Not home. Not work. The bit in between.
Ray Oldenburg called it the third space—a social environment where people gather, connect, and unwind.
But I’ve started thinking about third spaces a little differently.
Perhaps it’s because I work from home, but for me, a third space isn’t always a physical location.
Sometimes, it’s a routine—like a start-up ritual that gently nudges me into the day.
Sometimes, it’s a moment, like pausing in the car before heading into the house.
Sometimes, it’s a walk with the dog—a space where rest, exercise, and ideas come together.
My third spaces help me transition between work and personal time. They create boundaries. They give me a place to think, breathe, and connect with myself (and occasionally others, too).
What could your third space look like and how might it support your wellbeing?
