As much as you may love your work, it’s necessary to make room in your routine to temporarily ignore your email and think. Volume PR’s founder and president, Elizabeth Edwards, was featured in Forbes as one of the experts sharing how they stay inspired and creative on daily basis despite their crazy work schedules.

With all of the day-to-day responsibilities of running an agency, commuting to the office and maintaining a work-life balance, you can quickly forget to spend time on activities you enjoy.

Taking a walk, finding time to network and reading industry publications can be just as important as completing your campaigns on deadline.

Below, 10 Forbes Agency Council members share how they stay creative and inspired on a daily basis.

10. Never Stop Being A Student 

We don’t just subscribe to business publications, we read them. We learn from them. We don’t just buy business books; we read them. We engage people from these learning sources that connect to and grow our business. Locking out a portion of our day to concentrate on learning keeps us creative and inspired, but even more, it ignites unmatched thinking, strategy and competitive advantage from our leadership and team.   – Elizabeth Edwards, Volume Public Relations 

5. Give Yourself Permission To Think 

I used to mistake responding to emails or participating in phone calls as my most tangible contributions to client work. However, what I’ve come to realize is that as a firm owner and entrepreneur, one of the most valuable things I bring to client engagements is my creative thinking, so I now give myself time each week to indulge.   – Lindsay Mullen, Prosper Strategies 

6. Hone Your Hobby 

Since I was a kid, I’ve been performing close-up magic, so I’m constantly reading about the history of magic and deception or sharpening my sleight-of-hand skills. Focusing on a hobby that’s completely unrelated to work keeps me sane, but it also actually helps me when it comes to thinking strategically and conceptually about client projects.   – Dan LaCivita, Firstborn 

7. Utilize Your Surroundings 

I enjoy running as much as possible. If I want a proper challenge I head down to the beach here in San Diego and go for a long-distance swim. I also enjoy competing in triathlons. Getting outside for some exercise helps me with clearing my head and reorienting myself. However, I also enjoy starting my day with some brief mediation; it keeps me centered and helps me stay focused for the workday.   – Clayton Dean, Circa Interactive 

8. Use Your Network As Inspiration 

I surround myself with people who aren’t afraid to challenge and push me, as I’m not as cool as I once was. Hourly productive and constructive arguments with my staff keep me on my toes. Also, constant networking with my peers – who are doing similar things but in different industries – keeps me abreast of what is relevant and innovative.   – Coltrane Curtis, Team Epiphany 

9. Be Present 

Everyone gets busy. Many times, beyond busy. When we can be present in the moment and step away from the rat race, we can fuel our creativity and inspiration. Stepping outside, listening to music, drinking wine, indulging in great food, immersing yourself in anything that brings you to a calming state is essential. For me, it’s a blend of everything, depending on the moment. It’s a must.   – Michael Gaizutis, RNO1 

Click here for the complete article on Forbes.