Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I’m back today after a weekend of writing. I had a procedure done this week that left me exhausted. It was a routine procedure and everything came out fine, but it did wipe me out. So I didn’t get much writing done during the week, but I made up for it over the weekend. 😊
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However, today I want to talk about finding balance. It’s hard when you’re juggling so many balls like family, a full-time job, writing, and exercise. Sometimes, you must spend a lot of energy helping your family. Sometimes you have to spend extra time for your job. When this happens, things like your writing, self-care, and exercise fall to the wayside. This is unfortunate, but quite natural.
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However, when things settle down, it’s important to get back into your routine and take care of yourself. Right now, I find myself out of my routine and I’m struggling to get back into it. Why? Because this procedure I had to do this last week left me exhausted. So, exhausted I didn’t have the energy to exercise. I also had a couple of nights when I didn’t sleep well and that has also wreaked havoc on my motivation.
So, I spent most of the weekend writing and I feel good about that, because my story is one of my goals, but I need to get back into my exercise routine because it’s important for my health. Taking care of myself is one of my goals, and I’ve lost some weight. I want to keep it off, so I need to get moving again.
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The way I try to maintain balance is to set up a flexible schedule for myself each day. I actually schedule time for exercise and time for my writing. Some days, it’s hard to maintain my commitment to my schedule, because sometimes I don’t feel like exercising or doing housework during my allotted time. During those times, I have to fight the urge to get back to my story and do what’s best for my health.
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Sometimes I give in and write instead of exercise. When I do this, I just adjust my schedule and exercise another day. The flexibility is important because the routine can sometimes grow restrictive and boring.
So, strive for balance by scheduling the self-care you need to do into your weekly routine. It’s important, especially as you grow older and less active. You’ll be happier when you do. I know I am. What self-care activities do you do? How do you balance them with your other goals? Leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you!
Self care for me can look like not writing – like you, so much stuff to fit in around it that sometimes it just won’t happen. Knowing when my life busy times are and planning my tasks like writing around that helps keep stress and busy (I hate that word!!) levels as manageable as possible.
I hear you, Vanessa. You make a solid point. However, for me, I find that I’m always hoping during those stressful times that I’ll be able to get some writing done and I get frustrated when I don’t. Maybe, I should have more realistic expectations during those time?? Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it!
I can understand how sometimes things get overwhelming. I’m glad writing and exercise helps you to maintain some balance.
Thanks for stopping by, Arv! I always appreciate your insight. 🙂
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Yes, finding balance can be very hard. It sounds like you’ve discovered some great tools to help, though. 🙂
Thanks, Lydia! I’m trying.
I know what you mean about a good routine and balance. I have to set a kitchen timer on my desk. When it goes off I MUST get up and more or do some stretching or a similar activity for at least 5 minutes before I sit down again. Then I re-set the timer and repeat the process. It’s the only way I actually get everything I need to get accomplished for that day. Some days I don’t write, but I schedule my social media posts or I write a blog, but I always use the timer. I’ve found it really helps.
Best of luck to you with your 2020 goals.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
I didn’t think of a timer. That is a good idea. I should do that. I get so involved in trying to get my word count down that I forget to get up and just stretch. Stretching is very important, too. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Never scrimp on your self-care, Lisa. There’s only one of you! Sometimes life just happens, so we need to go with the flow, girlfriend! Hope you’re on the mend, and ready to rock your goals! Cheers!
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon! I appreciate your support! 🙂
I loooove that you say to schedule self-care! YES! It’s just as important as cleaning the house – actually it’s MORE important! We’re cleaning our minds, really 😉
We are definitely on the same page, Christy! Thanks for stopping by! I hope all is well with you! 🙂
Thanks for linking my post! I appreciate it! 🙂
I like to get out for a walk at lunch–I have an office job and I hate sitting that much. My other self-care is writing, which I love to do! Hope you’re recovered from your procedure and feeling better now!
Yes. Much better, I’m back to exercising again. I love it that you get out at lunch and walk. That’s one way to relax and get some self-care in during the day. 🙂
Hi, thanks for your visit ✨
You’re welcome! Thanks for yours as well! 🙂