Protecting Your Energy as a Digital Creator

A quick intro - this post was written by my sweet friend, colleague, and Mindwell collaborator,  Hannah Rheaume. If you follow Hannah on instagram (@hannahrheaume), you already know she is an epic digital creator. Her wilderness adventure content (see below) is the cure we all need to get through these long, socially distant winter months.  In addition to creating her own inspiring social media, blog, and podcast (as I said, literal content queen), she is the social media manager for a few of our shared clients. I asked her to write this post because I know she spends an TON of time and effort creating content, but she is also fiercely protective of her energy.  I admire this about her, and I know you will too. Here are her words -

In early 2019 I began to notice a steady decline in my mindset, self-talk, and energy. Everything seemed out of sync and I couldn’t get a hold on it. When I began practicing yoga things started to fall back into place. I thought to myself, if this one practice could change the tone, where else in my life can I adjust to create a high vibrational life and work flow? With so much of my life shared online, and nearly all of my work remote, protecting my energy has become SO important. I realized I didn’t have to feel depleted at the end of every day, I could still have energy for the things I love to do.
 
Cultivating a positive mindset is a choice, maintaining a positive mindset is a practice - seemingly never ending! Because I work remotely, I create my own schedule! While my work day might look different than yours, these 6 practices have helped me so much in protecting my energy as a digital creator/marketer. I hope they can help you, as well. 
 
Set Boundaries
 
Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries! I cannot stress enough the importance of having boundaries. Perhaps that’s why it’s number one on the list. Often times, the line gets blurred when it comes to boundaries, especially when we work and play in the same circle.
 
Whether you’re a freelance social media manager, digital marketer, or content creator, setting the tone for how your relationships function in and out of the "office" should be at the forefront. This means establishing boundaries for responding to emails, calls and texts related to work during after-hours. Now I get that sometimes things are time sensitive, but for the items that can wait, or for the email that comes in at 6 p.m. and your work day ended at 5:30 p.m., simply wait to respond. Setting these limits helps to protect your energy bank so that you aren’t depleted. It also helps protect your work flow, keeping you focused on the task at hand rather than bouncing from project to project.
 
Create a To-do List, Set a Schedule, and Manage Expectations
 
These three things go hand in hand. Creating a to do list of the tasks you need to complete for the day or week ahead will allow you to create the perfect schedule and manage expectations/deadlines. Obviously, things come up, so don’t get too stressed when your schedule needs to pivot! The theme of right now, amiright?
 
Between planning content, scheduling the content, waiting on approvals, emails, projects- whatever it might be- keep control of your schedule. Rather than being on speed dial for clients, schedule a call so that your conversation is concise, you’ve had the time to reflect on their question/request, and it will be of the greatest benefit to both of you.
 
 
Rest and Recharge
 
Aside from getting a full 8 hours of sleep and having a consistent bedtime, Take the time to do the things that light you up! For me, this means getting outside every single day, either early in the morning or in the evening. I schedule this in my daily to do; I’d argue it’s one of the most important parts of my day because it clears my mind and keeps me energized to be present for my work. Guided meditations have also been a game changer for me through apps like Calm and InsightTimer.
 
What rest and recharge also means: using those vacation days! Yes, I am giving you permission to take that vacation, guilt-free.  Not only does time away provide clarity but it helps you recharge your energy bank so that you return at the top of your game.
 
Practice Positive Self Talk
 
Things are not always going to go the way you imagined but don’t let your inner critic take the lead. Instead, boost your confidence by giving yourself permission to mess up. Change the narrative and write down the things that went right in the situation and rather than dwelling on what didn’t. Recognize the mistake, but don’t let it run you!
 
Trust your Gut
 
Above all else, you have to go with your gut! If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your body. Whether it’s a problem with a current client or declining a potential job/client that doesn’t fully align with you. Always seek out the communication that is needed to resolve the issue, be up front, honest and move on.
 
Take a Break
 
Sometimes, you just need to walk away! Honor that. There is no use working through frustration or tiredness. Tune into what your body feels like and what your energy levels are throughout the day. For me, I when I feel a slump in my energy I head outside! Whether I go for a walk, jump rope, run, or quick mid-day hike; I return feeling energized and ready to crush deadlines.