Interviews

Easlo’s Secrets to Crafting Engaging Notion Templates and Balanced Lifestyle

Easlo blog cover

After I realized I was spending a rather long time sitting down, I started to look into ergonomics, which led me to get a standing desk. Around the same time, I also discovered the Carpio 2.0 wrist rest.

Easlo, do you remember when was the first time you heard about Notion? What was the first ever experience like?

I vaguely remember the first time I used Notion, which YouTubers recommended as a great new note-taking app during my junior college years four years ago. I treated it like any other notes app, writing down notes from top to bottom, page by page, and jotting down questions and answers to test myself. It was useful, but I didn’t think much about it.

Image 1: Easlo's Workstation, Nov 16, 2023 (source: x.com

Notion went from being just another notes app to becoming a creative platform for me. It allowed me to create different solutions that not only helped myself but also others in solving problems through better organization.

What inspired you to merge your passion for design with productivity tools, leading to the creation of your renowned Notion templates?

While I've always wanted to create something of my own, I never really knew exactly what that would be.

I rediscovered Notion the following year after completing my junior college and really learned the ins and outs and powerful features like databases.

Notion went from being just another notes app to becoming a creative platform for me. It allowed me to create different solutions that not only helped myself but also others in solving problems through better organization.

Where do you typically seek inspiration when designing new templates? Are there specific industries, books, or thought leaders that influence your work?

I believe my appreciation for minimalistic and clean design began with Apple products, both their software and hardware.
When designing new templates, I look to various existing options outside of Notion, from desktop and web applications to mobile apps on iOS. I test them firsthand and read reviews to figure out what works well and what doesn’t.

I don't believe in a rigid schedule, instead I focus on making time for activities I want in my life.

Given the high demands of your business, how do you manage stress and maintain a balanced workload? Are there particular strategies that you find effective?

Time blocking is a technique I use to manage my time and maintain my sanity.
I don't believe in a rigid schedule, instead I focus on making time for activities I want in my life.
While it's important to block out time for meetings and deep work, it's equally essential to allocate time for movement and breaks.

When did you build you first workspace desk setup? When did you find about Carpio 2.0 wrist rest?

I began with just my laptop, working anywhere at home on a tabletop.

After I realized I was spending a rather long time sitting down, I started to look into ergonomics, which led me to get a standing desk.
Around the same time, I also discovered the Carpio 2.0 wrist rest.

@heyeaslo My ultimate productivity setup in Notion. Template link on my bio. #notion #productivity #secondbrain ♬ Moonlight - Sped Up - Kali Uchis

Can you describe any daily routines or practices you rely on to safeguard your mental and physical well-being amidst your busy schedule?

I like to wake up early, usually at 5:30 am, to do about 1.5 hours of deep work before getting my movement and sunlight in the morning.

What makes this work is having a shutdown or wind-down routine that includes planning for the next day and determining my priorities the evening before.

What advice would you give to other creatives and entrepreneurs about managing pressure and staying productive while also taking care of their well-being?

I think it's easy to browse for new and better tools and strategies these days.

I do get caught up sometimes, but it ultimately comes down to figuring out your own routine and workflows that work for you and sticking to them consistently.

Lastly, what are you currently passionate about and would love to talk about for hours?

How organization can contribute to creativity and productivity, both in our physical spaces, such as our desk setup and office, and in digital workspaces like Notion.