Sebastiaan Hooft on Balancing Creativity and Health: An Expert Q&A

Q: Sebastiaan, you have a long techno DJ and producer career. How do you balance your creative work with maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Sebastiaan Hooft: It's all about discipline and prioritizing what's important. Mid-career, I discovered that getting up early to work on the business side, the late nights at clubs, and the hectic travel schedules affected my health. I made a conscious decision to integrate healthy habits into my daily routine. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and ensuring I get enough rest. It's not always easy, but the benefits to my creativity and energy levels are immense.

Q: What specific habits or routines do you follow to stay healthy on the road?

Sebastiaan Hooft: I always stay hydrated and carry healthy snacks when I'm on the road. I check Google Maps for slow coffee and health bars. I also find time to exercise, whether a quick workout in my hotel room or a walk in a nearby park. Additionally, I practice yoga to keep my stress levels in check. These small habits make a big difference in maintaining my overall well-being.

Q: How does your book, Redesign, fit into your approach to health and creativity?

Sebastiaan Hooft: Redesign is all about helping busy people find balance in their lives. The book draws from my personal experiences and the lessons I've learned in my entrepreneurial years. It offers practical advice on how to integrate healthy habits into a busy lifestyle, how to stay motivated, and how to keep your business going. Writing the book allowed me to share my journey and hopefully inspire others to take better care of themselves.

Q: Can you share a bit about your creative process? How do you stay inspired?

Sebastiaan Hooft: Inspiration can come from anywhere. I find that staying curious and open to new experiences is vital. One of my biggest sources of inspiration is listening to other artists' live via 1001 Tracklists and going to festivals backstage to talk to other artists and see them perform. My creative process is more straightforward because I focus solely on electronic music. I love this genre; that passion makes the creative process simple and enjoyable. And, of course, eating healthy helps keep my mind clear.

Q: Many aspiring DJs and producers struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance. What advice would you give them?

Sebastiaan Hooft: Your health is your most valuable asset. Without it, you can't perform at your best. My advice is to start small. Integrate one healthy habit at a time until it becomes part of your routine. James Clear has written an excellent book on that: Atomic Habits. Prioritize sleep, eat well, and stay active. Also, don't be afraid to take breaks and give yourself time to recharge.

Q: How do you manage your time effectively, especially with a busy schedule?

Sebastiaan Hooft: Time management is crucial. I use a combination of planning and flexibility. I set clear goals for what I want to achieve each day but also allow room for unexpected opportunities or changes. Using tools like calendars and task lists helps me stay organized. I also make sure to schedule downtime to relax and disconnect from work. However, never plan your day end-to-end.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your plans and goals for the future?

Sebastiaan Hooft: I'm excited about the move to Spain later this year. It's going to be an excellent environment for creativity and new collaborations. I plan to continue growing my label and exploring new musical projects. I'm also looking forward to doing smaller and more intimate shows in Spain and bigger shows for fans worldwide. I aim to remain relevant as an artist and share my passion for music and healthy living.

Q: Fantastic! Thanks for sharing your insights, Sebastiaan. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Sebastiaan Hooft: Remember that maintaining balance is a continuous journey. Keep exploring, stay curious, and take care of your health. It's the foundation for everything you do. Thanks for having me!