Producer Inside View: Managing the Overwhelm
Yesterday I sat down and hand-wrote out lists of everything and everyone I’m working with/for/on.
It is ALOT. Probably my busiest period yet, since going freelance in 2020.
A few folks have got in touch in response - asking about how I manage my self-care in amongst all this busyness? This overwhelm? How do I do it? So this inspired me….
Some more thoughts… 👉🏼
I am not a self help practitioner, counsellor or health professional. All the following thoughts are how I manage my workload myself.
Not all of my projects are happening AT THE SAME TIME. There is overlap sure, and many crossover, but I manage my time to account for priorities, deadlines, scale of the job etc. All these things ebb & flow and sure, there are crunch times but then there’s also quiet times so, you know, swings & roundabouts.
The important thing is: I’m in control of all of this which is the joy of being freelance. I know it’s not for everyone but I enjoy being disciplined and I am naturally a self-starter. I try not to let anything get on top of me because I have things in place to aid my mental, physical & emotional well-being.
Image: Picture of me on stage during an event I produced for the Arches Worcester Festivals in 2021 - hi vis in all its glory!
The key ingredients and an inside view of how I manage my overwhelm are:
Daily yoga practice: usually first thing in the morning, I make sure I do this 5 out of 7 days for a min of 20 mins. My mat lives in our living room (our biggest space) and I roll it out, if I need inspo I put a YouTube video on and away I go. Then, COFFEE.
Exercise: I make time weekly to do x3 short runs (currently doing the Couch to 5k - again) , walking and gym (2-3 times). If I can, I try to get to a group yoga class as well. For me, if I don’t move, I can’t process therefore this is a priority so that my brain is unfogged and ready to go!
Coaching: I have a regular coach who I see monthly. I save up my list of things to talk about month to month and I process. Highly recommend this investment in yourself (if you can).
Mentoring: I am a mentor and I have a mentor myself. This keeps me on track with professional insights. And processing. Learn from above and pass it on.
HOLIDAYS: they’re a theme on my IG profile. And well life, I have a healthy dose of wanderlust and love travelling. This year we have 3 breaks planned already and they only take us until May. For me, these breaks are vital to rest, completely switch off and recover.
No kids: At the moment, I don’t have any children. That is a conscious choice because I am prioritising my career & establishing my business. I’m in awe at people in the arts who have children - one thing for sure is that the sector isn’t kind (well society isn’t is it?!) to caregivers.
DND: I regularly put my Do Not Disturb function on my phone so that I’m not idly scrolling at night. It also means my phone doesn’t buzz at all hours with notifications. Do it.
Sleep: aiming for 7-8 hours nightly and I use a tracker. Enough said.
A brilliant, supportive partner: My hubby Matt is my cheerleader, all listening ear, questioner, confidante, all round rock. He keeps me grounded when overwhelm, panic, anxiety or frustration set in. He is on board with everything I do and never doubts….
Music: I’ve made myself a few motivational playlists on Spotify. One’s called EPIC SONGS to get me through those head-gone moments when writing an ACE bid…
Pomodoro Technique: I set a timer for short 25 minute intervals of work, followed by a 5 minute break. Helps keep me focused when doing massive volumes of writing…. Works for me!
Image: The Birmingham cohort of young people currently taking part in Midlands-wide choreographic development project; Xzibit Young Creatives (and I am Executive Producer). With thanks to funding from Arts Council England.
Final thoughts
I recognise my privilege in all of this. Not everyone’s in the fortunate position to be able to afford coaching, for instance, or to take regular holidays, or hasn’t found the right person for them yet. But, I work hard and I want more people to go freelance! Our sector needs you & your sanity will thank you later.
If you think we can work together , send me an email at hello@amydaltonhardy.co.uk