Playground of Randomness

11
Oct
2024

Fiction Friday: Book Review- The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why does this book entertain me at almost thirty years old?

I was having a bad week and I saw the Chronicles of Narnia boxset in the bookstore and thought “hey I work hard. I deserve nice things!”
And so here we are.

I never read the books when I was a kid but I LOVED the movies. To purchase the entire boxset as an adult really healed my inner child but staying up on a Friday night unable to sleep until I completed the book was such a great feeling. (They really don’t make books like they used to).

I’m going to assume we all know of Narnia at this point.

This book serves as a prequel and explains how Narnia came to be. I kinda wish that I started with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to get the full experience but I didn’t hate this.

This was a fun little read and I cannot wait to finish the series.

View all my reviews

10
Oct
2024

categories: Uncategorized

Many of us have been conditioned to equate productivity with worth, and that can make it hard to say “no” or protect our personal time. But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t just important—they’re essential for your well-being, success, and longevity in your career. And, they don’t make you a bad employee; they make you a sustainable one.

If you’re struggling to set boundaries without feeling like you’re letting people down, you’re not alone. Let’s look at why boundaries matter and how you can set them guilt-free.

Why Boundaries Are Crucial

Boundaries are safeguards that protect your time, energy, and mental health. When you set clear boundaries, you:

Prevent Burnout: Constantly overextending yourself will lead to exhaustion, and eventually, burnout. Boundaries allow you to rest and recharge so you can show up at your best.
Enhance Productivity: Ironically, setting limits on your time can make you more productive. By avoiding constant interruptions and unnecessary tasks, you can focus on what really matters.
Create Work-Life Balance: Healthy boundaries allow you to leave work at work, freeing up time for personal activities, relationships, and self-care.

How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Guilty

1. Redefine Your Idea of Success

The first step is realising that setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re slacking off. In fact, boundaries make you more effective and help you sustain long-term success. You’re not just working hard- you’re working smart. Redefining success to include well-being alongside productivity can help alleviate the guilt. You owe it to yourself to show up as your best self, and boundaries are a major part of that.

2. Start Small and Be Consistent

You don’t have to overhaul your entire work routine overnight. Start with small, manageable boundaries like not checking emails after a certain time or taking a lunch break away from your desk. Once you’re consistent with these smaller boundaries, they’ll become easier to maintain, and you can gradually set more.

3. Communicate Your Boundaries Clearly

Clear communication is key when setting boundaries. Let your manager and team know what your working hours are, when you’ll be available, and how you prefer to handle after-hours communication. When everyone’s on the same page, it reduces misunderstandings and pushback. For example, you could say, “I’m happy to assist with any urgent requests, but I’ll be offline after 6 p.m. and will get back to you first thing in the morning.” If you haven’t done this before, it might feel a little strange to you but with time and practice, it’ll start to feel more natural.

4. Detach from Guilt by Focusing on Your Well-Being

Remind yourself that setting boundaries is an act of self-care. It’s not selfish or lazy—it’s necessary to maintain your health and quality of work. Ask yourself: Would I want a friend or colleague to sacrifice their well-being for work? Likely, your answer is no. Extend that same grace to yourself.

5. Practice Saying ‘No’ Respectfully

Saying “no” doesn’t have to be a big deal. You can frame it in a way that shows you respect the other person’s request but need to prioritise your existing commitments. For example, “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity with my current workload. Can we revisit this next week?”

6. Focus on the Bigger Picture

When guilt strikes, think about the long-term impact of not having boundaries. Are you really doing your best work if you’re constantly overworked, tired, and resentful? Protecting your time allows you to contribute meaningfully in the long run. A well-rested, focused version of you is far more valuable than a constantly overwhelmed one.

7. Embrace the Power of Delegation

If your workload is overwhelming, consider what tasks can be delegated or shared. Letting go of the belief that you need to do everything yourself can ease some of the guilt that comes with setting boundaries. You’re not abandoning responsibility; you’re being strategic about how to manage it and that’s perfectly okay.

Remember: Boundaries Are a Strength, Not a Weakness

Boundaries aren’t about pushing work away- they’re about managing your time and energy so you can be more present in both your personal life and your career. When you set clear limits, you’re setting yourself up for sustainable success. The guilt may never fully disappear, but with time, you’ll begin to see boundaries as the key to thriving at work- not just surviving.

07
Oct
2024

categories: Career, General Career Advice

We’re encouraged to be “all in” when it comes to our careers, to hustle, and to pour everything into our professional growth. But there’s a hidden cost to centering your identity around work—it leaves other parts of you unexplored and underdeveloped. When you build a well-rounded identity beyond work, you allow yourself to thrive in multiple areas of life, and the benefits go far beyond the office.

The Benefits of a Well-Rounded Identity

1. Resilience in Tough Times

When work isn’t going well- whether due to a bad day, a toxic environment, or even job loss- a well-rounded identity provides stability. Your sense of self won’t crumble because it isn’t solely tied to your career. Other passions, relationships, or hobbies can help anchor you when the ground shifts beneath your feet.

2. Increased Fulfillment

A life built around more than just work is naturally more fulfilling. It means your joy isn’t contingent on a promotion, a raise, or a successful project. (It’s vital to point out that these are all things that are out of your control. YOUR joy should come from things you can control and ideally internally). Decentering your career allows you to find satisfaction in personal growth, hobbies, relationships, or even quiet moments of self-reflection.

3. Better Work-Life Balance

Cultivating interests and relationships outside of work makes it easier to maintain boundaries. This balance can help you avoid burnout and foster a healthier relationship with your job. You’re more likely to leave work at work and be present in the other areas of your life that matter.

4. Personal Growth

A well-rounded identity gives you the chance to grow as a person, not just as an employee. Whether you’re learning a new skill, nurturing relationships, or dedicating time to your mental or physical health, the process of personal growth makes you a more fulfilled, well-rounded individual. Plus you have more to talk about then just work.

Easy Steps to Build a Well-Rounded Identity

Explore Hobbies or Interests

What excites you outside of work? Maybe it’s photography, gardening, reading, or fitness. Dedicate time each week to something that brings you joy. This will give you an outlet for creativity or relaxation that has nothing to do with your career. Cozy hobbies like reading or gaming have helped me destress from work (and opened up a whole new world that I previously knew nothing about).

Reconnect with Relationships

This is something that I am guilty of not doing. When we’re caught up in work, it’s easy to let relationships take a backseat. Make it a priority to spend quality time with family and friends, even if it’s just for a coffee or a walk. These connections are a huge part of who you are beyond your professional life. (Hack: schedule a lunch or coffee date with someone special atleast once a month).

Prioritise Your Health

Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional health, taking care of yourself should be a cornerstone of your identity. Commit to small habits like regular exercise, meditation, or even just unplugging from work at the end of the day.

Set Boundaries at Work

This is so SO SO IMPORTANT. Set clear boundaries so you can protect your time and energy for the things that matter outside of your job. This could mean not answering emails after hours or blocking off time for yourself during the day. Also, remember that no is a full sentence.

Practice Mindfulness

Being present and mindful in your everyday life can help you appreciate the moments beyond work. Whether it’s enjoying a meal, a conversation, or a peaceful moment, mindfulness can help you shift your focus away from constant work-related stress. Some mindfulness hacks that have helped me include taking my lunch break away from the office and journaling. It helps me focus on the outside world as opposed to just my desk.

Building a well-rounded identity takes time and intention, but the rewards are undeniable. You become more resilient, more fulfilled, and ultimately more grounded in who you are- regardless of what you do for a living. Start small, give yourself permission to explore the other dimensions of your life, and watch how it transforms your sense of self and happiness.

04
Oct
2024

What Does It Mean to Decenter Your Career?

categories: Career, General Career Advice, Mental Health

For many of us, our careers have become the cornerstone of our lives. It’s how we define success, measure our value, and gauge our self-worth. We hustle, grind, and pour ourselves into work, believing that climbing the ladder is the key to fulfilment. But what happens when that ladder starts to wobble- or worse, breaks entirely?

Decentering your career doesn’t mean you stop caring about your work or abandon your ambitions. Instead, it’s about shifting your focus. It’s about recognising that your career is just one piece of the puzzle- not the whole picture. You work to live. You don’t live to work. When you decenter your career, you give yourself the freedom to place value on other parts of your life, like relationships, passions, health, or personal growth.

For me, decentering began with small realisations. I used to define myself by my job title, by how well I performed, and how much I achieved. But after facing potential retrenchment and the loss of my cousin, I realised that no amount of career success could fill the void left behind. I had to ask myself: What is my life really about?

Decentering your career means accepting that while work can be meaningful, it shouldn’t be the sole driver of your happiness. It’s about finding balance, rediscovering the joy in things outside of work, and creating a life that feels fulfilling- whether you’re working or not.

In this series, I want to explore what decentering looks like in practice, why it’s important, and how it can change the way you view success. If you’ve ever felt burned out, overwhelmed, or like you’re chasing something that never quite satisfies, this is for you. Let’s rethink what it means to live a truly balanced, fulfilling life- starting with our relationship to work.

01
Oct
2024

categories: Career

For as long as I can remember, my career was the focal point of my life. (You may or may not know that I started writing at 12 and since then it’s always been my dream to have my words published in print). So even as a working adult, I tied my sense of worth and identity to the work I did, how much I achieved, and the praise I received. And I loved it- until I didn’t.

I burnt out too badly at a job I loved and my quick-fix, band-aid solution was to leave and find another job. And this worked. For a while.

It wasn’t until I was staring down the possibility of retrenchment in my “dream job”, with all the uncertainty that brings, that I started questioning what I had built my life around. At the same time, I lost my cousin. The grief was a shock to my system and suddenly, I was reminded how fleeting everything is. My priorities began to shift.

Decentering my career wasn’t easy. It felt like losing a part of myself. But in that loss, I began to see how much I had placed my career at the center of my happiness and how unhealthy that really was. In this series, I’ll be sharing my experiences and insights on why decentering your career isn’t about stepping away from ambition- it’s about redefining what truly matters.

29
Aug
2024

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Nintendo Switch

categories: Lifestyle, Mental Health

I am utterly obsessed with my Nintendo Switch. I have no idea what I did with my life before I had this console (I was probably far more productive though). Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for a new way to unwind, the Nintendo Switch is a versatile device that packs a big punch. But before you dive in, let’s break down everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch:

Which Switch is Which?

The Nintendo Switch actually comes in 3 different versions. While it’s marketed as “there’s a switch for everyone”, I personally believe that you should have atleast TWO devices (Did I mention that I was obsessed? I was not kidding). But here’s the differences between each Switch:

Nintendo Switch Standard: This is the OG Switch. It’s got the full hybrid experience: dock it for TV play, or undock it and play on the go. Perfect if you like variety and flexibility in how you game. It’s cheaper than the OLED but more expensive than the Switch Lite. The battery life does last longer here than the Switch Lite.

Nintendo Switch Lite: The Lite is handheld only, which means no TV play. It’s also smaller, lighter, and comes in a range of cute colors. Great for those of us who are always on the move or just want something more compact. The battery life isn’t too great here which is why I kinda wish I had just gone for a regular Switch.

Nintendo Switch OLED: This is the newest addition to the family. Think of it as the standard Switch, but with a bigger, brighter OLED screen, enhanced audio, and a wider adjustable stand. If you’re all about that vibrant display and immersive experience, this one’s for you. If you compare the Nintendo Switch OLED side by side to the Nintendo Switch, the difference is clear. However the OLED feels a bit uncomfortable to me which is why I settled for the Switch Lite’s smaller size.

Personally I feel like the OLED would be great for a TV screen and the Switch Lite is great for handheld play.

What Games Do You Want to Play?

Your choice of device might also depend on the type of games you’re itching to play.

If you’re more into local multiplayer games (think “Mario Kart” with friends) or prefer high-intensity single-player adventures, the standard or OLED models will give you the best of both worlds. But if you’re just looking to cosy up in bed with some casual gaming, the Lite could be a match made in heaven.

Accessories – What’s Worth It?

You can’t just buy a Nintendo Switch on it’s own. This is something that bugged me but R5k was a console was alot and there was alot of other accessories that I needed to go with it. So what do you actually NEED with a Nintendo Switch?

Screen Protector: 100% yes. A small investment to keep your screen scratch-free.

Carrying Case: If you plan on taking it out of the house, get one. I bought one initially and now I have no clue where it is.

Extra Joy-Cons or Pro Controller: The Joy-Cons that come with the Switch are fine, but a Pro Controller is a game-changer, especially for longer gaming sessions.

Memory Card: The internal storage fills up fast, especially if you’re a digital download kind of person. Grab a microSD card with at least 128GB.

Is it Worth the Hype?

Look…I might be biased but I believe it is definitely worth it! The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a gaming console that offers flexibility, portability, and a great library of games. It’s got something for everyone – whether you’re into deep RPGs, quick indie games, or just want to beat your friends in “Super Smash Bros.”

The Nintendo Switch gaming community is also super-supportive which doesn’t hurt things either.

Now that you have an idea of what options are out there, you can go pick the console that’s best for you and let the gaming adventures begin.

06
Aug
2024

How Being Cosy Helped My Mental Health

categories: Lifestyle, Mental Health

I first discovered Cozy K somewhere on TikTok. Her account was soothing and made me so happy. I felt like she was living a dream. She had a cozy gaming room. She had blankets and books and lots of fun stuff that made my inner child so so happy.

While this was going on, I had been trying to heal my inner child myself. I had discovered Disney Dreamlight Valley (I can’t remember where but I’m guessing probably TikTok as well) and the plot as well as the game itself made me realise how badly burnt out I was and how I desperately needed help.

I had a history of burning out towards the end of the year but the problem was this time I couldn’t fix it. My burnout was a result of a number of things that were out of my control. To fix it, I decided to fix on what I could control and in order to bring joy to my life, I decided to start doing cosy stuff.

Since the journey to healing my inner child began with a videogame, I decided to revisit the Sims 4 one weekend. Once again, I was hooked. For Christmas, I purchased a Nintendo Switch with Animal Crossing and I fell in love once more.

And so it continued. Based on Cozy K’s recommendations and some deep journaling that I did to try and figure out what makes me happy, I was able to rediscover hobbies that I had long since put away. They were small, silly things that brought me so much joy. Journalling, colouring, watching 90s movies.

It didn’t take long before weekends were cheaper and more fun because I was indulging in things that I actually enjoyed instead of boring adult stuff that society said I SHOULD be doing.

The thing that bugged me is why don’t we talk about hobbies more as adults? I really believed that adulthood was working and paying bills until you died. What about fun? When and why did we stop having fun?

Being an adult means being able to do whatever you want. Yeah, ice cream for dinner is unhealthy but what if you did indulge once in a while?

Buy the toy. Use the colouring book. Start a new hobby. This is YOUR life and you can make it anything you want it to be.

02
Aug
2024

Book Review: The Magician’s Nephew by C.S Lewis

categories: Books

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why does this book entertain me at almost thirty years old?

I was having a bad week and I saw the Chronicles of Narnia boxset in the bookstore and thought “hey I work hard. I deserve nice things!”
And so here we are.

I never read the books when I was a kid but I LOVED the movies. To purchase the entire boxset as an adult really healed my inner child but staying up on a Friday night unable to sleep until I completed the book was such a great feeling. (They really don’t make books like they used to).

I’m going to assume we all know of Narnia at this point.

This book serves as a prequel and explains how Narnia came to be. I kinda wish that I started with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to get the full experience but I didn’t hate this.

This was a fun little read and I cannot wait to finish the series.

View all my reviews

27
Jul
2024

Remote Work Tips for Beginners

categories: Career, General Career Advice

So you’ve just gotten your first remote job! Congratulations! This is the start of a whole new style of working that you may or may not love. Many people love the idea of remote work but when it comes to the actual thing, it’s actually kinda tough. Here are my tips for acing your first remote role:

1. Do Come Up with a Routine

While it may seem easy to just roll out of bed and log on, creating a morning routine helps you to make the most of your remote work experience. This is also a nice way to ease into the day. Working remotely means no commute so I like to use my commute time to treat myself to something whether it’s a chapter of a book at the beginning of the day or an episode of a show at the end of the day.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Create a dedicated workspace and regular working hours. Because you work from home it can get easy to give in and keep working or not working hard enough. Keep work and home separate in any which way that you can. This allows you to maximise your work time and home time without the two interlapping and leading you to burnout.

3. Exercise Regularly

One thing I was not prepared for as a WFH worker was the lack of movement. In fact, it got so bad that I had to go to the doctor for circulation issues. Set a timer and make sure that every so often you’re getting up and walking around. Incorporating regular exercise into your day helps prevent health issues and keeps your energy levels up.

4. Remember to Get Out Occasionally

It can be easy to let days go by and then you realise you haven’t left the house in a while. I once went a month without leaving the house. If your job allows, work from a coffee shop or a coworking spot every so often just so that you’re out in the world. Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for your mental health.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Working from home can be isolating. Make sure to check in with yourself regularly. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lonely, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Prioritise self-care and do activities that help you relax and recharge.

6. Build a Community

Remote roles can get lonely at time but the good thing is YOU get to decide what your community looks like. Whether that’s joining virtual meetups, engaging in online forums, or connecting with colleagues via video calls, make an effort to build relationships and find your tribe. Having a support system is key to feeling connected and supported.

7. Consider Investing in Your Workspace

A comfortable and efficient workspace can make a big difference in your productivity and well-being. Consider investing in a good chair, a proper desk, and any other tools or equipment that can help you create an ergonomic and pleasant work environment.

8. Take Regular Breaks

Working at home means less time chatting with colleagues. But these tiny breaks in a day can add up and personally I tend to get cranky when I’ve spent more than 4 hours sitting at my desk (I’ve done this before and it is NOT pleasant). Schedule regular breaks to stretch, move around, and give your mind a rest. Short breaks can boost your productivity and keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.

With these tips you’ll be guaranteed to make the most of your remote work experience while avoiding the pitfalls. Are there any hacks that you use as a remote worker that I missed? Let me know below.

01
Jun
2024

How to Develop a Blog Schedule That Works for You

categories: Blogging Basics, Blogging Tips

So you’ve started a blog but you’re struggling to find time to actually blog. I hear you. This is something that we have all struggled with at some point or another. Blogging is an incredibly time consuming venture and if you’re working/studying/raising a family it’s difficult to squeeze in time for your blog. Here are a few tips on how to develop a blog schedule that works for you.

Look at your schedule. When are you free?

Firstly take a look at your current schedule and see when you are free. Can you move things around? I have a physical diary from Typo that I use to plan my blogging time.

Not sure where exactly your time is going? Start tracking your days for about a week or so. See if there is any time that is wasted or that can be better used.

Whenever I’m running low on blog content, I eliminate Netflix for a few days so that I can focus on my blog.

What Duties Do You Have as a Blogger?

This varies depending on the type of blog you run. For example, reading is technically a blogging duty for me (also you’d notice that there is little to no recent book reviews on this blog) but when I’m crunched for time, this is one of the first things to go.

I use Canva for my pictures but maybe you need to schedule in time to take and edit your own photos. Are you using video content? Are you outsourcing any of your tasks? Make a list of exactly what your blogging tasks look like.

Overestimate the Time Each Task Will Take

Now that you know everything that goes into your blog, estimate how long the task will take and add about 20 minutes to that estimate. I use Clockify to track how long each blogging task takes so I know how long I need to schedule in time for. Life happens and you might not always have time to sit down and churn out an entire blog post from scratch. But you can work in bits and pieces and maybe draft a post one day and edit on another day.

Schedule to Suit YOUR Productivity Level

I know I’m most productive in the mornings so I almost always work on blogging tasks in the morning. Similarly get to know when you’re at your most focused and schedule in your work for that time.

Evaluate This Schedule Regularly

Every 3 to 4 months, take a look at this schedule and see if it’s working for you or not. If it’s not, change it up.

Balancing blogging with your daily life can be tough but with a whole lot of planning it is possible. Do you have any other hacks for creating a blog schedule? Let me know below.