How do you achieve work-life balance? It’s one of the core questions that arise in every interview, a thing that keeps many of us awake at night, and (for those who are regular followers of W&D) a tightwire balancing act that I’m always trying to attain.
Balance, not “having it all,” is what I am seeking. Focusing less on what I have to do, and more on what I get to do. In order to support this paradigm shift, I’ve found that setting boundaries—both mental and physical—has helped change my way of thinking. Setting goals—getting thoughts out of my head and on to paper—has been instrumental in this process.
In addition to breaking down huge, insurmountable, terrifying tasks into baby steps, I’m also setting time aside to do nothing.
Yes. Me. A workaholic, a recovering perfectionist, and I have to schedule time to do nothing. I legit have a daily calendar invite that says, “Lie down on the couch.” Those 15 minutes on that couch are sometimes the only thing that gets me through the day.
If you need me between 2:00 – 2:15pm Monday – Friday, you will find me on our Sixpenny Devyn sofa here at the studio. For those glorious 15 minutes, I lie down and let the Devyn swallow me whole; melting into the cushions and doing absolutely nothing productive. Sometimes I scroll through Instagram, sometimes I meditate. If Winnie comes to the office with me, you better believe she and I are snuggling. The Devyn is perfect for doing nothing; it’s oversized (ideal for snuggling a not-so-small pup), holds you like a bed, and yet it feels right at home in the overall studio workplace.
After those blissful 15 minutes of respite, I’m ready to take on the world.
If you are in the Minneapolis area on Tuesday, August 13th, I’d love for you to visit us (and take your own 15-minute vacation whilst lying on our Sixpenny sofa) at our Mental Health Day open house.
Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dog. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
