Episode #25: Creating a Healthy Work/Life Balance

This episode explores some tips and tricks for creating a healthy work/life balance by experts outside of the field of music therapy and advice from professionals within the music therapy profession.

A few tips and tricks for creating a work/life balance:

  1. Play to your strengths

  2. Prioritize your time

  3. Know what time of day you are most creative and productive

  4. Do what you love! This is especially true for musicians. Finding time to make music for yourself.

  5. Be realistic about your workload and capacity. 

  6. Step out: Whether this means simply going for a walk, getting out of the house/office, or just closing your laptop for just a few minutes to give yourself a break. Find what works best to help your brain turn off for just a few minutes. 

  7. Manage your mind: I have talked in previous episodes about the fact that I find going to see a therapist as a therapist is very important. But, this can also mean picking up meditation or yoga as a regular practice. Whatever works for you!

  8. Take a break: Are you using your PTO effectively? Do you know the warning signs that your body gives you when you are feeling overwhelmed? Maybe take some time to reflect on these as well and notice the signs your body tells you when it needs a break. 

  9. Have that holiday: Take that vacation! You deserve it!

Resources:

https://www.roche.com/careers/our-locations/asia/india/service/folder/20_tips_for_maintain.htm 

Lori F Gooding, PhD, MT-BC, Work-Life Factors and Job Satisfaction among Music Therapy Educators: A National Survey, Music Therapy Perspectives, Volume 36, Issue 1, Spring 2018, Pages 97–107, https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/mix015