Do you find yourself struggling to find the energy and creativity for your business? Are you trying to think of creative marketing solutions, but coming up dry? Having trouble thinking of that next email to send to potential clients, social media post, or blog? Maybe you are stressing about a difficult work situation that you are trying to resolve.
When I look back on my 30+ years of various jobs, especially with my voiceover career, there is one thing that has been consistently part of my life that has helped me find those creative solutions.
I know – it’s not a groundbreaking revelation. And I’m not trying to say this as a “health nut” or to subscribe to any sort of fitness or diet plan. Let me just say first, I admire those who, with little sleep and no caffeine, that are bursting with energy and creative ideas. I’m not that kind of person. I struggle with energy and inspiration.I am simply saying that after 30 plus years of working in either the military, private-sector jobs, and freelance work, the one thing that has been consistent this whole time has been some degree of exercise.
The Physical Routine To Power You Through
I never set out early on thinking I’m going to do this for the rest of my life. It was something that I tried to do one or twice during the week – maybe some running, maybe some weightlifting. It then got to be more consistent depending on the facilities available. Most of the time I work out solo but there were many times when I would workout with co-workers.I’m not a big guy so building strength seemed like a decent goal early on. There were times when I took note of some weightlifting competitions. While I never competed, I did try setting personal goals to see how far I could go. Over the years, I started achieving my weightlifting goals and was happy that maybe I could do some heavy yard work or just put on my socks without pulling anything.
Then came the 5ks and mud obstacle races. Mixing in cardio with strength-training was another challenge. And you can’t overlook the fun social aspect of all of these charity races. Whether it’s a 5k, Tough Mudder, Spartan race, Tough Ruck, or marathon, you’ll enjoy the bonds you make with folks when you’re covered in mud or puking on the side of a race trail.
By the way, after purchasing a new Pro-Form treadmill, take advantage of the really unique and helpful built-in video training programs
When I started seeing the gains and the effects it had on my life, I kept at it. I focused on staying hydrated which helps maintain vocal health, and I rarely get sick. If you want to be available for your voiceover clients, your body better be ready too. Not only that, but I felt a sense of accomplishment. If I ended up not doing anything else that day, at least I had a workout under my belt.
Mental Health For Your Voiceover Business
Staying in shape is great, but the mental health benefits are what I desperately need to get me through the week and to help me work through that day’s mental challenge. I have my fair share of “cognitive challenges” like a lot of folks, so I need all the help I can get!
The APA says in this article that exercise can help manage stress levels, boost mental health, and most importantly for me, help build my mind’s muscles and sharpen memory.
THAT is why exercise has been a big part of my life. I need that mental boost to get me through the day. It takes everything I have to start the day with a workout, but I know that I’ll be more energized afterwards. And it gives me time to mentally process all sorts of things. I’ve found myself processing challenging and very stressful work situations and thinking through those scenarios and solutions.
Working out is a great time to take in the latest podcast or webinar. This time helps me process those creative ideas I need for my marketing campaigns, figuring out how to manage my clients, discovering new ideas to improve my voiceover business, whether it’s with training, building my website, social media content, blog/vlog topics. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wrapped up a workout and, after a quick shower, and immediately dove into those ideas.
As I balance my voiceover business for Cameron Thomas Voiceovers, project management work with Voice Actor Websites, playing in a few local bands, and my family life, I need all the mental bandwidth to keep track of everything. Working out gets the blood flowing for that mental boost for creativity, but helps me multi-task and to change gears from one task to the next.
