This week on #TheBite, we're chatting to Singer-Songwriter and Founder of Simple Soulful Film Joy Mumford who talks to us on working through the uncertainty during covid and finding a healthy balance between work and play as a creative freelancer.
Tell us a little bit about what you do and how you came to be doing that?
I’m a singer-songwiter, producer, and I have a content creation and social media business called Simple Soulful Film. I started writing music and gigging when I was really young, and eventually started producing my own music a few years ago. Alongside this I would upload a range of videos to my YouTube channel - from covers and original songs, to travel diaries and other lifestyle content. After a while, brands and influencers would get in touch to ask me to make videos, take photos or manage their social media for them, and so now I make content for others as well as myself!
What drives you to do what you do?
I just love creating! Making ideas in my head into reality, and helping other people do the same thing. When we create, we inspire others to make what they love - I think that’s a beautiful cycle.
Following this past year of COVID19 and the global upheaval we’ve all experienced in different ways, we at BOBBIE’S feel that as a result we’re really feeling the need for more ‘balance’ in life; balance in the choices we make, balance for a healthy mindset, finding balance in the things we enjoy and balancing what we all do with the way we put back into society and support others.
How has your perspective on life or work perhaps altered given your experiences of this past year?
The uncertainty pushed me to make decisions that are in line with what I really want, not what I think I should want. It showed me tomorrow isn’t always promised, so you have to go for what you really feel is calling you! For me that meant pursing creative projects I’d talked about for ages and starting a new adventure in a new city.
Where you do see the need or the advantages of balance in your own work/life perspectives?
I already worked from home before the pandemic hit, but I would sometimes take myself to work in cafes or co-working spaces a couple of times a week to break things up. Not being able go out really highlighted the importance of my environment and how much of an effect it can have on my productivity.
It’s helped me think a lot about how I can streamline my living space, so there’s a healthy separation between relaxing and working. It can be hard to have that balance when you do everything in one place, but there are tiny things I’ve tried that have really helped - like having designated areas in my home for work vs. chilling. I think it’s hard to keep balanced when life is so unpredictable, so I like to think of 'balance' as making continual tiny adjustments to my mindset or physical life that cater to what is going on during that season.
When it comes to balancing treats and moderation -
What’s your biggest #treatyoself indulgence?
Anything sweet! I'm a fan of a fluffy victoria sponge, a fudgey torte or anything baked with blueberries and lemon in it!
Your self care non-negotiables?
Drinking water daily - staying hydrated is a must!
During a busy period, how do you stay balanced?
When I’m really busy, I make sure to have blocks of time in the day I save for myself - this usually looks like a few evenings a week. I make sure I don't make or accept any plans during these time blocks, so I can use them as resting time. It’s really easy to fill your days up and realise you haven’t got a moment to breathe, so I try to be disciplined with this. I also try to have a moment in the morning where I can journal and set intentions for the day ahead, which helps me manage any overwhelm a busy week can bring!
What do you do to relax? (activities, sports, indulgences, tv, cuisine, etc…)
I love walking around my neighbourhood! I’m close by to a few parks and I’m not too far away from the sea - so I try to go for a walk at least once a day somewhere peaceful. I also love watching YouTube videos of people organising their fridges or kitchen cupboards - for some reason I find it super relaxing!
Your no.1 tip for a healthy mindset?
Get to know yourself! Pay attention to the little things - what makes you feel tired, what energises you, your likes and dislikes. When you know yourself, it’s way easier to know which boundaries you need in place in order to live your life in a way that allows you to thrive. It also means you feel confident knowing when to say yes or no to certain things, so you can spend your energy on the things that matter most to you!
Your ideal brownie combination?
Triple chocolate with chopped hazelnuts - the more chocolate the better, I say!
Now for your recommendations, tell us about your favourite…
Restaurant or Dish you're loving?
The Maa’s Lamb Chops & Turmeric Chips from Mowgli’s is divine. I always grab this dish whenever I find myself there - it’s one of my favourite Indian restaurants.
Series on Netflix?
Schitt’s Creek - hands down one of my favourite comedies of all time. I recommend it to everyone!
Podcast you’re listening to?
I absolutely adore the Marie Forleo podcast. If you’re a business owner, every episode feels like a much needed pep talk.
Most recent guilty pleasure?
I never feel guilty about the things I love haha, but I recently started watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta and now I’m hooked - some may say that’s a guilty pleasure!
Thanks Joy! You can check out more of Joy's work on her website and at Simple Soulful Film.
