IF Seal: How can I keep a work/life balance when writing is my job?
Wise seal, I feel like I constantly think of my story due to doing this as my job and because my home now feels more like a workplace than home. Do you have any tips on how to separate my work from my home life better?
Dear Workplace-Balance Friend,
O, I do wish that I had a really perfect answer for you. I too find it very hard indeed to switch off from being in work mode - and even if it is work that brings us joy, it is still important to take breaks.
I do have some tips:
set a strict timeframe for writing, or discussing writing. Do not chat about writing just before going to bed.
put on a work outfit before starting your workday, and change into a leisure outfit when it's time to switch off.
take a full lunchbreak away from the screen at which you do your work.
use a Pomodoro Technique or similar timer to set breaktimes.
go for a brief (or long, if you like it) walk in the morning and evening to mimic a walk to work.
do something else to cue you that you're starting and finishing your writing, such as listening to music, having a particular drink or snack, or lighting a particular candle.
take your writing-related social media off your phone and do it on your work computer instead.
do not check writing-related emails or other messages outside of your work hours, and especially not at night.
I am a fallible seal and do not manage to do all (or sometimes any) of these things. But when I do at least one of them, I feel better.
Good luck with balancing your work and your life. Much love!