This week, I’ve been in leadership training at work. I was really impressed that one of the first topics we covered was “Vitality”, which focuses on your physical and mental well-being. Things like healthy nutrition, fitness, and recovery.
There’s certainly things around nutrition and portion control that I can always work on, but what impacted me most was in the recovery area. How effective are you at work/life balance, giving yourself the opportunity to recharge, and being present. During this session, I finally admitted something I’ve really known for a while…I’m trying to do to much.
Source: wanelo.com via Renée on Pinterest
For me, this isn’t a work issue. I typically do a great job with setting boundaries with work and not overextending myself. In my personal life, it’s a different story. Outside of my day-job, I have family & friends, this blog, coaching, and training (with Ironman this year). And with my type-A personality, it’s hard to pull back and admit I can’t do it all.
That changes now.
As I prioritized my personal life, I realized that right now I need to take a small step back from the blog. Writing 5 days a week is adding more pressure than relief, which is difficult to admit, but honest.
Source: google.co.za via Diane on Pinterest
So what now?
Instead of my typical Monday through Friday schedule, I’m going to back off to 3 days a week. I’m also going to put my phone down a little more often and focus on being “present”. That means you might see me a little less often on social media as I find the right balance again.
I appreciate every one of you and hope you’ll stick with me and I make a few changes. I love this community and the support you all give me! I hope I can continue to share with you, even if it is a little less frequently.
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I hope you’ll take this opportunity to reflect on your own life and vitality. How’s your work-life balance? Are you giving yourself time to recover? Is there something you know you should cut back on that you’ve been hanging on to?
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Balance? What’s that? *falls over*
I admire you. And want to copy you. TGIF
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere + Giveaway Winner
For me, it works best when I blog when I feel like I have something to blog about, instead of trying to commit to a certain number of days. It’s easier that way and I feel like I write better posts too.
As for things I’m trying to cut back on, I know this isn’t exactly what you had in mind when you asked the question, but stevia. I’m trying to cut back on stevia. Lol.
Lee recently posted..Bullet Points
Hahaha I need to cut back on stevia, too. :)
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..Smoky Sweet Potato, Kale, and Tomato Stew
To be honest, the ideas aren’t the problem, I have lots. And it’s actually a little hard to fit everything in just 3 days right now, BUT I also feel so much more balanced this week already. I need limits. :)
And whoops, totally replied to Laura’s post instead of commenting regularly.
Lee recently posted..Bullet Points
Copy her. Why not?
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..Smoky Sweet Potato, Kale, and Tomato Stew
Do it!! :)
Congrats on a blog reduction. It feels good doesn’t it? I, of course, said I was going to do that and then went straight into 4-5 days of posting anyway. I’m trying to limit myself, and write only when I have something I REALLY want to share, rather than stick to a specific schedule.
Although I love MMAZ…that is a perfect start to the week. :)
Much love. Breathe. Rest. Recharge.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..Smoky Sweet Potato, Kale, and Tomato Stew
I remember you saying you were going to cut back too and the few times I’ve *almost* blogged more (already), I’ve reminded myself of this comment. I’m going to stick with only 3 days through the end of the year, then maybe give myself more flexibility. I have more to say than the time I have to say it. :)
And don’t worry, MMAZ isn’t going away!
I love how you’re able to recognize what you need and make it happen. That’s not always very easy to do. I know I’m often overextending myself and may have a bit when I was busy studying but now that that’s over, life has slowed down a bit for me and I’ve been able to focus on ME a bit more. That’s so important. :)
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..Fitness Friday!
Thanks Katie. I have recognized it for a while, it’s just taken me some time to admit something really did need to change. I’m glad you’re getting a bit of a break – enjoy YOUR time!:)
I admire you for this! It’s something I struggle with, too. For the most part, I stick to 3-4 days of blogging a week, and that is plenty. The weeks that I do more than that quickly becoming all-consuming and overwhelming. I love the blogging community, but I love my personal time and family life, too. :)
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Half Marathon Goals for Sunday
Thanks! It’s hard to fit in everything I’d like to say sometimes, but I already feel like I have a ton more time. I know it’s important to set limits sometimes. :)
Do what you need to! Blogging can easily become a chore rather than fun, especially when you start making rules like “having” to blog a certain number of times/on a certain schedule. I try to blog 5x a week, but if I have nothing to say or just don’t wanna? Eh, I won’t. I could definitely do with putting the phone down a little more often, though!
Allie recently posted..Reasons to Get out of Bed: Fitness
Thanks girl – I find my problem is less about nothing to write and more about no time to write. :) The phone thing has been easier than I expected so far – we’ll see!
This is really refreshing and honest. Sometimes you just have to prioritize. I’ll still love coming by your blog no matter how many days you’re posting :)
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted..Today Is Your Day!
Thanks Natalie – and I appreciate you coming by!!! :)
you and me both sister. you and me both. i’m very, very balanced at work, but i take on too much in my personal life. i need to chill. out.
Calee recently posted..the part-time juicetarian.
We need to form a support group or something, with no meetings of course, since we don’t have time. :)
I’ve been struggling with this myself…. something has got to change. I may be joining you!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Friday Five
I think blogging less should be the next “cool” thing, so we’ll all go easy on ourselves. Join in!
Focusing on being “present”…that’s one thing I need to work on as well.
Tammy Fuller recently posted..December Squat-a-thon
Easier said than done sometimes, right? Putting the phone out of sight has helped me, which is a little sad. :)
i truly think that is we do less, we become more. That’s balance. You can and will find it. But don’t force it, ya know?
lindsay recently posted..Sunday Snapshots: All things New
You are so right! And I wish I could be less strict on the 3 day thing, but right now I know I have to force that to make sure I don’t slip right back into being overwhelmed. Balance can be hard! :)
I know exactly how you feel…I am the same way! I think I do a pretty good job of separating work from my personal life (which comes easier since I have the type of career that I can’t really “take home with me”) but when it comes to my off time? Yeah, I could use a few pointers. It’s almost like I feel that I can’t NOT be doing something at all hours of the day! I used to blog every day for about a year. Nowadays I try to post 5 times per week, but recently I’ve started feeling a little stretched…or should I say stressed? when it comes to post content/motivation to write. I’ve been on the verge of taking a step back for a while now, but I just keep making excuses. I might be following in your footsteps soon. :)
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli recently posted..Birthday Wishes…
Yes – exactly! We get so used to being overbooked, it’s hard to just be. Take the plunge and step back with me, we can keep each other accountable. :)
YES! Balance is key! I forget all too easily and then have to pull myself back to sanity :-)
Pulling back to sanity, that’s a great way to put it – and exactly how it feels. Thanks Andrea!
Balance has always been super important to me – this year especially. With all my new projects lately I was running on adrenaline and happiness and running myself into ground too. I gave up one double shift this morning to and went to a new co-workers concert last night. And I love my life. Sometimes you forget to balance even good things with some rest and you time.
Ashley @ Freckles and Spice recently posted..Who Woulda Thunk It??
I have recently struggled with this myself… Wanting to do and be apart of everything and then feeling really guilty when I couldn’t be. What has started to slip is my fitness and food decisions. I spend most of my time at work with a 40 minute drive to and from work. Agh! Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I feel pretty spent when I get home. I really want to blog at least once a day, but have to be ok if I don’t get to. :)
Catching up on your posts!
Brandi recently posted..A Christmas Party!