Strive to balance your work, enjoyment, and responsibilities, while remembering to care for yourself along the journey. Staying healthy goes beyond having energy for daily challenges; it’s about being fully present for those who matter most.
As an artist and a parent, life often feels like a careful balancing act. On the one hand, I want to nurture my daughter’s creativity, curiosity, and excitement for the world around her. But on the other, I’m mindful of the ever-present pull of screens and gadgets. In our home, I set boundaries for screen time, not wanting her to fall into the habit of endless scrolling or game-playing. I want her to develop her imagination in tangible ways—whether that’s playing outside, working on school assignments, or creating something new. So, her reward for a job well done on schoolwork is a bit of gaming, and I set a timer: 30 minutes to an hour, max.
And since I’m a fan of retro gaming myself (yes, I collect those classic consoles!), we often play together. The other day, we were deep into Resident Evil 6 on my old PlayStation 3. I’ve always loved how characters in certain games become so iconic you can recognize them by silhouette alone. Capcom did an amazing job with the Resident Evil series, and my daughter is particularly taken by it. She gets so excited every time Leon Kennedy appears on screen, shouting his name like she’s cheering on an idol at a concert! But as much as she loves the heroes, her commentary on some of the scarier creatures caught me off guard in the funniest way.
At one point, a particularly large, round zombie monster popped onto the screen. She pointed excitedly and yelled, “Look, Daddy! Look, it’s the big tummy monster! It looks like you!” I couldn’t help it—I burst out laughing. It was an innocent observation from her, but the accuracy hit a little too close to home! The moment forced me to pause, not just in the game, but in my own life. Was I actually starting to resemble that “big tummy monster”? It made me realize I hadn’t been taking the best care of myself lately.
Then, the wake-up call really hit. Earlier today, I was working on my wife’s car after the battery died (thanks to my 4-year-old leaving the lights on overnight!). As I was removing the battery, I felt an uncomfortable twinge in my back—a clear sign that something as routine as basic car maintenance was taking a toll on my body. And that’s when it really hit me: I’ve been so focused on work and parenting that I’ve neglected my own health and fitness.
In life, we often get wrapped up in the roles we play—artist, parent, spouse—and sometimes we forget the importance of caring for the one thing that sustains it all: our own well-being. It’s easy to overlook, but if we’re not physically able to keep up with life’s demands, everything suffers.
So, here are a few lessons I’ve taken from this experience, and maybe these tips can help you, too, if you’re juggling similar responsibilities:
Set Boundaries, Not Just for Your Kids, But for Yourself Just as I limit my daughter’s screen time, I realize I need to set boundaries for myself, too. For me, that means creating limits around sedentary activities, whether it’s gaming, drawing, or even browsing on my phone. Small steps—like setting a timer to take breaks, stretching, or moving around—make a difference.
Use Playtime as a Bonding Opportunity, But Also Listen to Your Body
Gaming together is a way for me to bond with my daughter, but her comment about the “big tummy monster” reminded me that play can reveal more than just shared enjoyment; it can shine a light on areas we might be ignoring in our own lives. Take these little moments seriously—they may be telling you something important.
Incorporate Health Into Your Daily Routine, Even If It’s Just Small Movements
As artists, we’re often stationary for hours on end. Whether it’s at a drawing board, in front of a computer, or working at a desk, these prolonged periods of sitting aren’t great for our bodies. I’m making it a point now to add more movement into my routine, even if it’s just quick stretches or a short walk around the house every hour.
Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable
We often put our personal needs aside for family or work, but I’m learning that self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. For me, this might mean squeezing in some workout time, getting more sleep, or prioritizing a healthier diet. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s the fuel that allows us to give our best to others.
Stay Mindful and Appreciate the Little Things
Moments like these with my daughter remind me of how quickly time passes and how valuable these seemingly small interactions are. Staying present and finding joy in simple moments—whether it’s laughing together at a video game or discovering something new about myself—adds a level of depth and fulfillment to everyday life.
So, if you’re a parent, an artist, or just someone navigating the daily hustle, I encourage you to take a step back. Listen to the little signs, even if they come from an unexpected source. Balance the work, the fun, and the responsibilities, but remember to take care of yourself along the way. After all, staying healthy isn’t just about having energy for the daily grind—it’s about being fully present for the people who matter most.
Reflecting on these moments with my daughter has sparked a new commitment for me to prioritize my health and well-being. Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge, a laugh, or even a comparison to a “big tummy monster” to remind us what truly matters. So here’s to staying grounded, staying healthy, and finding joy in both work and play!
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