Three Strategies I Use to Balance Work, School, and My Creative Life
Three Strategies I Use to Balance Work, School, and My Creative Life.
Taking time to rest and enjoy the day is essential. For me, this involves resisting the inner fear that starts nagging when I decide to pause. Over time, I've discovered several ways to rest, enjoy work, and stay productive simultaneously.
1. Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Rest
This weekend, I spent much of my time revising my literature review for my dissertation. A key factor that helps me stay focused when I write is using "background ambiance" or what some call "stimulated focus." This approach, often described as "co-working with ambiance" or "passive focus stimulation," involves enjoying a consistent, pleasant activity in the background to keep motivated and avoid mental fatigue. Some call it "productive entertainment" because it allows for engagement without distraction.
For me, this means working with sports on in the background. My desk setup includes dual monitors for my revisions, while my laptop, iPad, and phone are tuned to various sporting events. Saturdays are for college football and European soccer, Sundays for NFL games. Watching sports as I work not only helps me slow down and savor my work, but it makes the experience enjoyable. Alongside, I keep a pot of coffee and make sure to use a favorite mug. Starting the day with a morning coffee with a close friend while my dog is at the groomer is also part of my routine.
2. Establish a Work-Rest Rhythm
This past weekend, I worked hard on Saturday and Sunday, but when 5 p.m. Sunday came around, I set a boundary and paused for a 24-hour sabbath. I spent Sunday night watching football, then woke up Monday morning and took my dog for a walk. I visited my favorite coffee shop by the ocean, got an oil change, took a long nap, explored a great bookstore, and napped again. After 24 hours of rest, I felt recharged and ready to finish revising chapter 2 of my dissertation, which I submitted that day.
3. Embrace a Cycle of Productivity and Recovery
This approach of working hard, resting fully, and then diving back in helps me manage my workload, stay balanced, and enjoy the process. By scheduling rest, I have the energy to return to my work with fresh focus and enthusiasm. Tomorrow, it’s back to work, but with renewed energy from a weekend well spent.
Below are some questions to keep yourself creative and healthy.
Reflection Questions
How do you know when it’s time to take a break, and what activities recharge you the most?
What role does setting boundaries play in your productivity, and how do you create a rhythm between work and rest?
If you were to create a "productive entertainment" setup for yourself, what would it include to make work more enjoyable?
Share your answers !
