20 Ways To Keep You From Drowning In Work

Put down your phone and pick up a hobby.

The Hustle

As a young artist and owner of two up-and-coming businesses, Blue Slate Films and NXM Photo, it's easy to lose track of time and accidentally work a 24hr day. When you start your own business, you wear many different hats: you're the boss, employee, web designer, marketing consultant... the list goes on. My partner and I have, on many occasions, forgotten to take a break. As partners in business and partners in life, we try to balance making money with making art while actually taking time to enjoy life. It's harder than you think.

The Solution

We are slowly beginning to master the art of taking a break. And I'm not talking about simply skimming through social media or binging on Netflix. I'm talking about a good wholesome break, away from the chaos of the news and ongoing annoyance of the Internet.

The Hustlers

Emory Parker and Natalia Bougadellis on the job.

Here's what we do to keep sane. We hope you give it a try.

1. Cook a homemade meal

I've always liked cooking because I've always like food. Lately, I've been expanding my horizons. My partner is Greek, so I've been experimenting with new recipes and flavors. Can you say tzatziki??

2. Take up gardening

There's nothing like getting your hands dirty. Now that we have a terrace, the gardening possibilities are endless! My partner has quite the green thumb. She literally grew a TREE from an avocado pit. See, gardening can be relaxing and rewarding!

3. Read a book

I've been getting into a lot of non-fiction lately, specifically physics and psychology. I'm currently reading The Interpretation of Dreams. It's fascinating... if you can get through one page without falling asleep (the print is small and my attention span is short).

4. Use pen (or pencil) and paper

I'm a huge proponent of this. I even planned out most of this article on a notepad. The pen is mightier than the sword (and computer)!

5. Have people over

This, I need to do more often. But, when you live outside of Manhattan, no one wants to come visit you :(

6. Throw the ball around

Since my job keeps me at the computer all day, it's important to get some exercise. Last year, I took up soccer again (the last time I played was in elementary school) and I love it. Yes, I got hit in the face and even scored a goal on my own team, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

7. Light a fire (or a candle)

There's something soothing about sitting by the fire. Since I am not fortunate enough to have a fireplace, a pumpkin-scented candle will have to do for now.

8. Adopt a pet

I have a feisty chihuahua-pinscher mix named Persy. Follow her @persy.pb. She will not follow back.

9. See a movie IN THEATERS

Movies are the closest thing we have to magic. Seeing a film on color-calibrated screen, with a proper sound mix, and in the presence of several other passionate moviegoers is a GODLY experience. Take advantage of it. I'm biased. I know.

10. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb

I HATE hearing the incessant dinging of a phone. During the day, I tolerate it for work, but believe me, at night... there's only crickets.

11. Take a walk (or hike)

If you have a dog, you are already forced to take walks. Newsflash, it's good for you, too!! If I could climb ev'ry mountain, I would, but most days, a walk to the park will do.

12. Spend time with family

I'm from Long Island, so of course, I love family. Cherish the time you have together because it's precious and remember, dance parties are great distractions!!

13. Jam out with friends

Basically all my friends are artists, so when we jam, we always have a good time. Harmonizing is a plus. Current jams are everything from A Star Is Born (except for those strange dialogue tracks) and of course, the addicting music of Mamma Mia 2! Here We Go Again.

14. Travel (not just for the Insta pics)

With my partner being Greek, I've had the opportunity to travel more these past few years. While the moments may be snap worthy and the scenery might be gorgeous, make sure to take it in with your senses first. Experience the experience, not the photo later.

15. See a live performance

You just have to. Whether it's music or theater, it will make you FEEL THE FEELS. I just saw my friend, Jolie, in an incredible play called AFTER. I was so moved that I was actually shaking after. Live art will do this to you and you should let it.

16. Tidy up

Sometimes, it's good to put your energy into the cleanliness of your living space. I work from home, so I constantly feel the need to straighten up. There's nothing wrong with spending a day sweeping floors and scrubbing toilets.

17. Find another creative outlet

Whether your work is creative or not, it's always fun to find another way to express yourself. I make films and take photos, but also write music and step in front of the camera at times.

18. Go on a date

I've been with my partner for over a year-and-a-half now and we still try to go on dates. Even though we work and live together, we still need to set aside time to NOT talk about work. It's been working well so far.

19. Listen to a record

Vinyl is timeless. Listening to a good record can transport you into a different era. I highly recommend Edith Piaf for a cold, rainy afternoon.

20. Rest up and recharge so you can get back to work tomorrow

This, my friends, is self-explanatory.

Good luck!!