The day I decided to cowork with a side of yoga

Last week, local yoga spot Flow Yoga Center officially launched workFlow — coworking out of a yoga studio — at their P Street NW location. The whole concept (built-in wellness breaks, aromatherapy, etc.) seemed novel and intriguing enough in a city that’s flush with coworking options.
So we decided to give workFlow a try — here’s how the day went down.

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7:30 a.m. — I’m up and getting a little work done at home. workFlow promises “your best workday ever,” but I’m still preparing myself to be distracted. This is very much a personal issue.
8:20 a.m. — Wondering what I should wear to coworking yoga. My jeans will be ill-fitted to the built-in wellness breaks I intend to participate in, but I’m also not thrilled about the prospect of looking like I might break into a jog at any time during the day. I guess this is what stylish ~athleisure~ is for.
8:45 a.m. — workFlow opens at 9:30, so I’ve still got some time. I’m reading over the “what to expect” post to make sure I’m prepared. Reusable mug (for free coffee) and water bottle? Check.
9:15 a.m. — Time to hit the road for my morning commute!
10:00 a.m. — I’ve arrived and, after checking in with some super friendly staff downstairs, have settled in upstairs in the quiet room. It’s very quiet. Yoga-studio quiet.

10:18 a.m. — A dog wanders through the room. He does a quick trot around the space, panting and sniffing and smiling a friendly dog smile, then leaves.
10:30 a.m. — Time for the first meditation break of the day. I’m still trying to settle in, so I decide to sit this one out.
11:16 a.m. — Can confirm that I made the right fashion choice by wearing workout-inspired tights and a sweater. Everyone else is dressed down too, plus I’m super cozy. Attendance today is slowly picking up (I’m told Monday and Tuesday are slow days here) — there are now a grand total of six people (including me) in the upstairs quiet room. One hundred percent of us are female. Will report on downstairs later.
12:14 p.m. — Time for yoga!
12:15 p.m. —  Fighting serious yogi imposter syndrome here.
12:18-12:40 p.m. — Ugh. Exercise.
12:50 p.m. — Ok, yeah. I guess this is nice.
2:37 p.m. — After getting some lunch I’m back at the studio. Decided to switch it up and sit downstairs. There’s only one other woman sitting down here. Light classical music and acoustic covers play over the sound system. I’ve got a little FOMO w/r/t what’s going on upstairs. The next meditation break is at 3 p.m., but I’ve got a call — I guess meditation is not in the cards.

3:33 p.m. — So much to do and so little time before workFlow closes for the day at 4!
4:02 p.m. — When workFlow says they turn the WiFi off at 4 p.m., they are not kidding. That’s one way to get on the work-life balance grind! Personally, I’m not quite ready for “life,” so I wander down the block to Dolcezza for an espresso and more work.
5:53 p.m. — I think my California born-and-raised mother would be proud of all the self-care I participated in today. I’m just feeling exhausted. Also, feeling pretty conflicted about the fact that I haven’t worn real pants all day.

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This whole exercise (no pun intended) has left me thinking about a very specific benefit to the diversity of coworking spaces on offer in the District — choice. As a solo entrepreneur or remote worker, coworking can be a great way to feel like you’ve got an office life, intellectual watercooler perks, etc.
Finding the *right* coworking space, with that perfect balance of community and quiet or amenities and price, is the challenge.