Ten strategies for staying well in web3
Today I wanted to take a bit of a different approach on the blog, and focus on something that is so important, but not discussed as much as it should be, staying well in web3.
Let’s face it, the web3 space is overwhelming and fast paced, and it can often be difficult to keep up. The end result can sometimes be stress, anxiety, and constant FOMO. I am by no means an expert, but today, I wanted to share some strategies that have helped me stay well while working in the web3 space.
1. Set aside downtime
One of the most overwhelming things about the web3 space, is that it is truly 24/7. There is never really any downtime in the space. For those who work in traditional investing, for example, the stock market closes at 4pm. The crypto markets never close, and the social media engagement never stops. This is especially true considering the global nature of the web3 space, meaning that somewhere in the world, something is always happening.
Since there is truly no downtime in web3, it’s important for you to create your own downtime. For me, I typically take evenings off, turn off social media notifications, and shut things down around 6pm. I use this time to focus on myself, enjoy life outside of the web3 space, and reflect on the day. I find that by having downtime set aside, I enjoy the time in the web3 space all the more.
2. Recognize that it’s okay to not be everywhere always
As highlighted above, there is always something going on in web3. There is always a Twitter space, an active Discord chat, a new podcast episode, a summit or conference, or something new trending on Twitter. It’s very tempting to want to be everywhere always, as we are worried we are going to miss out on the next big thing. However, it is impossible for any one person to be everywhere, and there will always be things that you will miss, and that is okay! I find it is much better to focus on less, and get more out of each experience, and this leads in to the next strategy…
3. Don’t be afraid to say “No”
It is normal working in web3 to have a constant flow of requests for collaboration, engagements, etc. Web3 is an incredibly collaborative and helpful community, and as such, it’s tempting to say yes to every request. However, it is simply not possible to say yes to everything, and every time you say yes to one thing, you are really saying no to something else. That being said, do not be afraid to say no, it is okay!
4. Keep a running journal
Journaling is a fantastic tool to help you stay focused, motivated, and productive. There are many ways that one can journal. You can keep a scrap journal on the side to record ideas, fears, inspirations, and wins. You can be more intentional and purchase a guided daily journal to provide structure to your journaling. Journaling can also be a great tool for engaging in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). A common and popular form of journaling is Bullet Journaling, an amazing tool for keeping track of pretty much anything you want, and organizing the past, present, and future in an intentional way. An excellent resource for Bullet Journaling can be found here.
5. Allocate time each day to non-web3 hobbies
Along the same line as setting aside downtime, it is important to also set aside time through the day for non-web3 hobbies. This can give your brain a much-needed break from the overwhelming nature of web3 and give you a chance to re-set. I personally block an hour a lunch each day to not only eat, but to also do an unrelated online course. I find that this sets me up for success in the afternoon, as I come back after lunch re-energized.
6. Be picky with your information sources
The level of information in web3 is truly overwhelming, and it is okay to not follow every single blog, Twitter account, podcast, Discord channel, etc. It’s simply not possible to keep up with everything, and if you’re trying to follow everything, you’ll probably retain very little. I find it is helpful to pick a couple of good sources that you really trust and use those as your main source of information. I find this especially helpful when it comes to the investing side of things, as it can be fomo-inducing to constantly get buy alerts or push-notifcations telling you why you need to invest in a certain project urgently.
7. Practice mindfulness
One of the most obvious ways for managing one’s stress levels and staying well in the web3 space is with mindfulness activities. This could include daily meditations, deep breathing exercises, afternoon walks, gratitude exercises, and more. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mindfulness, and it really depends on individual preferences. Personally, I start every morning with a 20-minute guided meditation using Headspace, take a few walks throughout the day with my dog to clear my head, and do a shorter meditation before bed.
Whatever mindfulness means to you, I highly recommend that you incorporate mindfulness activities into your daily routine, as I can personally attest that it has done wonders for me. A great resource to get started on mindfulness activities is the website mindful.org.
8. Having a niche can be helpful for your career and mind
In the web3 space, there are so many different sub-communities. There is trading and investing, social impact, NFTs, DAOs, developing, marketing, etc. If you are interested in breaking into the space, and making a career out of it, it can be very helpful to find a niche, and become an expert in that specific niche. There is simply too much going on and focusing in on one specific area can be helpful not only for your career, but also for your mental health.
9. Celebrate little wins
There will be many wins throughout your web3 journey, some small, some huge. It is important that no matter what the victory, that you take a moment to enjoy and celebrate it. It could be something as simple as registering a domain for an exciting new project, being invited to participate in a podcast, realizing your first gains, or something larger like selling your first NFT. Taking the time to celebrate helps ground you and reminds you why you got into this in the first place. It can also help shift your mind to a winning mindset, increasing your motivation to seek out future wins.
10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Through my limited time in the web3 space, I have quickly learned that it is a very caring and supportive community that is willing to help. If you aren’t doing well, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help. If you are in need of more professional help, there are so many great resources out there including 24/hr hotlines, online counselling services and support groups, etc. A simple google search will give you a number of options including both free and paid options. The important thing is, that you reach out if you are in need of help.
What are some strategies you use to stay well in web3? Tweet us at @Crypto_Altruism, we’d love to hear from you!
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