I've also had days where—Sunday scaries are real—but I'll also get so much done on Sunday and be so productive with working out, chores, errands, and resetting everything that by the end of the night I'm worn out and haven't actually relaxed so then my headspace is flooded with anxiety about the day to come. My mind ebbs and flows and even mid-afternoons I'll get very overwhelmed with how I want to spend my Sunday and I've just decided that Sundays are sacred to me.
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But they also aren't. Sundays are probably my least favorite day of the week because I find myself in dread of Monday. But then Monday turns out to be not so bad after all. Because who loves Mondays?
As much as I plan out my week days, I also plan out my weekends. Balancing social events and going out with friends to playing open gym volleyball with Ben or doing chores—I try to make a list of things to do so that I do feel like I can balance everything and tackle what needs to get done that didn't during the week. Even if it's as little as getting my nails done or taking some clothes to Goodwill, I plan out my errands and it also gives me something to look forward to as mundane as these tasks may be.
I like to be busy. I'm always on the go and being productive makes me able to relax soundly, but I've also come to the realization that there will always be dishes to clean, laundry to wash, books to read, etc. So sometimes I get so overwhelmed for no reason because I can't sit still and just relax. Even blogging for example has been a part of my evening Sunday ritual.
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I definitely think I am a weekend warrior at best because during the week I am locked in on work and just want to go to the gym, eat a nutritious meal, and watch Netflix and go to bed. Side note: I have been loving Gretchen Geraghty's vlogs on YouTube lately. They're the perfect dose of serotonin and all things happiness (she has a golden named Brody so I am obviously a big fan at this point)! I guess that's reality but leaning into the small joys during my days also make them go by quicker and give me things to look forward to like making a quick coffee run or doing work from home with a friend.
Having a wind down routine is essential. There are so many things happening in our lives that I think we forget to take time to just let go and reset. Whether it does mean being lazy or getting your nails done or reading a book or watching a show or taking a much needed nap. Life is meant to be enjoyed and I don't ever what to feel soul sucked or over worked. I think it all just comes with balance of filling up your life with things you love. Winding down doesn't mean shutting off, it just means we're preparing ourselves to bounce back up again.
January is always the month that I get on top of things: my work, my schedule, my sleep, my fitness, my organization, you name it. And lately having a cadence of things to do has kept me right on top of things. Between working from home, keeping social, and taking care of me—all of these things come through balance, prioritizing, and also respecting my own boundaries because ya girl's got things to do!
I thought I'd share some quick tips on how I keep my life in order and also promote daily productivity—mindful productivity—that keeps me from burning myself out. A lot of it has just become first nature habits (and part of my homebody, type-A personality) so find what works best for you.
01. Having a dedicated work space has been a dream, but for now, I have my long-time makeshift vanity turn desk and I have really outfitted my workspace with all of the tech tools I could need. I recently upgraded to having a laptop stand, wireless key board and mouse, as well as a phone stand which is a true game changer. I also love having the keyboard and elevated computer so I'm not straining my neck all day. I also have my weekly desk planner, a daily planner, and my master planner (who could need that many planners?). All of these things help me stay on top of appointments, meetings, workouts, and planning my to-dos for the week. The next update I think I'll make is a more comfortable desk chair.
02. I find key stationary staples that I love to help me stay organized and I always feel like aesthetic stationary just pulls everything together, while making planning a bit more fun. Whether it be rose gold scissors, choosing a new Staedler pen color of the week—it's the little things right? It also just makes goal setting something I look forward to every Sunday.
03. Going to bed early has been a challenge, but more recently waking up earlier is even harder for me. Something I have started doing is romanticizing my morning routine even when I work from home. Whether it be setting out an outfit, looking forward to a morning walk or cup of coffee, or even securing a spot to work for the morning at a coffee shop or my library. I've been trying to wake up between 6-6:30 to readjust my circadian rhythm and not be kicking myself in the morning for hitting snooze.
04. I have always been consistent with fitness or staying active for at least 30 minutes a day. And walking Cooper only helps me during the day so I can get some fresh air and take a breather. I've seen everyone with the walking pads and treadmills while they work but that's just not realistic for me. So, every day I will plan to go to the gym or workout class to dedicate at least an hour to myself. I've really tried to be a morning workout person, but I think walking better suits my routine...it's just hard when it's 30 degrees.
05. Going out and about on my weekends or weekday evenings keeps me inspired. Since I do stay indoors most of my time to work, I have been taking up some new hobbies like playing intramural volleyball, getting back into blogging, watching Masterclass videos, trying new foods/recipes/restaurants, or taking myself on "mini adventures" to new parts of town or shops. Rather than doom scrolling on social media, I want to invest my time in more mindful and inspirational activities or habits.
06. For anyone working from home who tends to get in a "funk" or can sometimes feel cooped up, I would recommend changing up your scenery if you can! My sister actually apartment sat in LA for a friend one month and it totally helped with her ability to feel more inspired and less cooped up during the cold Chicago winter. Even if it means finding a new coffee shop, work buddy, or going into the office once or twice a week—I've looked forward to changes in my routine that spice things up a bit. The beauty of working from home is that you can practically work from anywhere, so why not take advantage of it?
This month for all is the month to get back on track and into the swing of things. But I find that keeping to a routine that balances everything, most importantly taking care of yourself, makes me feel the most productive and less burnt out each week. What are some habits you employ to stay on top of things?
It's already the middle of January but it's felt like the holidays were an entire year ago. HA. Dad puns aside, going into 2023 was smooth and a very necessary reset for me. Thankfully I had a week off from work to spend with my grandparents in Iowa, binge watch Game of Thrones, and eat really good food. Getting back into my routine: starting work back up again, working out, eating healthier food, and better sleeping habits have all been my focus lately.
With the occasional outings with friends, I would say that I am just a true homebody and I'm okay with it. I know that there are always going to be good things to look forward to and I'm ready for what's next! As I'm thinking about this year and what I want to accomplish (sans resolutions or fake diets), I am relishing in gratitude and being more present in life.
01. Being more intentional with my time is a big habit I want to start this year. I've always been good about setting my goals and working towards things I'm passionate about but I don't want to get too comfortable. Whether it be waking up a bit early, being consistent with my workouts, not doom scrolling on my phone but reading a book instead, or getting coffee with a friend. Or how about—writing for this blog! This blog has always grounded me back into what I love and has kept me inspired for years. It's just a hobby, but something I've created. Pretty cool if you ask me. And I have no plans of letting it go.
02. Trip planning and travel this year is still up in the air, I'm not quite sure if that means going abroad again or finding somewhere new to visit nationally. I would love to go to a new national park or somewhere very scenic this summer but I'm also down for more weekend road trips and spontaneous adventures too. Colorado maybe? San Diego? Camping is definitely on my list!
03. I love learning, and when I graduated, I felt like I lost a wealth of knowledge about a ton of different subjects and classes I was pretty invested in. Of course, I learn a lot in my job and the research that I do every day, but it's different when you're not studying or writing papers and are really tackling or analyzing niche topics like environmental studies or memorizing a language. My boyfriend got me a subscription to Master Class for Christmas and it is this library of classes taught by professionals and public figures on a plethora of different subjects like cooking, dog training, voice acting, yoga, but my personal favorite thus far has been flower arranging. I am really looking forward to learning new things but just being inspired and motivated to try new things.
04. And in terms of being inspired by new things, I've felt the need to find little positives in the every day mundane. When life feels stagnant or uninspiring, I definitely try to remember what I'm thankful for but romanticize parts of my day like making my morning coffee, walking my dog, or doing my hair and getting ready for the day even if I'm just working at home. Even if it means snuggling up with my book for 30 minutes or calling a friend I haven't talked to—there are many ways I can find joy in the little things of my day rather than feeling the weight and monotony of a five day work week...as most of us do.
05. Intuitive and intentional eating has been a focus of mine for a few months now but I am really the victim of late night snacking and indulging myself when it comes to curbing a craving. I think I've always had a really good relationship with food, but I think I would like to focus on fueling my body enough during the day that I'm not reaching for a bag of chips or maybe just eating an orange before a big meal to hold me over. That means more protein and fiber packed meals. It also doesn't help that my mom leaves candy out in bowls and baskets all the time...self control, self control...
Latching onto any sunny days I can this month, I am definitely manifesting spring to arrive as soon as it can but know that there are definitely snowy days ahead. Cultivating new ways to get inspired is on my radar—and yes, I can buy myself flowers (Miley go off!) in the middle of January.
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