So, I work a lot. Too much, probably... 45 hours a week at my full-time J.O.B... and 20+ at home on freelance work. I'm trying SO hard to get to the point where I can work on a contract basis from home full-time. But the downside is... I am stressed, overwhelmed, tired and grumpy. Thank goodness my husband is super supportive and takes care of most of the housework and dog responsibilities so I don't have to worry about them, all the while dealing with my aforementioned grumpiness. He's a saint.
Friends, I need to figure out a way to relax. Even if I'm watching TV or chillin' with Paul and the doggie, I'm thinking about the piles of work I should be doing.
I'm starting to feel physical manifestations of stress - sore jaw, water retention, heachaches... not good.
How do I make the most of the little bit of down-time I have while still working toward my goal? Suggestions needed!
Ah yes, I was talking about this subject with C. and my sister yesterday. There's NEVER enough time in the day to accomplish ALL that "needs" to be done.
ReplyDeleteSince becoming Lila's Mom, I always feel like someone or some thing is losing: time with Craig, time with Lila, time with Ferg, time with MYSELF. When I'm sitting and "resting", I'm thinking about work, or grocery shopping, or how I should really be cleaning the floor or doing laundry.
Guilt. Inability to relax. Tendency towards stress.
Tell me that this isn't going to last forever!
We're women. I feel that we're sponges. We take on ANYthing. We're, "go-big-or-go-home" types of people. If you're going to do it, do it well.
Maybe we need to start cutting ourselves a little bit of slack, re-prioritize and applaud ourselves (and one another!) for what we do accomplish in any given day.
(Wow. I just wrote a lengthy comment. I probably should have made it shorter so that I could get back to my work quicker... Always something... :)
My wife hates my relaxed nature when so much needs to be done. I don't really know how to help others into the relaxed nature, it is just in there for me. There is always going to be stuff that needs to be done, and it will get done.
ReplyDeleteHope you figure it out.
P.S. Hi Paul
Strict organization and eliminate all distractions.
ReplyDeleteHaving done this for a long time, I can say the best way to reduce stress is to find more time -- and to do that, working smarter and faster is the key. The number one enemy is distractions. Get into a routine that focuses on the work when the time comes, stick to it and leave the rest of the hours for you to relax without work on the mind.
If you're really good, then you can use the normal work hours and even get a bit ahead.
My boss told me a long time ago that I need to plan 'me' time in my day. Just like how I book my days with work and meetings, it's equally important to plan time for myself as well. Yes, it's hard to relax when looming deadlines are on the horizon, but even just blocking off an hour to run/read/relax with Paul & Tucker each day is the most important time for you. And then find a way to enjoy that time that you do have.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to tell people to not take work home with them, especially in this age of technology (and co-workers have our phone numbers), but try to stay sane. Good things are going to happen...just keep plugging along.