I have been working a lot lately, mostly on the startup, and I've been running myself a little ragged. Due to this I have been searching for things to help me stay focused and calm, but organized and competent. Two things in particular have greatly helped me:
1. An Assistant. I hired an assistant because I was putting off some of my paperwork and smaller items and procrastinating with getting things done on the business side. My assistant is superawesome. I started her off with only a few hours a month, but I am going to increase her hours as much as she can handle (and as much as I can afford) so that I can have sort of a backup person to remind me of things, stay on top of my pile of bills, etc. My assistant is definitely more than just an assistant though, so I am very lucky to have her on board.
2. Mini Vacations. This past weekend I went to Atlanta for Morehouse/Spelman Homecoming. No, I didn't go to Spelman but I have lots of friends who went to Morehouse and they go to homecoming every year. Anyway, I did the unthinkable and didn't work for 3 whole days. I just kept an eye on email via my iPhone and had lots and lots of fun. Staying in a nice hotel, renting a car, and inviting your friends to come share in on the fun helped reset my frantic life. I often work 7 days a week, and perhaps something like 15 hours a day. It was very difficult to leave my work behind, but I managed. I think I may plan for something like this every other a month: a trip somewhere either to visit family and friends I haven't seen in a while or to go to a special event. I feel much more focused and refreshed now that I am back, and I didn't break my bank either.
I am still in search of other things to stay healthy and sane, but so far I feel like I am off to a good start. What keeps you balanced?
1. An Assistant. I hired an assistant because I was putting off some of my paperwork and smaller items and procrastinating with getting things done on the business side. My assistant is superawesome. I started her off with only a few hours a month, but I am going to increase her hours as much as she can handle (and as much as I can afford) so that I can have sort of a backup person to remind me of things, stay on top of my pile of bills, etc. My assistant is definitely more than just an assistant though, so I am very lucky to have her on board.
2. Mini Vacations. This past weekend I went to Atlanta for Morehouse/Spelman Homecoming. No, I didn't go to Spelman but I have lots of friends who went to Morehouse and they go to homecoming every year. Anyway, I did the unthinkable and didn't work for 3 whole days. I just kept an eye on email via my iPhone and had lots and lots of fun. Staying in a nice hotel, renting a car, and inviting your friends to come share in on the fun helped reset my frantic life. I often work 7 days a week, and perhaps something like 15 hours a day. It was very difficult to leave my work behind, but I managed. I think I may plan for something like this every other a month: a trip somewhere either to visit family and friends I haven't seen in a while or to go to a special event. I feel much more focused and refreshed now that I am back, and I didn't break my bank either.
I am still in search of other things to stay healthy and sane, but so far I feel like I am off to a good start. What keeps you balanced?
I can't afford to travel, but if I can just sneak in a few hours of relatively mindless, distraction-free entertainment, I consider that a win. Whether it's playing a videogame, trying to guess who is the baby's daddy on Maury, or watching FOX News, it all helps me to just shut down my brain for a while and not worry about things that will still be there for me to worry about tomorrow.
taking rest days. or afternoons or evenings. whatever is possible. lot's of 'alone' time.
LMAO..
You went to my homecoming and I have not been back to my own homecoming at Spelman since I graduated in 1996. I know you had a blast!
Mini vacations are necessary!
I don't know the prices of Amtrak but maybe riding up to the Bay area would be a nice change. Or going further south? I enjoy riding the train for it is a few hours of silence without being hooked up to the internet for me.
You will slowly make your stride. Just make a checklist of what you need to accomplish everyday. That is what i do and it helps but then I know if I don't have my check list then I some what do more than what I should spread our over a few days!
[[Liz]]
This is a great idea! I am in the process of reorganizing my lifestyle. For one, I need a life! Working and going to school at such a late age is a challenge, but not impossible! I need to make myself go on mini escursions again like I used to. Your post is truly encouraging me and thanks for sharing!