Finding the Balance: My Life Off-The-Clock
By Emily Faulkner
We all know that feeling—the collective exhale when the laptop lid finally shuts or the office door swings closed. For a long time, I struggled with the concept of "spare time," often feeling like if I wasn't being productive, I wasn't being me. But lately, I’ve realized that the magic happens in the margins.
Here is a little peek into how I recharge when I’m not on the clock.
The Great Escape: Reading:
If you see me with a coffee in one hand, there is a 90% chance there’s a book in the other. Reading isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a necessary mental reset. I’m a bit of a literary nomad—one week I’m knee-deep in a fast-paced psychological thriller, and the next, I’m slowing down with a piece of historical fiction or a memoir. There’s something uniquely grounding about silencing the digital noise and getting lost in someone else’s story.
The Soundtrack of Everything:
My taste in music?
In a word: eclectic. My playlists are a chaotic, beautiful mess that would probably confuse any algorithm.
* Morning Focus: Usually lo-fi beats or classical.
* The Commute: 80s synth-pop or indie rock.
* The Wind-down: Soul, jazz, or maybe some moody folk.
I truly believe there is a song for every mood, and I’m constantly hunting for that next "repeat-one-track-for-three-days" discovery.
Movement (In Moderation!):
I’ll be the first to admit it: I am not a "gym rat." You won’t find me hitting a personal best at 5:00 AM every single day. However, I’ve learned to appreciate the gym occasionally. For me, it’s about that post-workout endorphin hit and the clarity it brings. I go when my body asks for it, focusing more on feeling strong than hitting specific metrics. It’s a healthy balance of discipline and listening to my own limits.
Quality Time: The Anchor:
At the end of the day, none of the above matters much if I don’t have my favourite person to share it with. Spending time with my partner is my ultimate "recharge."
Whether we’re:
* Trying out a new script idea (with varying levels of success).
* Binge-watching a series we’ve already seen, or not seen!
* Or just sitting in "parallel play"—him on his hobby, me with my book.
*Relaxing together. romantically - listening to Film Music.
It’s those quiet, uncomplicated moments that make the busy work weeks worth it.
Life is a juggling act, but I’m learning that the elements I drop on purpose—the chores, the emails, the "should-dos"—often make room for the things I actually love.
Emily Faulkner.
