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Entrepreneurship

More Breaks

April 12, 2018

Today I took the afternoon off and sat outside for over two hours in the sunshine on our patio. Desh even joined. It made me think about taking breaks.

Adam has been experimenting with the Pomodoro Technique and has been loving it. I also recently read Breanna’s post about working for two hours and taking one hour off. Last year, there was something deep within myself that would have thought, “Must be nice but I can’t do that.”

Focus isn’t something that I struggle with. I can focus for 14 hours straight without taking a break. That’s nothing worth bragging about. So as of late, I’ve been trying to figure out what balance and breaks look like for me. Is it working 4 days a week? Is it working every day but only a few hours? Is it taking a few shorter breaks throughout the day? Is it pre-scheduling various trips and vacations? Is it taking a whole month off every year?

I’ve owned my own business since August 2012 and I don’t give myself much flexibility. I don’t think outside the box and I can end up working all the time.


How do you handle breaks? Do you take a walk, restrict screentime, stop working at a certain time? Do you get away from your desk at lunch? Schedule vacations strategically? I’d love to hear.

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  1. Kendra D. says

    April 12, 2018 at 5:21 PM

    On nice days I try to walk at least a mile at lunch. If I really want to treat myself I find a cookie to enjoy mid-walk. It is one of my favorite things about working downtown.

    Reply
    • Allie says

      April 12, 2018 at 7:28 PM

      Ohhh mid-walk cookie sounds absolutely amazing.

      Reply
  2. Alisa Canter says

    April 12, 2018 at 5:55 PM

    I’ve started a routine of 3 hours work, 1 hour off and it has been a huge help. I also don’t struggle to focus, but since I have started the 3 on, 1 off habit I notice I have more energy, and am able to offer more creative ideas and solutions to whatever I am working on. This 100 day project has forced me to take longer breaks as well to create which is eye opening. Since starting my business journey, I didn’t realize how little time I was spending on myself. Its a good gut check and has got me thinking about how to find that better balance!

    Reply
    • Allie says

      April 12, 2018 at 7:29 PM

      No way! That’s amazing! So you do 2 different stretches of the 3-hour working? I love that you mentioned being able to offer more creative ideas. Do you set any guidelines to what you should be doing during the 1-hour break?

      Reply

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  • I’m teaming up with @thewildflowerenthusiast and we’re hosting a Flower Crown Portrait Day on April 6th! You’re a piece of art, you might as well document it. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up in the Met if I do my job right. Limited slots - link in bio!
  • *and grew up in a supportive home, had family that helped put me in semi-private art lessons or buy my art supplies, had parents who never put pressure on me to be something I wasn’t, had a grandpa who helped put me through college, married a feminist who later became my business partner, is surrounded by a team / friends / clients who support me and in a city that allows for it all. But, yes, I am self-made in that I don’t have a trust fund or have needed to seek investors or a business loan. I’m thankful for my privilege and work hard as hell.
  • I’m co-hosting an event with @achearedd of @realgirlsfart here at @thewonderjam on Saturday February 23rd. I’ll be on a panel alongside @dejacierston + @chanelleredman of @bereplenish and @native_mama__ + @lovey_doves_ of @nativecoldpressed. I’ll ALSO be taking portraits of individuals and best friends. The most affordable portrait price I’ll ever offer :) $35 for one ticket or $60 for a pair. Link in bio.
  • I’ve been a godparent for over a month and have already cheered about a poopy diaper. 2019 is shaping up to be one of my favorite years already.
  • Representation matters - and that includes photos of you circulating in this big world of ours. I have a fun portrait project up my sleeve and it involves photographing people who can’t afford it, who don’t see themselves in pop culture or someone who hides in the shadows. And not just women! I’m accepting applicants for this one. Link in bio. And you can nominate someone by filling it out for them or sharing the link with them!
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Recent portrait work from this month. Thank you, beautiful people, for letting me take your photo!

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