Chicago’s RSVP Gallery, like so many other boutiques across America, is temporarily closed in the name of public health. And like so many other retail employees, the RSVP staff is confined to their homes. But they are continuing to work on various projects, doing their best to adapt to the new atmosphere.

HYPEBEAST spoke to six staff members for perspective on their indoor routines during the nationwide quarantine. Fueled by optimism, plant music and comfy socks, the RSVP Gallery staff shares how they are making the most of their new work-from-home reality.

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Mel, in-house creative

What’s your daily routine?

I get up around 7:30 a.m., take a shower, get dressed, put on a pot of coffee and make breakfast before getting on my computer. I make a point to get up and walk around every hour or so.

Where in your home do you like to work?

My desk! I’ve got a dual-monitor setup for extra screen real estate and a pair of JBL studio monitors because I have music or podcasts going all day.

What do you wear while working from home?

Yeah, getting dressed while working from home is imperative for not spiraling into depression. I keep things pretty simple as is, so I’m typically wearing jeans and a tee or hoodie, but I’m also no stranger to sweatpants. Cozy but not gross.

What are you eating now?

Lately it’s been eggs and a bagel for breakfast, protein bar, fruit or mixed nuts for snacks, soup or sandwich for lunch and then we’ve taken this extra time to try some new recipes.

How do you stay a good headspace while in isolation?

Go outside! Six feet from everyone else, of course. Fresh air and a little bit of exercise go a long way. I deal with anxiety so I also use a lot of box breathing and stretching.

What are you listening to and doing for fun?

Watching: Almost Famous, Uncut Gems, The Zen Diaries of Gary Shandling.
Music: The Lemonheads’ It’s a Shame About Ray, The Buzzcocks’ Singles Going Steady, Outkast‘s Aquemni, Mac Miller‘s Faces, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Fleetwood Mac’s Self-Titled, Phoebe Bridgers’s Stranger in the Alps, Faye Webster’s Atlanta Millionaires Club, Jamiroquai’s A Funk Odyssey, Khruangbin’s Con Todo El Mundo, Miles Davis‘ On the Corner.
Podcasts: Congratulations with Chris D’elia, How Long Gone, Broken Record, Throwing Fits and How I Built This with Guy Raz.

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Rachel, in-house creative

What’s your daily routine?

I try to keep the same routine as if I’m going into work in terms of waking up, I feel like my mind is always clearer in the mornings. I’ll entertain my cat for a while, make coffee and breakfast and get to work on my laptop.

Where in your home do you like to work?

I work at my desk in my bedroom. I’m lucky enough to have a Chicago apartment with a lot of windows. I like to look outside and get as much natural light as I can, it puts me in a much better headspace.

What do you wear while working from home?

Getting ready for the day, as simple as it may be, can change my entire mood. I like to get dressed but keep it casual and comfortable. Sweats from head to toe are usually the move and I’m almost always in a pair of RSVP socks.

What are you eating now?

I’ll make some yogurt with fruit and granola every morning with my coffee. I’ve been keeping it simple with home-cooked meals, since I’m usually cooking for one. If my partner and I order out, we choose from local and small businesses that could use our support during these times.

How do you stay a good headspace while in isolation?

Just because we can’t go out doesn’t mean we can’t stay social! I try to check in on my roommates as much as possible and we’ve been spending more time together. I’ve also found myself reaching out to a lot of old friends — it’s never too late to reconnect with someone! I’ve also been trying to keep myself creatively stimulated, I usually find inspiration around my bedroom. I try to keep it decorated with bright colors and things that remind me of childhood.

What are you listening to and doing for fun?

All I can say is that Animal Crossing: New Horizons couldn’t have released at a better time. I’m a pretty routinely person, so I’ve really just been playing that, listening to my favorite podcast, The Last Podcast on the Left, and I’ve had a two-hour mix of 2000’s R&B on repeat.

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Kam, creative lead, and Sala, head editorial photographer

What’s your daily routine?

Each morning, we wake up and make a pot of coffee and breakfast. Usually something simple like toast, eggs and veggie sausage. We’ve been working full days, even from home. Without our storefronts, our team has become the main focus to drive online sales.

Where in your home do you like to work?

Kam: I like to work on the couch. It’s cozy and I can spread out with my laptop and snacks. But I also carry my laptop around the house all day.

Sala: At first I was tempted to work from bed, but quickly realized that it’s a counterproductive trap that also messes up my sleep schedule. So now my go-to is the dining table where I’m close enough to snacks and more coffee.

What do you wear while working from home?

Kam: Most days I’m keeping it simple. T-shirt, a hoodie and some cozy pants. In the pictures I’m wearing a Haider Ackermann cashmere shirt that’s super comfy and some Margiela track pants. That’s something I’d wear on a regular day to work.

Sala: I usually just slip on a T-shirt and a soft pair of baggy jeans or joggers. I’ll add a belt if I’m feeling put together, but otherwise, I tend to opt for clothes that allow movement because I like to stretch in between work sessions .

What are you eating now?

We haven’t ordered out at all. We went out and got a good amount of produce, coffee beans and wine before the shelter-in-place order. We made some haemuljeon (Korean seafood pancakes) the other day which is one of our favorite comfort foods. We also tried our hand at homemade pizza dough and vegan gochujang tempeh wings. We find it especially important now to find extra comfort in making home-cooked meals.

How do you stay a good headspace while in isolation?

Kam: I think the best advice I can give is to step outside your house and breathe fresh air. Being inside all day and looking at your phone, TV, and computer can be draining. I’m an avid runner, so I stick to my normal daily routine and go for a 10-12 mile solo run to clear my head.

Sala: I’ve found a lot of comfort in knowing that no one can go through this alone. Everyone is experiencing this in different ways and there’s no right or wrong way to feel. I put a lot of pressure on myself to feel like I have to create something constantly, and while this may be a good time to do that, it’s also good to remember that it’s OK if all you did in the day was work and breathe! Lastly, I’ve been taking advantage of free online workout classes to gain some energy and the Netflix party integration to binge while checking up on friends and family.

What are you listening to and doing for fun?

Kam: Watching: I’d recommend Shoplifters and Tree of Life for movies. We just finished watching Breaking Bad. Still so amazing. Also The OA on Netflix, probably my favorite television show ever.
Listening: The new King Krule album. My heavy rotation lately has been Phoebe Bridgers, Weyes Blood and Caroline Polacheck.
Games: Just been hopping on and playing Warzone and Fortnite with the other homies in isolation.

Sala: Watching: I recently started watching Scrubs for the first time. Some movies I’ve really enjoyed recently are Portrait of a Lady on Fire, The Farewell, and The Florida Project.
Listening: I really enjoy Krista Tippet’s On Being, I find it really insightful. Also, I highly recommend listening to Mort Garson’s Plantasia. It’s music for plants, but also great if you’re a human stuck inside and need some calming magical sounds to soothe you.
Games: Kam and I went out and bought a 1000-piece puzzle before locking ourselves in the house. I forgot how fun puzzles actually are and we get weirdly competitive over who can find the pieces first.

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Raul, sales associate

What’s your daily routine?

I wake up and make breakfast, coffee. Then get my laptop and phone and set up my space. Also, have to make sure my phone and laptop chargers are around.

Where in your home do you like to work?

I like working in my living room by the window. Our cat, Puma, likes to chill on the windowsill so it’s always a plus to have some company.

What do you wear while working from home?

I get dressed, but not as if I was going to work. When I wake up, I change into something that makes me feel more productive.

What are you eating now?

I stocked up on a ton of food. I’ve been making salmon and salad with tostones (deep-fried plantains). I try not to order food and have been working on my cooking skills, but when I do it’s usually some wings.

How do you stay a good headspace while in isolation?

The best advice is to not worry. We all think about being productive 24/7, instead of playing video games or scrolling through Instagram, but do what makes you happy. I try to be productive and do something new every day. Whether that’s making a new dish, learning a new skill or watching something new, I try to switch up the routine.

What are you listening to and doing for fun?

The Talented Mr. Ripley and Contagion are two great movies. I’d recommend Soulection radio on Apple Music. It’s a great mix with the perfect music to work to.

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Ayanna, in-store manager

What’s your daily routine?

Normally when I work from home I start the day with water and fruit. I’ll connect to my soundbar and vibe out while I check emails and make phone calls.

Where in your home do you like to work?

I grab my laptop, phone, and planner and head into my TV room (home office lol).

What do you wear while working from home?

I normally throw on an oversized hoodie or tee with some biker shorts or leggings and my RSVP socks. These are probably the most comfortable socks I own!

What are you eating now?

One of my passions is cooking. I kinda go with whatever I’m craving. I get creative in the kitchen and put together a tasty snack or gourmet dinner.

How do you stay a good headspace while in isolation?

The key to maintaining a healthy mental space while being isolated is having a productive to-do list. Keeping yourself busy with tasks keeps your thoughts from wandering. I also have three playlists that I keep on repeat and add to periodically that give me positive vibrations and feed my spirit positively.

What are you listening to and doing for fun?

My vibes vary in some ways. I love a good mix of genres from SiR to J.Cole. The queens under the umbrella of Ari, Baby Rose, and the nostalgic ’90s vibes that birthed the geniuses we listen to now. I recommend these as “feel-good.” Other than that I’m currently exploring different podcasts to find which ones I like. I’m big on independent readings and research.