In the rhythm of deadlines, tasks and endless launches, we are increasingly asking industry representatives: what helps them to reboot, stay focused and not burn out?
Because behind every strong team there is not only a work process, but also people with their own hobbies, rituals and recovery methods.
This time we talked to Andriy, CEO of Arbitrage Up, and Anastasia, Head of PR of the company, about sports and travel, mountain detox, squash, PlayStation and even art. About what inspires them, relieves and recharges them to continue running at their own pace.
What is your main source of energy outside of work?
Andriy, CEO of Arbitrage Up
The biggest resource for me is travel, especially when traveling to the mountains. Where there is less noise, people and signal. When you can just turn off your phone or, even better, get to a place where there is no connection at all. It is in such places that you seem to be rebooting: you cook food on a fire, breathe clean air, and everything seems simpler, more real.
The second point is training. Long cardio, strength, when the body works, and thoughts finally fall silent. This is my way of putting things in order inside.
And, of course, the third is a full sleep. Eight hours, even when the schedule is as tight as possible. This is the best way to recover and stay in the resource without any “burnout”.
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
I am really driven by a crazy rhythm. I am not one of those who can sit still for a long time, I need to move, see new places, people, energy. That is why traveling is the main source of strength and inspiration for me.
And it’s cool that in our field there is a lot of this: events, conferences, new countries, acquaintances. It’s even cooler when you manage to combine work with something that really charges you. This is the perfect balance when you are constantly on the move, but you don’t get tired of it, but on the contrary, you get a kick out of it.
How often do you manage to devote time to sports or hobbies?
Andriy, CEO of Arbitrage Up
As for sports, I try to keep a regimen under any conditions. Sometimes it’s really difficult: a tight schedule, meetings, conferences, constant movement. But I try not to give up, even if I miss a workout, then I make up for it. On certain days I do more intense classes or even two workouts in a row. This helps me stay in shape not only physically, but also mentally.
As for hobbies, everything is on a bit of a pause right now. Although there is one constant source of relaxation – computer games and PlayStation. For me, this is a real way to unwind. At these moments, the brain completely disconnects from tasks, deadlines and chats, and only the game, concentration and the thrill of the process remain.
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
Right now, the focus is entirely on work: constant travel, structuring processes in the team, dozens of tasks at the same time. The pace is crazy, and because of this, there is, of course, less time for sports or hobbies than I would like.
But as soon as a break comes, I immediately return to my favorite activities: squash, strength training, drawing or vocals. These are the things that give me a sense of balance and help me switch. Even a short hour of any of these and my brain works clearly again, without overload.
What type of activity helps to “unload my head” best after work?
Andriy, CEO Arbitrage Up
Cardio training. My head is as clear as possible after it, not so overloaded. It becomes much easier, new ideas appear – any person will confirm this.
“PlayStation is also therapy. In the game, the brain simply stops thinking about tasks.”
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
Squash works best. It’s the kind of sport where you simply don’t have time to think about work, you’re all in the game, in the moment, reacting, moving, catching the rhythm. An hour on the court and your brain is completely cleared. No tasks, no messages, no thoughts about deadlines, just you, the ball and the feeling of a complete “reset”.
Travel: is it an escape from routine or a new source of ideas for business?
Andriy, CEO Arbitrage Up
A new source of ideas, because you are recovering and, of course, the generation of a new one begins in you. You leave the business, and you already have a habit of being in the business all the time, and your body starts pulling you back there, like an addict. And, of course, something new is generated in you, you look at the same things differently, and you see something that you don’t notice every day in your routine.
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
My field of activity does not determine the global direction of the company’s development, but it definitely requires a fresh look at texts, visuals and ideas. That is why travel holds a special place for me, it becomes a new source of inspiration and a point of reset.
Every country, every nation has its own chip: style, presentation, aesthetics of details. I love to notice such little things, from the color of signs to the rhythm of conversations in cafes. Then these observations turn into concepts, new ideas for stands, merch or communication. And it is such “small discoveries” that often become something completely fresh and unexpected for our market.
“As soon as there is a pause, I immediately return to squash, drawing or vocals. This is my way of not burning out in the rhythm of constant tasks.”
What does this teach you?
Andriy, CEO Arbitrage Up
Definitely yes. Sports directly affect how you work, make decisions, and endure stress loading. One of the main lessons he gave me is the understanding that any result does not come instantly.
It is not one workout, not one week, or even one month. The result is the result of stable daily work, even when you don’t want to.
After a month or two, you already see changes, and this moment is the most valuable. Because you understand that every little thing mattered.
In business, it’s the same: everyone wants a quick effect here and now. But the system, long-term and patience always win.
Sport taught me to take processes calmly and not to force events. And, honestly, I am convinced that sport should be in the life of everyone who works with business processes. It is a base that keeps both the body and the head in good shape.
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
If you think about it, then yes, although it often happens unconsciously. Drawing taught me patience and attention to detail. Because it is from the little things that sometimes seem unimportant that the overall impression of both the team and the product is formed. One line, one shade can change everything.
And sport constantly reminds us of discipline. If you want results, work systematically, step by step, not in jerks. And this rule works not only in the gym, but also in business.
Of course, there are “seasonal” activities, what do you do in the fall?
Andriy, CEO Arbitrage Up
Oh, fall is the time when you need to find time for a walk, even a walk in some park, take pictures, drink coffee in skinny jeans, in short, it’s just cool.
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
This fall I was especially drawn to drawing. In general, I have been interested in this for a long time, but right now I have a feeling that I want to return to the canvas more seriously. There is something very meditative about the process of mixing paints, catching colors, and creating your own space of silence.
I am currently finishing a new painting and it gives me an incredible feeling of satisfaction. It’s as if everything around me slows down and you are just in the flow, without thoughts or deadlines.
Coolest place you have been and why?
Andriy, CEO of Arbitrage Up
I was recently in the Carpathians and this is probably one of those places where you really feel that civilization is somewhere very far away. We stopped at an altitude of about 1400 meters, and in front of us is the entire Chornohorsky ridge, like in the palm of your hand.
It’s not easy to get there, but it’s worth it: everything around becomes quiet, there is no noise, no rush. Especially in the evening, when the world goes out, and in front of you is only the starry sky. A kind of complete synchronization with nature, when your head clears, and inside there is silence and peace.
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
I was most impressed by the Philippines. We were in Manila for a conference — and this city is simply impossible to describe in one word. Everything there is built on contrasts: modern skyscrapers with neon and offices next to the streets, where life is in full swing in a completely different way — chaotic, loud, real.
But the main thing is the people. Incredibly open, warm, smiling. They have their own special rhythm of life, which you feel literally from the first minutes. We decided to take a walk through the local market and it was there that we caught the real energy of the city: smells, colors, laughter, noise, everything is so alive that you want to stay longer.
What do you want to try in the near future?
Andriy, CEO Arbitrage Up
The holiday season will soon begin and I already know exactly where I want to go. To the mountains again, on skis. This will be the third year in a row, and I am not going to miss a single one.
For me, skiing is not just entertainment. It is drive, freedom, movement and a complete reboot. You are in action all the time, in the cold air, and your brain literally switches to a different mode.
This is the kind of rest after which you don’t want to lie down, but on the contrary, you have even more energy. That’s why I’m already eagerly counting the days until I go again to open the new season.
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
I’ve wanted to skydive for a very long time, because it seems to me that it will resemble our work in arbitration: high speed, maximum concentration and complete trust in your own decisions. Therefore, it would be interesting to experience these emotions and get adrenaline.
If you had to describe your source of energy in one sentence, what would it be?
Andriy, CEO Arbitrage Up
A change of scenery, connection with nature, delicious food, normal sleep. These are all sources of energy that definitely restore.
Anastasia – Head of PR Arbitrage Up
My resource is the balance of my lifestyle, where there is constant work dynamics and a large pool of travel.