It’s no secret that a positive work-life balance – and well-rounded lifestyle – are directly correlated with success and happiness. The things we do outside of the office often have a direct impact on who we are and how we perform at work! That said, having hobbies and passions is truly important; not just because they bring us joy or improve our health, but because they teach us about ourselves, expand our potential, and influence how we communicate with those around us.
With that thought, we asked six O&G team members to share the hobbies and passions they most enjoy outside of work – and how these activities ultimately benefit them in their careers, sharpening their skills and enhancing their productivity:
Hot yoga enhances mindfulness, patience and clarity
“I’ve always led a fast-paced lifestyle, balancing running, weight training, and a busy work and personal schedule. Adding hot yoga to my weekends has given me the chance to slow down, enhance mindfulness, and challenge myself both physically and mentally. It’s even helped me at work, where I’ve learned that, sometimes, taking a step back and seeing the bigger picture leads to better decisions and greater clarity.”
- Matt Levinson, COO
Morning HIIT workouts spark new ideas and energy
“My go-to hobby outside of the office is Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) – it’s also the one thing I do almost as consistently as work! I love that the workouts are structured and led by a coach, so I don’t have to think about what to do. This leaves my mind free to wander (and sometimes come up with a client pitch or two). As an early-morning person, getting in a workout first thing gets both my brain and body fired up for the day, so it’s no coincidence that my most productive mornings always follow an OTF class!”
- Sarah Caro, Account Director
Pilates and quality time with loved ones reignite leadership skills and creativity
“Spending time with family and friends is my lifeline. It centers me, fills my heart tank and strengthens my ability to connect and lead. A regular Pilates practice keeps me physically strong and mentally sharp and reminds me that success doesn’t happen overnight—repetition is the key to mastery. And finally, lazy weekends with bottomless coffee by the lake are the perfect time to rest and reignite my creative energy for the week ahead.”
- Eileen, Alkabes, Communications Strategist
Exercise and singing prove dedication and consistency are key to overcoming challenges
“Two of my favorite hobbies outside of work are going to the gym and singing. These hobbies make me a better leader and professional because they both require dedication and consistency. Routine exercise isn’t just about getting fit and being healthy – it’s about keeping up with the habit.
Singing and music have been passions of mine from an early age. I got especially passionate about choir in high school when I auditioned for, and was accepted into, a vocal ensemble. I recently got the opportunity to join an alumni choir led by my high school choir director! We’ve spent the past year preparing for a June performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The music is challenging, and it has required dedication to attend regular practices, but it is totally worth it.”
- Britney Ouzts, Senior Account Supervisor
Pilates and Sudoku encourage resilience, strategic thinking and problem-solving
“I’ve always found that Pilates (particularly Solidcore) is more than just a workout for me —it’s a practice in resilience and balance. The mental focus required in each class helps me sharpen my ability to concentrate and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
Another hobby of mine is Sudoku—it’s a real “puzzle” in strategy and patience! It encourages me to think critically and outside the box, which helps me approach complex projects and creative challenges at work with a fresh perspective and a keen eye for detail.”
- Hailey Fine, Account Executive
Reading fuels creativity; tennis reinforces the power of discipline and composure
“My top two hobbies are reading and playing tennis; they’ve helped shape me as a professional! Reading fuels my creativity and keeps my brain learning – both essential in PR. Tennis, on the other hand, has taught me discipline and how to stay calm under pressure, whether on the court or in the middle of a crisis.”
- Anabella Benhamron, Account Coordinator