A VOICE ACTOR with the ‘soul purpose’ to Voice your story that will SERVE, ENGAGE, INFORM, and CONNECT your listeners. I deliver your message professionally, proficiently, and with Purpose.

As someone who has experienced the challenges of juggling two jobs, I know how important it is to prioritize your health and well-being because working multiple jobs can be challenging for both physical and mental health. While it is important to remember that extra work hours may sometimes be necessary to meet financial needs, it is even more important to recognize when enough is enough and ensure your health does not suffer. I will admit I am a work in progress and am still learning each day when to “turn off” or “shut down” for the day.

How do you stay healthy while working two jobs?

If you’re asking this question already, you likely feel the strain of managing multiple work responsibilities. I understand the struggle and pressure and want to help with the exact strategies I used to regain control and feel more supported.

6 ways to manage health and well-being

Get enough sleep: Taking care of yourself means getting a good night’s sleep. Not getting enough sleep can lead to several physical, mental, and emotional issues. So, it is essential to prioritize getting the right amount of sleep. Remember to be kind to yourself and prioritize rest as a necessary part of your self-care routine.

Tip: I set an alarm for the evening 30 minutes to an hour BEFORE, my ideal “bedtime.” So if I want to get to bed by 10 p.m., I have an alarm that silences all calls, etc., at 9 p.m. and use those hours to prep for bed.

Stay physically active: I discovered that staying physically active was a game changer for me while I worked two jobs. Not only does it help reduce stress, but it has tons of physical health benefits, like boosting your mood, giving you more energy, and even strengthening your immune system. I know it can be tough to find time for exercise when you have a lot going on, but trust me, it’s worth prioritizing. There are plenty of ways to get moving, like going for a walk, jogging, or doing yoga. If you’re struggling to hold yourself accountable, make a pact with an exercise buddy to hold each other accountable.

Tip: If you have calls all day, do it standing or walking if you are able to. Also, set the timer for 7–15 minutes and do the 7-minute workout (Life hack link) or walk around your home or outside for 15 minutes.

Eat a balanced diet: Nothing can beat a good meal to maintain overall health, and I found it helpful. I know it can be tempting to rely on junk, especially as you juggle multiple jobs, but trust me, your body will thank you if you opt for whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods will give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy and energetic throughout the day. Plus, there are so many delicious and healthy recipes out there that you can try! So let’s make a pact to fuel our bodies with the good stuff and feel our best.

Tip: Let’s face it, I am NOT a cook, so I get healthy snackables, like carrot sticks, celery sticks, or apple slices… even applesauce, to fuel me in between meetings, or VO bookings. Nowadays, you can buy carrots and celery pre-cut to easily snack on…and drink an 8oz glass of water FIRST before your “snack attack.”

Manage stress: because it can significantly impact your physical and mental health. When juggling multiple jobs, developing a routine for dealing with stress, such as deep breathing exercises, walking in nature, meditation, or writing in a journal, is crucial. You can also prioritize self-care activities like relaxing, visiting a spa, or reading a good book. Additionally, make time for other hobbies and activities you enjoy when possible, as it can help alleviate the stress and pressure of managing multiple jobs. You got this!

Tip: Power naps are awesome for managing stressful times throughout the day; I get it…20 minutes doesn’t seem like enough, but try it. I had to take a few longer snoozes and set an alarm, but I finally stuck to the 20 minutes.

Stay organized: if you find this difficult to do because of your job, it’s time to create a schedule that includes your working hours, relaxation, etc. After doing that, don’t be tempted to stay at your jobs beyond your scheduled hours, no matter how overwhelming the workload is. Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and reminders to help you stay on track, or hire a virtual assistant to assist with minor time-consuming tasks; this way, you can streamline your work processes to make them more efficient and reduce stress.

Tip: If you use Gmail or Outlook, create time blocks in your calendar. For instance, when I worked multiple jobs, for my primary job, I would block a “lunch hour” every weekday for an hour. That forced me to NOT have any meetings during that time block or to work through my lunch hour like I often did. This lunchtime block also resulted in a morning block hour and an afternoon block hour 1–3 times a week. For example, my blocks were:

8:00am – 9:30am – Mondays, Fridays

11:30 – 12:30pm – Weekdays

4pm – 5:30pm – Wednesdays 

Take breaks: If you work multiple jobs, you must take breaks often to keep your physical and mental health in good shape. Regular breaks can help you reduce stress, improve focus, and increase productivity. I understand how challenging taking breaks can be with a busy work schedule, but it is necessary for your well-being. Even if it is only minutes long, use that time to stretch, take a walk, or relax.

Another way to prioritize your well-being is by seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Having a support system can help you deal with the stress and pressure of having multiple jobs and give you emotional support when things are hard. Remember, working multiple jobs doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health and well-being. While it may feel like there is too much to do and insufficient time, you must remember your needs, prioritize your health, and celebrate your successes.

TIP/Confession: I am still learning each day with one primary job, but it sometimes takes time and habit, so give yourself grace.

Which of these strategies are you already implementing? Which of them would you start with? Was this newsletter helpful?

I’d be happy to get your thoughts in the comments; please let me know any tips you use to manage your jobs. Additionally, I would love to hear about any topics you are passionate about and would like me to cover in future discussions.

If you haven’t already subscribed to my newsletter, click here. You can also share the link with others. Don’t forget that I’m here to support, motivate, and inspire you through my tips, tricks, and experiences while managing two jobs and building my voice-over career.

How can I help you?

At MyVoiceWorks Management, we specialize in providing excellent, quality, and professional service for any VO project, including commercials, radio, digital, e-learning, corporate narration, and audio description, among others, with a breadth of emotion that brings your script to life and connects to the heart and soul of your audience.

Whether you’re a small business, a large corporation, or an independent producer, we take pride in understanding your projects and delivering high-quality recordings that go above and beyond expectations because our focus is on the outcome before the income.

Contact us today at mvw@myvoiceworksmanagment.com to learn more about our services and how we can help your project succeed.

If you haven’t already, follow Saundi Harrison-Cooksey, voiceofsaundi.com owner and talent of MyVoiceWorks Management, LLC, and click on the link for my samples, booked work, and more.

Saundi Harrison-Cooksey, Voice Actor

A VOICE ACTOR with the ‘soul purpose’ to Voice your story that will SERVE* ENGAGE* INFORM * and CONNECT your listeners. I deliver your message professionally, proficiently and with Purpose.

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