Two Rules:
Rule number one: Life is more important than "insert employer name here".
Rule number two: Remember Rule Number one.
We like our jobs. Most days. But they are our jobs. We have determined our careers, studied to be in them, get fulfillment out of them, but they are our jobs. We have a life outside of them, and we are okay with that, actually, we prefer it that way.
I have always thought I would be fairly career- focused. I've always worked really hard and it has gotten me far! I did well in college, and then again in grad school, got a job right away, have always gotten great recommendations from supervisors, etc. Don't get me wrong, I still, and always will, continue to work hard. But while searching for a job, preparing for a marriage, starting a new job and a new marriage at the same time- that I have priorities. My job is a priority, but my family and friends, and tending to those relationships is higher. And so is tending to myself.
I have learned that a job can take over your life unless you set personal boundaries, limits, and schedules. It is rare to have a supervisor tell you to go home, not stay late, that it is okay to not finish that project today. I've gotten luck with a supervisor that supports balance, but it is up to me to determine all of this.
I schedule meetings around things like working out and dinner with friends. Already have dinner plans? Then you are not available at that time, as opposed to cancelling your plans. I take work out classes because they are easy to schedule in. I go back to work after the gym when I need to- but I've still accomplished things for myself when I need to.
DO schedule things like dinner or drinks with friends or your significant other. Have other things in your schedule as well. We are in a volleyball league. I need to be there or else I'm letting the team down! Having someone to be accountable to can really help this. My husband helps my balance- we both notice if we haven't seen each other a lot lately! We live together for goodness sakes! So if it isn't a spouse- make yourself accountable to someone else (a book club, a workout buddy, a drinking buddy, a church, volunteering, etc).
Some work projects have deadlines or are high importance- that's when I end up working late, etc. But there are definitely work projects that will still be there on your desk for you to work on tomorrow. There is always going to be work to do. Leave your to-do list unchecked, go home, and tackle it tomorrow when you can.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Hey, I work out!
There are days when I love to exercise.. and there are days when it takes all my effort to get my butt off the couch. But overall, I exercise on a regular basis. I don't plan on ever running a marathon, and I'm not trying to lose weight. I just want to be strong and healthy and live a long life, and exercise needs to be a part of my life if I want all of those things. I recognize that exercise puts me in a better mood, relieves stress, and gives me energy, so I find exercises that I enjoy. I 100% respect those that work out more than I do, run marathons, triathlons, etc., but here are my thoughts on if you are trying to start, or just get into a good routine of regular exercise:
1. Find a go-to 20 minute exercise.
I don't accept the "I don't have time" excuse, but there are definitely days when I certainly don't have a lot of time, but still want to fit in a workout. Yes, 60 minutes is best, but 20 minutes is always better than 0. For me, Jillian Michael's videos are my go-to 20 minute exercise. She has a few of them that are only 20-30 minutes, and they incorporate cardio, strength, and abs (read: a full body workout in 20 minutes!). And they are difficult, but not too difficult- perfect for a balanced life :)
2. Zumba
I LOVE ZUMBA! There are classes everywhere- a lot of them through recreation centers or dance studios (so you don't need a gym membership). Zumba's slogan is "Ditch the workout, join the party," which is so true. If you like dancing (which I understand not everyone does, but I do) you will love Zumba, it keeps you moving and is guaranteed to make you sweat. If you go regularly, you will also learn how to get more out of every workout, work the right muscles, put more effort into each step, so you will sweat just as much as you want to. And don't worry, no one is really watching you, and everyone looks a little silly. Plus, the average Zumba class burns 400-500 calories!
3. Workout classes
I'm a huge fan of workout classes. I understand that everyone has a different style, but my belief is that group fitness classes allow you to more easily get motivated and work harder. I have a hard time pushing myself during a workout, so group fitness is a great way to do that, someone else is telling you what to do- and people are working hard around you! Also, if you have a hard time getting to the gym- having a specific time that I need to be there has always helped me, you can even put them on your calendar/schedule meetings around them if you are a long hours type of person.
4. No gym membership is no excuse
I have a gym membership because I like group fitness classes, and because I can afford it. If you can't or choose not to, or just plain won't use it, there are still ways to keep in shape. I already mentioned my Jillian Michael's DVDs- there are tons of different kinds of DVDs that you can try, and all they require is a couple of hand weights. I prefer one that is not a specific plan, but just something you can do when you want to, and switch it up as you please. There are also really easy ways to workout at home, so put on your favorite show, or blast your iPod, and jump rope (without the rope), do push-ups, high knees, lunges, punches, etc. You can find suggestions online if you can't think of them yourself. I also like to run outside. I believe everyone can run, or jog, or jog/walk, and that can be done outside (I prefer it that way). You don't need to run 10 miles, but just start with 30 minutes (I do it regularly, and I still just do about 30 minutes- I get bored)- and go as slowly as you need to, or interval with walking, and see what a difference it will make overtime.
Workout buddies can be great motivation if you need someone to keep you accountable. If you skip a day, just go the next day, or the next day! Don't set goals that you can't achieve, and find something you enjoy! Go pick up a cute new workout outfit- and get to work!
1. Find a go-to 20 minute exercise.
I don't accept the "I don't have time" excuse, but there are definitely days when I certainly don't have a lot of time, but still want to fit in a workout. Yes, 60 minutes is best, but 20 minutes is always better than 0. For me, Jillian Michael's videos are my go-to 20 minute exercise. She has a few of them that are only 20-30 minutes, and they incorporate cardio, strength, and abs (read: a full body workout in 20 minutes!). And they are difficult, but not too difficult- perfect for a balanced life :)
2. Zumba
I LOVE ZUMBA! There are classes everywhere- a lot of them through recreation centers or dance studios (so you don't need a gym membership). Zumba's slogan is "Ditch the workout, join the party," which is so true. If you like dancing (which I understand not everyone does, but I do) you will love Zumba, it keeps you moving and is guaranteed to make you sweat. If you go regularly, you will also learn how to get more out of every workout, work the right muscles, put more effort into each step, so you will sweat just as much as you want to. And don't worry, no one is really watching you, and everyone looks a little silly. Plus, the average Zumba class burns 400-500 calories!
3. Workout classes
I'm a huge fan of workout classes. I understand that everyone has a different style, but my belief is that group fitness classes allow you to more easily get motivated and work harder. I have a hard time pushing myself during a workout, so group fitness is a great way to do that, someone else is telling you what to do- and people are working hard around you! Also, if you have a hard time getting to the gym- having a specific time that I need to be there has always helped me, you can even put them on your calendar/schedule meetings around them if you are a long hours type of person.
4. No gym membership is no excuse
I have a gym membership because I like group fitness classes, and because I can afford it. If you can't or choose not to, or just plain won't use it, there are still ways to keep in shape. I already mentioned my Jillian Michael's DVDs- there are tons of different kinds of DVDs that you can try, and all they require is a couple of hand weights. I prefer one that is not a specific plan, but just something you can do when you want to, and switch it up as you please. There are also really easy ways to workout at home, so put on your favorite show, or blast your iPod, and jump rope (without the rope), do push-ups, high knees, lunges, punches, etc. You can find suggestions online if you can't think of them yourself. I also like to run outside. I believe everyone can run, or jog, or jog/walk, and that can be done outside (I prefer it that way). You don't need to run 10 miles, but just start with 30 minutes (I do it regularly, and I still just do about 30 minutes- I get bored)- and go as slowly as you need to, or interval with walking, and see what a difference it will make overtime.
Workout buddies can be great motivation if you need someone to keep you accountable. If you skip a day, just go the next day, or the next day! Don't set goals that you can't achieve, and find something you enjoy! Go pick up a cute new workout outfit- and get to work!
Blog Introduction
The idea of this blog has really manifested over time... but then came to life randomly one day while perusing Pinterest boards.
While in graduate school for Student Affairs, the topic of "balance" came up on a regular basis. I heard many professionals tell me "it is impossible," "they are bad examples of it," "I don't have it," and yet they still said, "It is really important," "You should always find out if it is supported in your job search," etc. etc. etc. As time went on through my graduate school experience and my job search, I realized that balance is important to me. It is important in my job, but also in other aspects of my life.
My husband and I have recently started our life together, as a young, happy, married, working couple, and our life is pretty average- or like I choose to see it- balanced. Therefore, I am here to share with you topics surrounding a balanced lifestyle. Here are some things about my husband and me that have led me to believe we live a happily balanced life:
While in graduate school for Student Affairs, the topic of "balance" came up on a regular basis. I heard many professionals tell me "it is impossible," "they are bad examples of it," "I don't have it," and yet they still said, "It is really important," "You should always find out if it is supported in your job search," etc. etc. etc. As time went on through my graduate school experience and my job search, I realized that balance is important to me. It is important in my job, but also in other aspects of my life.
My husband and I have recently started our life together, as a young, happy, married, working couple, and our life is pretty average- or like I choose to see it- balanced. Therefore, I am here to share with you topics surrounding a balanced lifestyle. Here are some things about my husband and me that have led me to believe we live a happily balanced life:
I have a career- I love it some days and hate it other days
I work some long hours- but I also take time off, and say “no” when I want to
I exercise- but not all the time
I eat well- most of the time.
I have an apartment.
I have money- not too much, but more than just enough, and spend it reasonably.
I have friends- not a ton, but enough to be happy.
I like to go out sometimes, and I like to stay in others.
I love my family more than anything- but I live an independent life.
I don’t have kids- but we will when we’re ready.
I’m an optimist- but I'm realistic.
Get the gist? I hope you enjoy whatever it is I come up with to say!
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