Here's how you can unwind and recharge as a product designer outside of work.

Recharge: Nature is Your Muse! Feeling stuck? Escape & explore! Hike, bike, or just take a walk. Nature's beauty sparks creativity! Fresh eyes & a new perspective for killer designs!

Nature always relaxes me unless it is a tornado warning like we had two days ago. Fortunately it bipassed us but went through Parry Sound. I was able to post the sunset after which you may or may not have seen. I grew up at a cottage which my Father built bit by bit. I figured out I was conceived up North and was brought as soon as school was out with my Father being a school teacher, I was born April. 15 so was 10 weeks old. I love the many sounds that nature brings, birds chirping, bees buzzing , waves rolling, wind in the trees and loads of other things. The Biophere association wanted to know if we saw any loons so I told them I did and Steve said I am lucky. It came within 60 feet of our dock so he asked me to take a picture next time

To unwind and recharge as a product designer outside of work: Engage in creative hobbies like painting, sketching, or crafting. Spend time outdoors, whether hiking, gardening, or simply taking walks. Practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Connect with friends and family for social support and relaxation. Explore interests unrelated to design, such as reading, cooking, or listening to music.

Unleash Your Inner Hobbyist! Take a break, explore a passion! Painting, music, even cooking - anything goes! Boosts creativity, problem-solving & brings fresh eyes to design!

My hobby is doing my Ancestry which is extremely interesting. My family were United Empire Loyalists and and American Loyalists too. Doing my Ancestry since 2010 has taken me all over the world and had I known what I know now I probably could have met family in Scotland in 1995. I like doing Ancestry because I can do it whenever I want. My Mom was a Morden and they originated in Yorkshire England. There are many places with that name still in England. My Grandpa Morden created the first tie pin and the patent is in his Profile. He also created the electrical connection in a lamp with another man and that is in the gallery. He worked at Morden electric in Hamilton which was owned by family. Lastly he was creating a paint and silver polish.

Move Your Body, Boost Your Design! Feeling drained? Get those endorphins flowing! Hit the gym, do yoga, or dance it out! Exercise = stress relief & a clear mind for killer designs!

Regular physical activity is crucial for managing stress and maintaining mental clarity, especially for product designers who often spend long hours at a desk. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to physical and mental tension. Incorporating exercise, whether it’s a gym session, yoga, or dancing, helps release endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers. This boosts overall health and places you in a better state to approach design challenges with a positive mindset. Engaging in regular physical activity not only improves well-being but also enhances creativity and productivity in your design work.

Engaging in physical activities like hiking, yoga, or playing sports can be a great way to unwind. Exercise helps reduce stress, boosts your mood, and can even spark new ideas by giving your mind a break from work-related thoughts. For example, a long walk or run can clear your head and lead to unexpected design inspirations.

Tonight we are invited next door to our neighbour’s cottage for supper. He is a kind retired teacher. We are taking some German Rhine wine as I don’t drink much, a spritzer. Terry has been a wonderful helpful Neighbour and helped us many times and vice versa. He takes us out on a boat ride every summer as we don’t own a boat. His partner is a very nice man from Cuba who does most of the cooking. They built a home there on the ocean which is lovely. We visited Cuba and stayed there a couple of nights as well as an all inclusive resort a few years ago. I enjoyed the food very much having papaya and grapefruit at every meal I lost some weight. I had a hard time with mosquitoes as I am allergic to them and the bite goes as big as a plum.

Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments to relax can significantly reduce stress levels. Mindfulness helps you stay present and focused, making it easier to tackle design problems with a calm and clear mind. Embracing these activities ensures you maintain a healthy work-life balance, leading to sustained creativity and productivity in your design work.