JV Media Design Blog

Tomorrow is another Monday, but we’re doing things a little differently at JVM and instead of the usual grind, we are all taking what we in the office lovingly call a “snow day”.

What exactly is a “snow day” you ask? For us, it’s a day to recoup and regroup while we all take off for a day of snowboarding and skiing in the local mountains.

But before you raise an eyebrow and determine that taking a “snow day” is flippant and cavalier, let me explain the reasoning and results.

First, I’m a firm believer in the old saying of, “all work and no play makes (insert name here) a dull boy (or girl!)”. Contrary to popular belief, sitting in front of computer screens for long periods of time is draining - both mentally and physically. With eye strain, headaches, backaches, and repetitive strain injuries, one might even go so far as to call designing a dangerous occupation! And it’s very easy to get so wrapped up in a project that you forget to take a break. The problem with “working hard” is actually two-fold: you have the stress it can cause to you personally, and then you have the productivity and creativity levels drop once you reach your “burn out” point.

We always do our best to complete all projects on schedule, but if I notice a decrease in enthusiasm, creativity or productivity, then it’s time for a “snow day”. After this day away from the grind, everyone usually comes back more refreshed and ready to go. In addition, creative blocks often disappear and productivity goes back up to where it should be. And so, everyone (even the client) benefits.

So what do we do in the summer months when there is no snow? Well, a “beach day” of course!