We asked the team: What’s one thing that helps you stay sane when things get intense?

The answers ranged from having a good laugh, to cooking, hitting the gym, and starting each day with a few minutes of planning, just enough structure to make sense of the chaos.

Different answers with the same theme: rituals that create space.

Why These Small Habits Matter

In fast-paced environments—whether it’s agency life, product sprints, or any deadline-heavy role, staying calm isn’t just good for your wellbeing. It’s good for the creative work itself.

Burnout doesn’t lead to better ideas. Running on fumes rarely sparks the insight that moves the needle.

But a five-minute reset? A shared laugh? A walk around the block? That might just give your brain the breathing room it needs to crack the brief.

We’re not saying everyone needs to meditate at 6am or take cold plunges before breakfast (unless that’s your thing, no judgement here). But the people who consistently do good work usually have one or two small rituals that keep them grounded while they do it.

‍A Few Ideas to Try

• Block your first 30 minutes for deep work or no work. Don’t open Slack yet. Just settle in.
• Make your break non-negotiable. Even if it’s five minutes, step away.
• Do something low-stakes and tactile. Cook. Draw. Make a weird playlist. Let your brain play.
• Use a “done” list instead of a to-do list. At the end of the day, note what you did—it’s surprisingly satisfying.
• Pick a theme song for the day. Something that makes you feel focused, fearless, or just slightly less frazzled.