In the July Issue:
As a female tech entrepreneur, I've noticed that many entrepreneurs have difficulty separating work and leisure activities. Though some may suggest the two are intertwined, it is paramount to create an obvious divide between them, for both enhanced productivity and emotional well-being. So I’d like to touch on why entrepreneurs must differentiate their job from recreational pursuits - as well as how they can make it happen!
A huge part of an entrepreneur's life is at work and with their teammates. When you dive into an after work hobby with someone who is not work related, and you can have fun enjoying the passion of this hobby together, this helps take your mind off a stressful day or week. It's worthwhile if you can balance it.
The Dangers of Blurring the Lines
It is incredibly important not to let work seep into your leisure activities. A survey from the American Psychological Association found that more than 50% of Americans check their work emails or take calls after business hours have ended, which can lead to serious consequences such as burnout, decreased efficiency, and an imbalance in professional life.
Research has demonstrated that leisure activities bring about a range of mental health benefits. Whether it be reading, painting, or going for a hike, we are releasing endorphins when engaging in something enjoyable - leading to an improved outlook and decreased stress levels. Therefore, carving out time for ourselves is essential, as these pursuits contribute significantly to our overall wellbeing.
Practical Tips for Separating Work and Leisure
Having emphasized the significance of keeping your job and leisure activities distinct from one another, let's take a peek at some tangible tips to accomplish this.
1. Set Boundaries
To ensure a balance between work and leisure, it is important to establish firm boundaries. Set aside specific times for each activity and stick to them - this could mean only checking emails during the hours you designate as 'work' time, or not engaging with recreational activities when you're supposed to be working. Doing so will help maintain your equilibrium of hard work and relaxation in life.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace .
Creating a dedicated workspace is an effective way to create boundaries between work time and leisure. It can be an isolated spot in your house or office, but the key point here is that it must solely belong to you while at work. When our minds have a physical environment linked with productivity, we are more likely to stay focused on tasks during working hours, rather than wasting precious minutes on non-work related activities.
3. Plan Your Leisure Time
It's just as essential to plan your leisure hours and activities with the same importance as you do for work. Schedule specific times for yourself during the week where you can relax, enjoy hobbies or pursue interests that bring joy into your life. This will ensure that you have adequate time to recharge and de-stress from everyday stressors.
4. Find Hobbies that Complement Your Work
It's essential to maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure, however that doesn't mean that the two cannot supplement each other. Incorporating hobbies which are related to your profession can be hugely beneficial for your productivity and imagination. For instance, if you're an author, starting photography as a hobby could help you improve upon visual skills, while simultaneously providing creativity for writing projects.
Personally, I like to read in my down time, whether it's a self help book, novel, or advice column. This helps me with my work, since my mission is to connect others. It also helps me become more visual and creative, and see other people's perspectives.
Once you have established your boundaries, here are some of the things you can do in order to truly enjoy life outside of work.
1. Join a club or an app that offers groups and meetups.
Joining a club or group related to your pastime is an excellent way to get together with like-minded people, and set aside time for you to enjoy what you love. Not only that, but being part of the group also provides structure, so that you can take full advantage of your hobby.
2. Take advantage of leisure time.
Make the most of your leisure time by strengthening existing relationships. Invite a friend over for an entertaining game night, or plan an outdoor adventure with your partner, to create new memories together. Spend quality time deepening current bonds rather than using up energy searching for new friends.
3. Set up routine social gatherings.
Whether it be a weekly game night or a monthly dinner party, scheduling frequent social events with friends can offer you the respite from work-related activities that is necessary for your well-being.
4. Take a class.
Enhance your knowledge and expand your horizons by taking a class related to your favorite pastime. Not only will you sharpen new skills, but it's also an excellent opportunity for socialization and structure in the way that you spend leisure hours.
In the end, entrepreneurs should set boundaries between work and leisurely activities for their own productivity and contentment. By distinguishing a dedicated workspace, allotting time for relaxation, devising hobbies related to their career pursuits, and formulating defined limitations on when to take part in both ventures – business owners can establish an ideal balance of professional practice and cessation.
As Rumi poetically stated: "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do."
Meet Kristin, co-founder and CMO of Spinnr
Kristin has been a promotional model and spokesperson for large companies such as Ogilvy & Mather in Manhattan, NY. She is a women's advocate blogger and has been featured on the Today show and CelebrityFitness.com.
She loves bringing people together and has been a matchmaker in Philadelphia in the past, and was the Co-Founder of a dating app called Instamour back in 2012. Her goal has always been to bring back positive interactions to an ever changing online space.
Most recently, she has Co-founded and is the CMO for a new App Company called Spinnr, that has released a disruptive friendship app on Apple and Android, after seeing a demand in the market and a need to help mental illness and loneliness. Spinnr connects others by video profiles and matches people with the same interests and hobbies. You will even have your first AI interactive virtual friend Spinny, while you join in the daily spins and discussions live.
The goal of Spinnr is to get people back out in the world together, post-pandemic, in the most authentic way possible, while using the internet. We think this is possible, since we allow people to be their true selves by showing their personality through their profile videos and hobbies .
Kristin is 40 years old resides in Pennsylvania with her 16 year old son Carmine, and her sweet 6 year old Pomeranian Jaxx, who comes to work with her everyday as her assistant .
Connect with Kristin HERE!
