My day revolves around writing and dog-sitting. It took me a little while to find a good dog/work balance so that I wasn't spending my most productive work hours (the morning) at the dog park. Now that I've figured out a sustainable schedule, I can't imagine my day dogless.

Dogs Put Things in Perspective

My blue heeler/husky mix is who calms me down when I'm freaking out over a looming deadline or biting my nails while waiting for a client's feedback. She's usually peacefully sleeping by the front door or not-so-peacefully barking her head off at a perceived intruder. But she's immediately by my side whenever I open a bag of almonds, or any bag of food for that matter. She puts things in perspective. She knows what really matters in life: food, other dogs, love and affection from humans, and a good nap. Oh and hikes and diving under the covers to play hide and seek. All very important.

She finds joy in the simple things and only stresses when she thinks something is a life or death matter (like the sweet, yellow lab guide dog walking nonchalantly by our workspace everyday -- the nerve!). One look at her, one nuzzle, and I'm grounded. She has an unmatched calming effect when not playing guard dog or barking at young children.

Set a Schedule to Achieve Dog/Work Balance​

But about that balance … It's really important to find it if you're as obsessed with your dog as I am. Otherwise, your dog's needs, not your client's, will come first. So, set a work schedule that includes your trusty canine companion, and stick to it even when she's giving you the biggest puppy eyes ever. Don't make eye contact! Look away before it's too late!

The key is to find your most productive time of day and always set that time aside for work. I'm at my sharpest in the morning from about 8:30-11:30 (then I start to get hungry and distracted by visions of BLT's dancing in my head).

I bring my dog to work with me so she hangs out with the crew all morning, happily lapping up everyone's affection and barking at UPS men. I work really hard all morning, grab lunch, maybe have a client meeting, work really hard until about 3pm and then take the dog for a much-needed walk.

Take a Walk (No Dog Required!)

Walking helps clear my mind and improves my focus. I think about upcoming pieces but mostly just ponder the American coots feeding in the grass and the snow-white egrets flying stoically over the glassy water. It's a time of meditation, renewal and inspiration. I return to my laptop rejuvenated and ready to write.

That time away from the screen, moving my limbs, and taking the time to soak in the outdoors with my dog is one of the most important ingredients to my daily productivity.

Even if you don't have a dog or are not a writer, I encourage you to take a daily walk when you begin to feel your efficiency ebbing. When your head starts to nod or your eyes start to burn, close your laptop and step outside. I know that not everyone has the luxury of walking away from work at 3pm and indulging in an hour-long walk along the river (jealous yet?) but new studies show that even standing at your desk versus sitting may have long-term health benefits.

So let yourself stretch once in awhile and walk around the block, without checking your phone. And although the dog isn't absolutely necessary, she sure is a good reminder that there are more important things in life than responding to emails. Like squirrels!

Like what you read here? Get new posts once per month straight to your inbox.