Russell Toynes
Owner and creative director of Studio Dzo (Austin, TX)
A good work-life balance starts with a good routine. Russell dedicates a few uninterrupted hours to himself first thing every morning. Using “Do Not Disturb” on his phone, he avoids the urge to check email until he begins his workday. He uses the Headspace app to practice mindfulness through guided meditation, runs two to three miles and enjoys 30 minutes of reading every day. At any given time he is reading and listening to three or four books. Listening to an audiobook while running helps make the most of his time. Russell can work from anywhere so he enjoys traveling. A change of scenery helps keep him creative. Above all, he lives by his calendar, scheduling everything from meetings to family time. If he could, he’d schedule his own funeral. When he feels overwhelmed he reminds himself to “make time, don’t take time.”