The burnout [1] that comes from working remote (especially working remote during a year like this one) is real, and it's something that both companies and individuals are looking to combat. Turning your home into an office can lead to an array of new distractions — from roommates and kids [2] to everything in between. Figuring out how to get things done efficiently while balancing this new form of normal has led many people to lose interest in the work they once enjoyed. Luckily, companies like Caveday [3] are here to change that.
Founded by Emmy Award-winning artist Jeremy Redleaf, creative director Jake Kahana, and seasoned event producer Molly Sonsteng, Caveday is a global community that leads deep focus Zoom sessions to provide a safe space for people to get sh*t done. By working smarter, people can improve their work-life balance and have more time to enjoy things off the clock. When you sign up for Caveday, you go through a three-and-a-half-hour-long distraction-free experience led by someone from the company. The class begins by briefly learning about deep work, and then moving into setting goals for the session. Then, you'll dive into three timed work "sprints" that range from 40 and 50 minutes. Between sprints, you'll check in with one another and stay energized by doing stretches [4], taking coffee breaks, and connecting with those on the call. The whole purpose of Caveday is to focus during each sprint, getting important work done without any distractions. Putting your phone away is highly recommended as well as keeping your camera on for the duration of the call to ensure accountability.
The whole purpose of Caveday is to focus during each sprint, getting important work done without any distractions.
The four main tips that Caveday leaders harp on are to prioritize important over urgent work, do the most challenging tasks first, monotasking as opposed to multitasking [5], and going on Do Not Disturb mode by putting your phone away, closing tabs, quitting programs, and muting notifications. These tips help keep your focus on what's in front of you while limiting outside distractions that can take away valuable time.
I got the chance to try a Caveday session, and the results were even better than I had expected. After I listed out the projects I wanted to work on, I joined a Cave. Having my camera on for the duration of the class kept me accountable and encouraged me not to go check my phone (I put it in a drawer in my kitchen) or get up to grab unnecessary things like a snack or lip balm. When the first sprint was complete, I had made major headway into a project that I had been putting off. Once the first sprint was over, the group did a quick stretch break guided by the leader, and then we were given 15 minutes to reset. I was able to grab some more water, clean off my space, and mentally prepare myself [6] for the next sprint. By the end of the session, I had almost wrapped up the project I was working on and felt more motivated to get it done. Putting away my phone and limiting my distractions helped me get into a productive mindset and ultimately achieve my goals.
Doing a program like Caveday is extremely beneficial for those who are struggling with burnout [7]. Distractions can take up a huge amount time and divert attention away from work and important tasks. Taking time to reevaluate and refocus your day-to-day tasks will help you create a better work flow and have time for things that matter most.
If you'd like to try out a Caveday session for yourself [8], you can use the code POPSUGAR for a free three-hour cave until March 5. After that, a three sprint drop-in Caveday session costs $20, or you can sign up for an unlimited membership for $40 per month.
