Adapting to the new normal this year has been unusual for all of us to say the least. For me, transitioning from the end of my student life to full-time self-employed musician and teacher, it has certainly not been the way in which I expected my career to begin. With the music industry sadly somewhat on hold for the time-being, I have continued with and increased my teaching, visiting several different schools each week to teach violin and viola. The transition from online teaching, back to (almost) fully face-to-face lessons again, as well as dealing with all the relevant regulations and changes that naturally come with the current situation, has resulted in a fairly busy and ever-changing start to the term, and so I have found myself both busy but also in need of effective strategies to balance work and life into two separate entities. As I am sure this is a stressful and uncertain time for so many, below are some ideas I have begun to, and am still currently implementing in order to have a successful and effective week, to alleviate extra stress, as well as find some time to switch off.
Turn off notifications
I am definitely guilty of checking my phone as soon as I can every time an email or notification comes through, no matter the time or day. This constantly puts me on high alert to resolve or reply immediately, whereas in theory, finding specific times each working day to reply to emails would be more beneficial. So, if you are like me, make sure to turn off any unnecessary spam notifications, schedule in specific times to check and reply to emails, and make sure to switch off in the evenings, when you should be sleeping, and on your days off. Being on hand 24/7 will only exhaust you and cause extra stress.
Find a distraction
When you have your much needed time off, it can be all too easy for our minds to wander back to work or our outstanding to-do list. Find something to do in your spare time that will entice you to take your mind off this. Whether this is getting lost in a good book, watching a captivating series, going for a walk to clear your mind, or even just making sure to leave any devices in another room whilst you relax, find something to give your mind a break.
Exercise
Exercise has slipped my radar a little recently for lack of time, but it is, for me, one of the most effective ways to clear your mind, change your mood, get endorphins flowing and muster up positivity. Whether you need to get outside for some fresh air, are feeling lethargic and a gentle yoga practice will do the trick, or you prefer to sweat out the stress of the day, getting up and moving is a guaranteed way to make you feel better.
Eat your meal away from distractions
Yes, that means leaving your computer/project/desk and taking at least 10 minutes to stop and refuel. The more balanced your meal, the more long-lasting energy it will give you for the remainder of the day, but don’t forget to make it enjoyable and something you can look forward to. PS. Inhaling lunch at the speed of light never set up anyone for a productive afternoon!
To-do lists
Organising any left over work into one to-do list, as well as manageable daily tasks is essential to stop work-related stress from creeping into my own time or interrupting my all important night’s sleep. My reminder list on my phone is currently never-ending, and transferring this to smaller daily tasks depending on importance can be a really useful tool to both keep on top of things but also avoid forgetting those important extras. A diary, designated notepad, or organisational app are all good ways to get on top of these tasks.
Don’t stress the small stuff
Despite finding this difficult personally, I have definitely come to realise that you can’t spend all of your time consumed with the many tasks that come with whatever work it is you do. Of course, getting everything completed effectively and on-time as well as being present in the work you do is incredibly important for us all to be successful. However, spending more time than necessary on every minute detail is not beneficial for anyone and will only exhaust us in the long run. So next time something doesn’t quite work out as planned, or there are one too many tasks to finish on the to-do list, adapt and deal with it the best you can, and then let it go. Life is too short to stress over the small stuff.
Until next time,
Abi x