I've been finding it difficult to work out some sort of balance in my life. I was so spoiled while living out West. I had time to do everything I wanted, almost. I only worked 5-6 hours a day usually so that left a lot of time. I had time left over for things like working out, riding my bike, walking/running the dogs seperately, cooking meals, persuing any of the other hobbies I entertained, reading. Well, now I'm at work 8.5 hours a day and spend a little more than an hour in traffic a day. As soon as I step in the door, the dogs and I get ready for our joint walk (unless they're really lucky and get seperate walks which doesn't happen in the short days of winter too often). We go on our 3-5 mile walk. I get home and if I'm lucky, I have leftovers to reheat. If not, I have to then cook dinner. By the time we're done eating (at about 7-7:30), I will try to accomplish something around the house, or drive over to Barry and Lanette's to do laundry. Working out that late at night is just not something I want to do so I have decided to use my lunch break to work out to a DVD. So I have at least found a way to work in a little extra exercise. But by the time all my chores are done, if I have indeed finished them (not likely since I'm too tired) it's time for bed. That may mean I actually get up read from the Book of Mormon and get to bed but more often, it means I sit in front of the tv for a little bit and veg out while I toss a ball for Tucker until I can't take it...about 11:30 to midnight because I feel like I haven't had any time to really relax.
I've been going to bed earlier this week. I've actually turned off movies in the middle of them so I can get some sleep. I know that being rested helps my mood stay good and it also helps me have enough energy to do the things I have to do so I am trying to get to bed at a good hour. I'm also trying to use my little bit of extra time in the evening to get dinner ready for the next day so I just have to reheat it. The crockpot has become my friend too. It sure is nice to have a fresh, hot meal when I get home from a walk.
But other than that, what are some of the things you do to achieve some sort of balance in your life? I don't even have kids...I would be in trouble if I did.
Lemon Poppy Seed Raspberry Layer Cake
1 week ago
1 comment:
I'm not a great person to answer your question since I'm not sure how balanced I am. Since I'm now a stay-at-home mom with all of my kids at school, it isn't as difficult as it was for many years for me to find time for everything. I think that using the moments you do have (like your exercise at lunch) are essential. I use time waiting in the car for kids or in dentists' waiting rooms for catching a few minutes of good reading (or you could crochet). It's amazing what a few minutes can do. I wake up earlier than the kids so I can exercise when it's quiet and double that time for meditating.
I don't know if you already do, but you could listen to books on CD in the car on your communte or (if you don't mind talking on the phone and driving like I do), you could call a friend or someone you visit teach on your way home (probably not on your way to work--early).
I know none of that helps you find more time to bike like you love, but it could help you feel a little better even when you don't get to. I know it's really hard when you work a lot. The one summer that I worked lots of hours at the bakery with Robin, it was hard to have the time or energy to do anything. I think it's important also to make a list of important things and then others that aren't so crucial to get done and then if those things don't get done, don't feel guilty about it. (Hard to do for sure!) You can't do everthing.
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