Balancing Work & Personal Life: 5 Tips for Artists

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Schedule your creative time
Set clear boundaries between work and personal life
Prioritize self-care
Find a support network
Seek inspiration beyond work

When it comes to balancing work and personal life as a performing artist, the struggle can be as real as the applause after a great performance. But don't fret, we've got you covered with some practical advice. In this post, we'll be sharing five tips that can help you harmonize your work and personal life, just like a perfect symphony. So, let's get started with the first note - scheduling your creative time.

Schedule Your Creative Time

The first step to balancing work and personal life as a performing artist is setting aside defined periods for your creative endeavours. When you schedule your creative time, it helps you maintain a disciplined approach to your work, keeping you on track and ensuring you don't lose yourself in the artistic process. So, how can you do this? Let's break it down.

Establish a Routine

Think of your creative time like a daily workout for your creativity muscles. You wouldn't randomly lift weights throughout the day, right? So why should your creative practice be any different? Here's what you can do:

Plan your day: Start by assigning specific hours of your day to your work. This could be early morning when you're fresh and energized, or late at night when the world is quiet and you're free from distractions.
Stick to it: Consistency is key. Try to stick to your schedule as much as possible. Of course, artistic inspiration can strike at any time, but having a routine gives structure to your creative process.

Use Tools to Help You Stay Focused

In our digital age, there are numerous tools and apps designed to help you manage your time effectively. Leveraging these resources can be a game-changer in balancing work and personal life as a performing artist. Here are a few you can consider:

Calendar apps: Google Calendar, Apple iCal, or any other digital calendar can help you block out time for your creative work.
Time tracking apps: Tools like Toggl or RescueTime can help you keep track of how much time you're dedicating to your work and where you might be wasting time.
Pomodoro Technique: This time management method involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. It's a great way to stay focused and productive without burning out.

Remember, the aim is to create a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. So, as you pencil in time for your art, don't forget to make room for relaxation, socializing, and other activities that make you happy. After all, a well-rounded life leads to well-rounded art.

Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life

The lines between work and personal life can easily blur, especially for those in deeply immersive professions like performing arts. And while passion for your craft is admirable, it's equally important to remember that you are more than just your work. So, let's talk about setting clear boundaries to separate your work from your personal life.

Designate a Specific Workspace

One of the best ways to separate work from personal life is to have a dedicated space for your artistic endeavors. This could be a room in your home, a corner of your living room, or even a rented studio. Here's why this can be helpful:

Focus: Having a specific workspace helps you concentrate, minimising distractions.
Mental separation: A separate workspace creates a psychological divide between work and relaxation. When you leave your workspace, you leave your work behind, allowing you to fully enjoy your personal time.

Be Firm with Your Time

Respecting your own time is crucial when it comes to balancing work and personal life as a performing artist. So, when you're off the clock, truly be off the clock. Here's what you can do:

Set Work Hours: Decide on a start and end time for your workday, and stick to it. When your work hours are over, switch off and focus on your personal life.
Communicate: Let others know about your work schedule. This includes your family, friends, and even your audience. Once they know your availability, they'll be more likely to respect your personal time.

Setting boundaries might seem tough initially, but with time, you'll find that they not only help in balancing work and personal life as a performing artist but also enhance your productivity and creativity.

Prioritize Self-Care

As an artist, your best work emerges when you're at your best—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Prioritizing self-care is not self-indulgence, it's a necessity. So, how can you make self-care a part of your routine?

Look after Your Physical Health

As a performing artist, your physical health is your asset. Here are some things you can do:

Eat Well: Nourish your body with balanced meals. Remember, you're an athlete of the arts, and your body needs fuel to perform.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is not just great for your body, it also helps relieve stress and improve mood—both crucial for creativity.

Mind Your Mental Health

Your mind is your workshop. Keep it in the best shape with these tips:

Take Breaks: The idea that artists must work incessantly is a myth. Stepping away from work actually boosts creativity. So, take those coffee breaks, walk breaks, or simply do-nothing breaks—you deserve them!
Practice Mindfulness: Stay in tune with your thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness activities like yoga, meditation, or even journaling can help.

Remember, when it comes to balancing work and personal life as a performing artist, self-care is not a luxury, it's a priority. By taking care of yourself, you're not just promoting your own wellbeing, but also enriching your art.

Find a Support Network

A support network is more than just a group of people who cheer for you—it's a community that understands your journey, shares your passion, and helps navigate the challenges of balancing work and personal life as a performing artist.

Who Should Be in Your Network?

A strong network can include a broad mix of individuals:

Fellow Artists: These can be your peers who understand the unique pressures and rewards of being a performing artist. They can provide advice, support, and camaraderie.
Mentors: This could be more experienced artists who can guide you, share their experiences, and provide perspective.
Friends and Family: These are the people who love you, care for you, and want to see you succeed. They can provide emotional support and encouragement.

Building Your Network

Making connections can often feel daunting. Yet, it's simpler than it seems. Here are some ways to build your network:

Attend events, workshops, and seminars related to your art form.
Join local artist groups or online communities.
Reach out to artists you admire and ask for advice or mentorship.

Remember, a support network is a two-way street—it's about giving as much as receiving. By helping others, you strengthen your bonds and enrich your own journey in the world of performing arts.

Seek Inspiration Beyond Work

While your work as a performing artist is undoubtedly a significant part of your life, it's vital to remember that inspiration can come from a variety of sources beyond your work. Diversifying your inspirations can help balance your work and personal life by providing fresh perspectives and preventing burnout.

Explore Different Art Forms

Stepping outside of your usual art form can offer a refreshing change of pace. For example:

Visual Art: You might discover a new emotion in a painting or sculpture that you can incorporate into your performance.
Literature: Reading a novel or a poem could spark an idea for a new piece or a unique interpretation of an existing one.
Cinema: Films and documentaries can open your eyes to different cultures, ideas, and storytelling techniques.

Experience Nature

Spending time in nature can also be a powerful source of inspiration. The calmness of a forest, the rhythm of waves on a beach, or the majesty of a mountain range can all evoke emotions and ideas that you can translate into your art.

Travel and Cultural Experiences

Visiting new places and experiencing different cultures can broaden your artistic horizons. Not only can you learn about various art forms and traditions, but you can also gain a deeper understanding of human experiences, which can enrich your performances.

Remember, balancing work and personal life as a performing artist isn't just about managing time—it's about cultivating a life that nourishes your artistry and wellbeing.

If you're looking for ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance as an artist, be sure to check out the workshop 'How to Maintain Being a Multi-Hyphenated Artist' by Celina Rodriguez. This workshop offers practical tips and strategies for artists who want to achieve success in multiple areas without sacrificing their personal lives.