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Generally speaking, working as a sound design/audio post professional is a cognitive-based job, meaning that we are using our brains directly more than we are using our bodies. Whilst our livelihoods do not directly depend on our physical fitness in the way that a firefighter, builder or professional sportsperson does, those of us who want longevity in our careers should still pay close attention to our physical wellbeing.
In this article, we will share with you 5 tips for taking care of yourself physically and mentally.
1 - Take regular breaks. Protect your ears and take a walk around the block.
Taking short breaks throughout the day will help prevent your ears from becoming tired and should let your hearing remain sharper throughout the day. They also give you chance to clear your head and approach tasks with a fresh perspective.
You can further maximise the effectiveness of these breaks by adding in a short walk around the block. This will help you reach your daily recommended steps and maintain a consistent energy level as the day progresses.
2 - Develop methods for coping with stress
Stress is a natural part of life, however, when it becomes unmanaged it can have a detrimental effect on your body and your mind. You can help alleviate some of the negative sides of stress by introducing stress-relieving activities into your lifestyle and daily schedule. This could be anything from a brisk walk, reading a book or listening to a podcast, taking part in yoga or meditation, or completing a crossword. We would also recommend going easy on your coffee intake, as caffeine is a stimulant and can increase feelings of stress and anxiety.
Walking in nature is a great way to clear your mind and reduce feelings of stress.
3 - Excercise & stretching
Exercise has many brain-boosting effects that can help you think more clearly and be better equipped to deal with challenging tasks. Consider getting up a bit earlier and getting in a morning run before you hit the studio, or perhaps switch the car or bus for a bicycle and cycle to work each day. Also, don't overlook the importance of stretching. Long hours spent working at a computer can play havoc on your posture and your mobility so take a few moments throughout the day to stretch out, particularly your hips, back and shoulders.
The benefits of physical activity are too many to name. Even just spending 30 mins a day doing some light exercise will have a massive impact on your overall wellbeing and performance, so find something that works for you and is enjoyable enough for you to stick with it.
4 - Healthy habits
Develop healthy habits that over time become second nature to you. This could be simple switches like snacking on fruit and nuts rather than junk food, swapping soda for water/tea or leaving your phone alone for an hour before you go to sleep in order to get a full nights rest. You can also look to eliminate some unhealthy habits that you may already have such as quitting smoking or switching to an E-cigarette and controlling your alcohol and caffeine intake. If you don't do so already, get into the habit of cooking your own meals and making sure to include some vegetables and wholesome ingredients. Eating proper meals with quality ingredients gives your body the fuel it needs to work at 100% and you will be rewarded in terms of your energy levels and mental clarity.
Eating good, natural foods instead of unhealthy ones will have a positive impact on how you feel.
5 - Perspective
Temper your mindset with a bit of a wider perspective about the world. Remind yourself why you do what you do, and be grateful that you get to wake up and live out your passion for sound every day and aren't working in a job that you hate.
When all is said and done it's only sound at the end of the day. Whilst missed deadlines and difficult clients can be difficult situations to deal with, no one gets hurt if things don't go to plan and there are no lives on the line. Above all else, keep a positive mindset and always look for the good in situations. Be a source of positive energy and enthusiasm for yourself and those around you and the positive energy will come back around to you when you need it.
We hope you enjoyed this article!
If you enjoyed this post please check out our ultimate guide to audio post-production: https://www.344audio.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-audio-post-production-sound-design
344 Audio is an Audio Post Production studio in Manchester.
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