Writer, academic and artist André Dao has a bit of routine-envy — a longing for some predictability and structure in the day.
Instead, since his debut novel Anam came out last year, he says everything has been a blur.
"No week is the same. There's events, travel, work and then on top of that the kids have schedules that are always slightly shifting, with being sick or different caring arrangements."
Based in Naarm/Melbourne, he shares some of the simple rituals he looks forward to most days, from keeping a reading diary to a cargo bike commute with kids.
Unwind with… is a weekly column that explores the simple ways people take care of themselves.
My advice on how to unwind…
Early on as a writer I was told that the job is to stay in the chair and push through, but I feel I followed that too much.
When I get out of the chair and go for a walk or meet a friend for coffee, nine times out of 10 when I come back, I have a new way of approaching whatever was blocking me. Getting out of the chair can be a circuit breaker.
To find balance on a busy day…
Every day I will ride our electric cargo bike along the Yarra River to drop off and pick up our son from kindergarten.
We will talk about the level of the water, or what birds we can see. It's a moment of noticing and a way to mark time that's not tied to my calendar or deadlines.
To help me prioritise without a routine, I…
The only way that I've been able to manage having these different hats has been using lists to figure out different priorities.
Part of the list will focus on external deadlines, and the other part has the things I want to do that may not have any deadline; for example, working on my next book. Those things can be indefinitely pushed down the list, but having them there means that I can prioritise even just five minutes of imaginative play or writing.
A ritual I have for cultivating attention is…
I've kept a reading diary for six years now. I'll copy one line from whatever I've been reading that day and sometimes I might include a little diary entry.
I heard recently that we are what we pay attention to, and for me the reading diary is a way to get a sense of where I have been and what I've been paying attention to.
My favourite way to unwind is…
I like to run, but it's been hard finding the time without a routine.
My partner said that I have to admit I'm a huge fan of English soccer and not just give the impression that I'm only writing, running and thinking! When I'm watching or reading about soccer, I can allow myself to switch off for a bit.
A way I enjoy connecting with others is…
I enjoy camping with my family. During busy periods, we'll look at the calendar and find a free weekend to book a trip. It's a good way to be present, particularly when you're somewhere without good reception.
I'm currently loving…
The podcast Empire, which is both highly informative and enjoyable thanks to the rapport between the hosts, William Dalrymple and Anita Anand.
In terms of reading, Adania Shibli's Minor Detail was one of the best novels I've read in a while.
A small joy of mine…
Baking bread — I'll try to do that once a week.
Unwind with… is produced by Madeleine Dore, a writer, interviewer and author of I Didn't Do The Thing Today.
ABC Everyday in your inbox
Get our newsletter for the best of ABC Everyday each week