Working at The Yardstick Agency is an amazing blend of challenges: leading a team of incredible web designers and developers, dealing with the day to day, handling client queries… it can be a very fast-paced and constantly connected role.
There’s always a new project, another challenge in the pipeline, or a deadline to meet. It’s rewarding work, but it can be intense. When the pace goes that fast, it can be hard to shut down the brain.
Over time, that kind of always-on mentality takes its toll. That’s why switching off at the end of the day is not just nice to do. It’s essential.
To be clear, switching off doesn’t mean collapsing onto your favourite chair and mindlessly scrolling through your phone for three hours. It means engaging your brain in a different, healthier way. It means finding space to relax, reset, and recharge.
For me, that space is found in a slightly unusual corner of the universe: the grimdark far future of Warhammer 40,000.
Why miniature painting is my escape
Outside of work, I paint Warhammer 40,000 miniatures. It’s a hobby that combines creativity, focus, and patience – all things I often find in short supply after a hectic day. But that’s the beauty of it.
When I sit down to paint, I’m not thinking about websites, clients, or the next big project. I’m thinking about colour schemes, brush techniques, and whether this Space Marine’s plasma rifle should have a glowing effect (spoiler: it always should). It’s meditative. It’s immersive. It’s mine.
What started as a hobby has become something of a lifeline. In the act of painting, even for just 30 minutes, I can feel my brain shifting gears. The stress begins to fade. The noise of the day quiets down. And I get to create something for no other reason than because I enjoy it.
The benefits of switching off
Having something to focus on outside of work, such as a creative hobby, can show in a very positive way, through your focus and productivity increasing, boosted mood, and reduced stress. When your brain has a chance to wind down, it comes back stronger. You become more present, more creative, and better able to deal with the challenges that may crop up. And crucially, you protect your mental health in the long run.
The lines between online and offline can blur all too easily, and so it’s vital to deliberately make that break.
What’s your Warhammer?
The hobby you choose doesn’t have to involve painting futuristic Space Marines. It could be gardening, playing music, running, baking, woodworking, or anything else that gets you out of your work mindset and into something you enjoy for its own sake.
It’s not selfish. It’s not a luxury. It’s part of taking care of yourself and, by extension, being better for your team, your clients, and your work.
Make sure you clock off after a long day
As someone leading a digital team, I’ve seen how easy it is to glorify busyness. But I’ve also learned that productivity isn’t about being on all the time. Instead, it’s about having the energy, clarity, and perspective to do your best work when it matters.
So next time you clock off, ask yourself… have I really switched off? If the answer’s “no”, maybe it’s time to rediscover (or start) a hobby that helps you do just that.
And who knows? Maybe I’ll see you at the painting desk.
Get in touch
If you’d like support with your marketing so you can focus on building financial plans for your clients, or even just creating the time and space to spend on your hobbies, we can help.
Email hi@theyardstickagency.co.uk or call 0115 8965 300 to speak to one of our team today.
