With winter finally settling in, we're getting extra cozy and enjoying our time indoors. And let's be honest, being an independent musician is a tough job. It might be your dream, but it takes a lot to make it work, and even we musicians deserve time to be lazy. But if you're one of those people who need to be at least a little productive each day in order to keep yourself centered, we've got some ideas for how to trick yourself into being productive while indulging in a lazy day. We've highlighted some of the lazy-day essentials: delivery, Netflix, sweatpants, blankets, etc. With each one, we have a few subtle, simple recommendations to include in your lazy-day routine in order to be productive while getting the rest you deserve.
One of the most essential parts of any lazy day is delivery – whether it be pizza, Chinese, or something from GrubHub or Seamless. Reward yourself by ordering your favorite binge food to be delivered. Then, while sitting down (or lying down, let's be honest), pull up a musically-related webinar or video you've been meaning to watch. It could be one of Cyber PR's mini-masterclasses on social media, or it could be a YouTube music business lecture. Either way, enjoy your nachos in your La-Z-Boy, but add some productivity to it and watch something online that'll help your music career.
What's a lazy day without some Netflix binging? All nine seasons of The Office aren't going to watch themselves. However, between episodes, as tempting as it is to let the next episode sync up and play, take 15 minutes to run over some warm-up exercises. Reward yourself with another episode of Breaking Bad! No need to pick your most difficult exercises – just keep your fingers or voice warm while you slowly fall into an endless hole of Parks and Recreation.
While your hair points in five different directions and you're draped head to toe in sweats, spend a little bit of time catching up on your band’s email. If your inbox is empty, draft up some emails for the upcoming week – whether it be pitches to blogs, ideas to send your bandmates, or inquiries to venues. Don't worry about knocking out the whole to-do list, but while you swim in that extremely oversized hoodie, draft up those emails you've been meaning to send.
[12 Simple Ways to Be a Happier and More Productive Musician]
Who says you're too old to make a fort out of blankets and pillows? Get cozy in a fortress of blankets – and while scrolling through social media to relax, start planning out your band's next five to 10 posts. Check up on your engagement, make sure you're handling everything well, then start scheduling some ideas for what to post next. But just make sure you don't make any sudden moves and lose a pillow on the floor.
[Set It and Forget It: 5 Tools That Help You Automate Your Band's Social Media Posts]
Sam Friedman is an electronic music producer and singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. His music blends experimental ambience with indie-driven dance music. In addition to pursuing his own music, he is a New Music Editor for Unrecorded and is passionate about music journalism. Check out his music and follow him on Twitter @nerveleak.