In case you don’t know this about me yet, I try to keep the hecticness of my life to a minimum. I don’t do after-school stuff or special activities, I don’t overcook or batch cook, and I try to play it one day at a time. Slow life is good life, right?
But I find that now I’m getting bored – and I’m missing out. I used to be on so much overwhelm that I could not manage a thing, but the last few weeks have taught me otherwise. Since school started and I’ve had a car, I’ve already done quite a lot of baking, ran countless errands, engaged a lot of writing work and somehow managed to keep the house organized and the homework steady.
BORED OF MY CAVE, JUST LIKE EEP
I haven’t managed to fit in working out OR writing, so that’s my next hurdle, but the thing is, it’s about to get a whole lot more hectic…and I CAN’T wait. I have 3 more writing clients starting this month, additional work for 2 of my current clients, starting to submit my work and have volunteered to regularly help out Zoe’s teacher. I also have to prep and gear up for January, because I AM putting my kiddos in Special Olympics for swimming which starts January. Finally, there’s the launch of my new blog which requires some brainstorming time. That doesn’t even factor in the holidays!
I’m nervous but I’m also chomping at the bit to get out and about. I don’t want to get overwhelmed and burnt out, but perhaps I can put a few guidelines in place. Here’s how I’m going to try to manage getting MUCH more in and remaining balanced:
- SETTING WEEKLY AND DAILY PRIORITIES & GOALS
Priorities are really, really important, I start every week by setting and emailing them to accountability partners. But life gets in the way, so those day to day goals can go amiss. What I’m doing now is writing a daily list TOO, and scratching off as needed. The days I do this I’m far more productive for that extra 5 minutes of work. - VERY DETAILED PLANNING
I don’t like planning because unless I BREAK IT DOWN TO THE DETAIL, it won’t happen. Here’s an example: getting the kids gifts and candy that will REPLACE their trick or treat loot and donating the rest to troops. Steps include: getting and dressing up the replacement treats/gifts, finding out where I can donate including how to drive there AND mapping it out, then brainstorming teaching them about charity (with Veteran’s Day learning perhaps). This complex detailing is the only way to ensure it will get done. - PETTY CASH FUND
OK, this is for when I have a solution that requires a system (think: rewards for chores mean a chore board, a file organizer, a shelf for those books). Sometimes I don’t even know if I have $5 to spare, but having some “petty cash” will go a long way to preserving my sanity when I get these ideas. Do you keep a little extra cash for brainstorms and organization? - PREPLAN ON HIGH ENERGY DAYS
Mostly my energy is in the toilet bowl, but a post I recently read taught me this little tip: when you’re feeling energetic and well-rested, that’s the time to get stuff done. For me, that means editorial calendars (the bane of my existence) and writing down some quick outlines for my upcoming blog post commitments, especially client posts. This REALLY cuts down when I have to do the nitty gritty research and hard work of creating a compelling post. - KEEP & BUILD ON MY BOUNDARIES
At 3:30 kids arrive home and that means WORK IS DONE. Whatever that requires during a deadline means that’s the priority, even if I have to make it up by staying up late. I definitely recommend that every blogger set boundaries, but keeping them is something you need to actively work at all the time. Which reminds me: - SLEEP
I need a lot of it, and when I’m short I have trouble functioning. (Like today because it was the Night of the Living Stink Bugs in my bedroom – you don’t want to know.) This is my own fault because after dinner, clean up, bedtime reading/prayers, downtime with hubby, my nighttime routine, prepping for tomorrow, Candy crush game time and Bible/prayer time, I ALWAYS read..and sometimes way to much. “So many books, so little time” is clearly my motto but I need to let it go.
Ok, so how do YOU keep yourself on track when you can see that just ahead is a tide of hectic days coming your way? I need tips!!
miranda papandreou says
My biggest tip for preventing burnout is getting “me” time here and there, even if it is a quick Target run for Starbucks! It helps me refocus not having a tiny chorus of voices surrounding me :
Gina B says
Oh nice!! I used to have Target about a whole 3 minute drive away, now it’s way far and always crowded. But good one – I still have DD!!
Heather says
Making a list definitely helps me prioritize. I also like to break out of my routine to avoid feeling like my life is right out of Groundhog Day!
Gina B says
ROFL!! Good one, yea I’ve felt that Groundhog Day The Sequel thing too!
Jessica @EatSleepBe says
Sleep is so incredibly important. In the past couple of years I’ve made an effort to make sure I’m getting enough sleep so that I can get more accomplished during the day.
Gina B says
We actually got on our whole organic, allergy free journey because this whole family didn’t sleep. Zoe was up all night for years!
Jo-Lynne Shane says
Yes to sleep! I think that is key.
Gina B says
You can really feel the difference an extra half hour makes!
Frugal Baby says
Great post, thanks. Also just having time to just relax and do nothing goes a long way.
Gina B says
Yes, that’s a good one!
reesa says
Man, I’ll tell you I am BURNT OUT! I never expected the school year to kick my butt!
Gina B says
LOL, I know right?? It’s so hectic. And the better our blogs do, the more crazy it is!!
Gina B says
Aw thank you so much! You’ve made my day 🙂
Sherry says
Great tip I really need to think about me more.. i ofter suffer from burn out and then retreat to my bed it usually coincides with my period. I love the petty cash fund. Great tips!
Gina B says
Yea, I know the feeling, and then you are burnt out and exhausted! Thank you.
Caitlin says
Replan on high energy days! What a great tip
Gina B says
Yea, brilliant, right? Maximize that productivity lol
Gina B says
That’s a great idea! I’ve been getting up earlier lately, I might try that!