I’m writing at this moment.
Like the cozy exclusivity of the bedroom, itself, which shuts out the rest of the world, writing in bed makes me forget about everything except what I’m doing at that moment. I don’t concern myself with social networking, chatting, or phone calls. By this time of night, business hours are long done, and I get to (ironically) work on my favorite aspect of freelance writing: the writing.
I couldn’t imagine conducting an interview from my bed (or even in my pajamas). Freelance writing is a business, and when I’m dealing with the business aspects, I act and dress like a businessperson. But I’m glad I can carve out this quiet time to pursue the part I love most about being a writer.
Your Thoughts?
Readers, where do you stand on this debate? Do you “get dressed†for work? Does it make you more productive? Do you ever write in bed, or some other place that people might find strange?
There’s nothing like being off from my ‘day’ job to relax in bed poring over notes for articles I need to put online once I’ve made feel good all over time under warm covers, sipping on that morning cup of java:)
cozy post Dawn!
Clara.
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I’ve found my bed is one of the best places to work, particularly when I’m writing with pen and paper. I also do my early morning routines online while still in bed most mornings. It’s nice to check my email and social media first thing while still snuggled under the covers and before facing the day ahead.
My laptop is also my television so I often take it to bed to watch a movie or my favorite T.V. shows late at night. Doing that often seems to be the only way to shut my brain off so I can sleep.
I have found, however, that my bed is not the best place to spend prolonged hours working because I haven’t found a way to sit that doesn’t put stress on my back, neck, or shoulders. There is definitely something to be said for a comfortable chair when working in long periods.
I have found it is important to close my laptop when I go to sleep because the glare from the screen is enough to upset my melatonin levels and thus my sleeping patterns. But one of the great joys of freelancing is the freedom to choose to stay in bed instead of joining the peak-hour traffic or the warmth and comfort when working late into the night.
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[...] Writing in Bed and Other Strange Habits of Freelancers at Writer’s Round About [...]
I can so relate with you on a few of the points you make. I have gotten into the terrible habit of not really getting dressed “for work” (I, too, work full-time from home). I do feel more motivated, and let’s face it, better in general, when I take the time to actually do my hair and not pull on a ball cap. But most days I just have too much going on to make the effort. Can you say “time management issues”?
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I guess it is a writers thing to be writing in bed. I do so not only because it is a place I can get comfortable in but my “writers desk” is not very spacious.
Web-Betty,
Well, it’s 11:30 and I’m still in my jammies, hair uncombed, so I hear ya completely! One thing that’s helped is I actually have a mirror facing my desk and when I look at myself it reminds me to stop and take the time to get cleaned up. Another motivator is to treat yourself to a few new casual-but-neat outfits that make you FEEL better… it’s no fun getting dressed if you feel as if you have nothing to wear.
Rebecca, I couldn’t agree more, both about the coziness of working in bed and the need to close the laptop completely. I think perhaps that’s one of the keys… the laptop can be shut and tucked away. Having a full desk top computer and desk in a bedroom would probably put off too much energy and prevent a good night’s sleep.
Cristy, wherever you’re comfortable.
If you’re having some of the problems Rebecca mentioned with writing in bed long-term though, you may want to consider another option… whether it’s getting a bigger desk or using your kitchen table.
Clara – thanks so much! Thanks for reading.
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I agree with this article. There are times that I need to write in my bed due to the busy schedule I have. For me, a silent place will help me to fulfill the duty I have started. Thanks for sharing!
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