Lauren McWilliams is a Visibility Strategist who helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and small business owners amplify their brands. Here we find out what Lauren gets up to on a typical weekend.
Do you ever have to work weekends?
When building my business one thing I wanted to change was working weekends. In my past career and jobs, working weekends meant I missed out on so much precious time with family and friends. So, I no longer work on weekends except for occasional time catching up with a deadline.
Are most weekends the same?
Never! I love the variety of them. Some weekends will find me on an adventure somewhere (usually Northumberland) other weekends I have friends and family over and some are spent just doing nothing and resting at home.
Do you find it hard to switch off?
Yes, I have found it easier in recent years to switch off when I have a good distraction like going on an adventure but if I am at home my mind is constantly thinking about my business and what I should be working on, new ideas and what’s next. That can be both a blessing and a curse. In those moments some of my best ideas happen but I also feel the guilt of being at home but my mind not being fully present sometimes. That part I struggle with.
What do you do at a weekend which you can’t fit in through the week?
Editing is usually the big thing that can easily overflow into my weekend. Even though I don’t take on any client work over a weekend I like to do my editing then as I have fewer distractions. To sit with my cup of tea, music on, and edit my client’s photos.
Morning exercise or a recovery lie in?
100% a recovery lie in. I am not a morning person, especially in the winter. I have to ease myself up on a weekend. However, this summer I have done a few early morning sea dips which I thought I would hate but have actually really enjoyed with my friends.
Big night out or a night in the house?
I used to love a party and thought I would never say this…but I love being at home. A night in with my husband watching our favourite films and tv series over going on a big night out. However, I do love getting everyone together and having a party for all the family and our friends every now and again it’s a very social house!
Do you watch or play sport at a weekend?
I am not a sporty person, but I love to watch Newcastle United. I have been to a few matches on my own, my husband is a season ticket holder so when I get the chance for a ticket, I end up taking it but means sitting by myself. If I don’t get to go to St James’, then I’ll usually go to our local pub with my family to watch it.
Where do you like to eat out at a weekend?
A morning drive to the coast always finishes with a trip to Pablo Eggsgobao or for an evening then a visit to El Coto in the town for Tapas.
How important is the weekend to you?
The weekend is important to me as it’s my time for recharging but also spending quality time with my family and friends which I really value more than anything.
What’s the best thing about weekends?
I think it’s the freedom of doing what you want and going anywhere. I have always seen it as a reset in my week to prepare me for the week ahead.
Of a weekend, you’ll usually find me most happy..?
In our camper going on an adventure up the coast for a long walk and doing touristy things.
For more information about Lauren McWilliams visit www.laurenmcwilliams.co.uk