Full disclosure- I did nothing most of the days during my time off between the holidays. It would take much determination to remove myself from the couch to make the girls breakfast, hours to get showered and dressed to leave the house. Time stood still, or at least I did. I can honestly say it was not a good thing. A coworker of mine recently used the phrase “Laziness creates laziness”. He said you have to cure yourself of it. Some would say you need that downtime; your body can only go on full speed ahead for so long. I say, YES!, a few days of downtime to decompress is a nice needed break. However, after a few days, enough is enough!
I have learned there is power in routine. I am more productive, my house is cleaner, my brain is more focused, I am energized, I am contributing, and I feel good at the days end. I always thought I had a packed schedule because I had to be busy, meaning there is just so much to get done as a working mom and volunteer. But the truth is, what I have learned is actually that my routine makes me more productive and also allows me to enjoy dinner time conversation more which is typically my downtime during the week.
Some ask me how I do it all. I seem to be involved in many activities outside of being a mom and working and here is my answer: every second of every day counts. It is all in how you plan your day. I have learned for me, I like the silence of the early morning when everyone else is still asleep. I like to get up and login into work, get some tasks crossed off my list, maybe write a blog post, or maybe even get on the treadmill for a half hour.
I also believe in a good night’s sleep. I know what my body needs and it requires at least 8 hours of sleep for me to my best me. I know I need to start my day in my own thoughts, in prayer, and I need to end my day the same way, in reflection, in prayer.
I also have a secret; I don’t watch much television. I am not going to lie, I enjoy television. I grew up on Cosby, Silver Spoons, 90210, etc. After dinner we finished our homework, took a shower, and got to watch a show or two before bed. My children know that as their own nightly routine today as well as reading at least one book with me. But what I have personally learned is that tv is great in small doses but is not productive for me. It does not allow my brain to flow freely, it actually shuts it down. I feel better, sleep better, and am more productive the next day if I end my day reading something meaningful.
Once you learn your personal balance of your body and mind, what works and what does not, you can arrange your schedule accordingly. If you’re like me, you can have a packed schedule and it feels right.
Figure out what works for you and live that life.
