Studies show that it takes 23 minutes to regain focus after a distraction. And one of the biggest distractions most of us can’t seem to escape is our beloved phone. That means the more you stare at your pocket computer, the less time your brain is focused on actual work. Every time you pick up your phone, you’ll need 23 minutes (at least) to get back to what you were doing. So if you only set aside an hour (or 25 minutes with the Pomodoro Technique) to focus on songwriting, half of that precious time is wasted because you had to watch that stupid TikTok of a guy throwing marbles down the stairs.
Personally, the only way I can completely avoid my phone is to put it on “Do Not Disturb” and set a timer for however long I need to focus. That way, nothing takes me out of my zone and I don’t even uk number list have to look at the time to see how much time I have left.
Taking time to relax is just as important as everything else on your huge to-do list. I understand the feeling of guilt that can come with taking a break. Especially as creatives, we tend to associate rest with laziness or lack of motivation. However, it is quite the opposite. Consider rest as part of the process. Without it, you cannot do everything else to your full potential. This is, in my opinion, the key to managing stress, regardless of the industry you work in.
In today’s hustle culture, we’re taught to push ourselves to the limit every second of every day, to block out everything that isn’t work-related, and to “lock in” despite any pressure. And all of that… is nonsense.
Do you know what makes things happen? A clear mind. A good night’s sleep. A healthy work-life balance. Above all, I hope this article encourages you to prioritize your peace. And not only that, I hope it encourages you to put strategies into practice in your life so that your efforts work with you, not against you. – The greatest art comes from a place of balance and clarity. So breathe, take a breath, and trust that rest is not just a pause, but the fuel for your creativity.
Keep your head up, your schedule steady, and watch your career (and well-being) thrive.