Many freelancers, and entrepreneurs like myself, have the luxury and privilege of setting our own work schedules. If you’re in such a situation, really try to take advantage of this freedom by varying your routines.

If you don’t have a job working from home, or have the ability to dictate your work schedule, there are still many things that you can do to switch things up in order to break from your usual grind. If you normally drive, take public transportation and save some gas money and the environment. If you’re heart set on driving, take a different route. I myself like to take different routes on the subway or while walking (even if it takes longer and its somewhat out of the way), just to change the scenery and feel like I’m experiencing something new. Sometimes when my condo elevator is out of commission, I’m forced to ‘do it a different way’ by taking the stairs - unlucky for me its usually when I’m coming home with my arms filled with groceries haha! But yeah, occasionally take the stairs and give your body some extra exercise. Eat lunch in the park instead of at your computer (I know I’ve been guilty of that many times!). 

Don’t get me wrong, routines are important, but it’s a matter of figuring out which ones serve you, and which ones are making life repetitive. Having no routines at all is unhealthy and unproductive. Routines and structure force us to get things done! Just make sure to stay consciously aware, and catch yourself when you slip into auto-pilot and are just going through the motions. Keeping things new and fresh help you to stay present and feeling more alive.

Last summer I started swimming in the pool in my condo during my normal ‘work hours’ to change the flow of my day. It was a great way to have fun, get exercise and refresh my mind for the rest of my work day. Unfortunately this newfound pastime was cut short after getting a ton of water stuck in my ear, bleaching my royal blue bathing suit to a purpley-pinkish colour, and frying my hair with an over-chlorinated pool! But don’t let this deter you from trying something like this. I had a blast, and now that the pool guy has convinced me that the problem has been fixed, I might just give it another try. Swimming is good, chlorine is not! 

Lately I’ve been varying what I work on day-to-day. One day I’ll focus on the creative, by designing posters, drawing and brainstorming. The next day I’ll work on all of the nitty gritty administrative tasks that need to get done. Some days I won’t work at all, which sometimes makes me feel guilty, but I realize the importance of taking breaks, stepping back and gaining perspective. 

This tip is especially important for freelancers and those who work from home and are not constantly ‘out in the world’. Living and working in the same space can sometimes give you that dreaded cabin-fever feeling. It’s great to be able to roll out of bed and into work mode without a commute, but sometimes the lack of outside stimulation can be quite monotonous. So the obvious cure for the fever, is to get outside! Many times I’ve spent the entire day, maybe a couple without stepping foot outside of my condo and it always leaves me feeling stagnant and well, just blah in general. So now I try to leave my home at least once a day, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block. 

When you go outside for a change of scenery bring your work with you. Same goes for those who work in offices that allow you to leave your workspace. Take your laptop or notebook to a park, cafe, library, hotel lobby, gallery, food court, the possibilities are endless. People-watching is a great source of inspiration. Eavesdropping on conversations at the mall, museum and hospital have given me endless ideas, if only I was a comedian or writer.

You don’t have to leave your home to change your environment. Just working in another room can give you a fresh perspective. Weather permitting, my favourite place to change things up is to work on the balcony. Very lucky for me, I have a view of the lake, which is an endless source of inspiration for me. In the summer months I like to pretend that I’m on vacation while eating breakfast out there. The little table and chair set up is a perfect place to sip tea, daydream, write and sketch. Try to find a little sanctuary of your own that you can escape to when you need to get away from your desk. A breakfast nook, by a large window, backyard patio, anywhere that offers a quite space to make your own.

Lastly, you don’t have to leave your workspace or office, just rearrange or change it. Cleaning works wonders to change the energy of a room. File all of those papers that have been stacking up and get rid of the unnecessary clutter. I try to do this at least once a week, if not once a day. Bring new life into your space by hanging inspiring artwork and surrounding yourself with beautiful things that bring you joy. I have filled my office with plants, which really brings the space life and serenity. 

We often judge a situation and decide whether or not we will ‘have a good time’ before we even give it a chance. The other night the weather looked quite miserable out, but I decided to push myself to go outside and take photos despite all of my pessimistic thoughts.

“It’s too dark out to take any decent pictures.”

“I don’t want to have to hold an umbrella.”

“My camera might get wet.”

“What if I get water droplets on the lens.” 

You get the picture! By ignoring the incessant chatter of negativity, I was able to go out and make the most of the night, and really appreciate and get excited about how surprisingly beautiful everything was. Stop coming up with excuses as to why things won’t work out, and just do. Be open, and let things magically unfold.

First I would like to say that I love Lilou! She inspires me on a daily basis with her thought-provoking interviews, and warm personality.

I really like the message in this video, that we are all put on earth to make things a little better for each other. Do what you love, and make yourself and the people around you happier.

Its so interesting how creativity spawns more creativity. Its an endless cycle really. This world, and universe even, is one gigantic creative project, and each and every one of us is an active participant.

Here are a couple of projects I’ve worked on in the past, that have inspired others to build upon and add their own spin.

Last summer I designed this logo / t-shirt for ineedsugar.com and some clever young lady with mad sewing skills really made it her own by adding a plunging neckline, super-cute sleeves and a front pocket. I love it! (I’d like one for myself actually!)

Recently, I created the design / illustration for Kipu an awesome time-tracking application. I came up with this cute little racoon-like character to become the applications mascot. 

Shortly after the Beta launch, a gentleman named Bob sent us his polished version of the character with added features, depth and definition - good job! We don’t however agree with the claws - Kipu isn’t that tough! : )

I am so blessed to be living by the Toronto Harbourfront. For one, the lake invokes such a sense of calm and stillness. Sitting by the water is truly my favourite thing to do in the city and I was reminded this weekend that I really must do it more often!

During the summer months, the Harbourfront Centre is bursting at the seams with creative energy and inspiration. Each weekend showcases a different cultural festival offering endless possibilities from food sampling, to live music and dance. Where else can you drink young coconut milk, canoe in a 2 ft deep pond, learn to salsa, visit an art gallery, watch a concert and catch a flick all in one spot. 

Last weekend was the Hot & Spicy festival (one of my favourite annual events). I sampled hot sauces til my tummy ached, watched a cooking demo, and finished the day off with a screening of the film Black Gold. I highly recommend watching this one especially if you’re an avid drinker of coffee.

Lesson learned this weekend: It’s so easy to take for granted what we have available to us. It is so important to go out and enjoy and make the most of the abundance that surrounds us. I suggest that you go out and explore your immediate neighbourhood, wherever that may be. There is surely some hidden treasure waiting to be found right under your nose.