How do you achieve work-life balance? It’s one of the core questions that arise in every interview, a thing that keeps many of us awake at night, and (for those who are regular followers of W&D) a tightwire balancing act that I’m always trying to attain.
Balance, not “having it all,” is what I am seeking. Focusing less on what I have to do, and more on what I get to do. In order to support this paradigm shift, I’ve found that setting boundaries—both mental and physical—has helped change my way of thinking. Setting goals—getting thoughts out of my head and on to paper—has been instrumental in this process.
In addition to breaking down huge, insurmountable, terrifying tasks into baby steps, I’m also setting time aside to do nothing.
Yes. Me. A workaholic, a recovering perfectionist, and I have to schedule time to do nothing. I legit have a daily calendar invite that says, “Lie down on the couch.” Those 15 minutes on that couch are sometimes the only thing that gets me through the day.
If you need me between 2:00 – 2:15pm Monday – Friday, you will find me on our Sixpenny Devyn sofa here at the studio. For those glorious 15 minutes, I lie down and let the Devyn swallow me whole; melting into the cushions and doing absolutely nothing productive. Sometimes I scroll through Instagram, sometimes I meditate. If Winnie comes to the office with me, you better believe she and I are snuggling. The Devyn is perfect for doing nothing; it’s oversized (ideal for snuggling a not-so-small pup), holds you like a bed, and yet it feels right at home in the overall studio workplace.
After those blissful 15 minutes of respite, I’m ready to take on the world.
If you are in the Minneapolis area on Tuesday, August 13th, I’d love for you to visit us (and take your own 15-minute vacation whilst lying on our Sixpenny sofa) at our Mental Health Day open house.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
BY Kate Arends - August 4, 2019
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Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
Hi, I'm Kate. Welcome to my happy place.
Oh, I know what you mean! Sometimes it is really important to do nothing!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I love this concept. I wish corporate had comfy couches and would tolerate seeing an employee lie down on one doing nothing for 15 minutes!
I wish I could do this in my office for 15 minutes a day without feeling guilty as heck for it!
Can you please tell me the color and fabric name of your Sixpenny sofa? Also, is it more of a beige or grey color? Thank you in advance.
Hi, Misty! The Sixpenny sofa is the Devyn sofa. The color is Jasmine Rice and the fabric is Medium Weight Linen. It’s more of a beige than grey color, and it’s SUCH a comfortable couch, truly. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi! Did you get the feather down or poly?
Hi there! We got the feather down!
Love the sectional sofa. wondering if you have to fluff it a lot after you sit on it. Does it hold its shape?
We had to fluff the cushions quite a bit. This is a really comfortable sofa, but if a relaxed, slightly rumpled cushion look isn’t your thing, this may not be the right option for you!
I love how you’ve paired the rug! Do you have the name of it or where you got it from?
Thanks Felicia! It was purchased vintage from One Kings Lane, so I unfortunately don’t have a link to pass along.
I love this rug! Can you share where it’s from?
Thanks Rachel! It was purchased vintage from One Kings Lane, so I unfortunately don’t have a link to pass along.