Knowing when to stop
I actually stopped work at 6 today. Problem is I’ve got so used to working all the time that I’m not sure what to do with myself. I know I’d like to chill out but seem to have forgotten how. Silly Emily.
Live to work / work to live
My work/life balance seems to be non-existent this week. Early mornings and late nights are what I seem to be up to. Just forcing myself to stop work for the day. It’s not good to work this late, especially when I was up at 6.30, but I did get one of those jobs done that kept getting pushed to the bottom of the list - so very satisfying. I’m hoping that leaves me with a clear day tomorrow to tackle some other important tasks.
Actually, I’m not usually one for working into the evening. Early mornings, yes, but come 5.30 I’m usually done for the day. I’m just much more of a morning person. But sometimes a bit of extra effort can help a lot - as long as it’s only occasionally. Generally I do like to chill out a bit more in the evenings, keep the stress levels down and all that. We just see to be so busy at the moment (and jolly pleased I am about it).
A busy week
After a fairly quiet couple of weeks things have definitely been getting busier this week. I was meant to go speed networking today but decided that doing a quote for a prospective client had to take precedence. I was going to go but 5 minutes before I was due to leave I was on the point of stressing out over getting things done, so decided to stay and work instead. Turned out to be a good move because I’ve got loads done and can start the weekend without any important jobs hanging over me.
The Total De-stress Plan
She covers relaxation, covering the different techniques you can use and making your workplace and home much more amenable to it; diet and how you can reduce stress by eating sensibly; exercise, giving details of different types of exercise that are particularly good for stress-relief (i.e. yoga); and pampering, treating yourself well to aid relaxation.
The final chapter gives some ‘fast-track alternative solutions to stress-related problems’ if you have particular issues you want to deal with more quickly.
The book is a very comprehensive coverage of the subject of stress-relief. I’ve come away from it with a list of things that I can put into practice straight away and a few things that I plan to read up on further. I particularly like the idea of making my home and office a more relaxing place and will be following up on this in the coming weeks.
Rating: 
Exercise and relaxation all in one
The only criticism I have is that sometimes she does talk a bit too much. She can get you into a position and then go rambling off into an explanation when all you want to do is get on with it before your arms/legs etc. give out. Sometimes the hardest thing is to just hold a position! Still that’s just a minor thing and definitely doesn’t put me off doing the workout.
The final position is complete relaxation, which is brilliant (though it would be nice if she would just shut up and let me relax). I finish the workout feeling more flexible, relaxed and ready for the day - a really good feeling.
The DVD also includes a bonus intermediate workout but I haven’t felt brave enough to look at this one yet. A few weeks of the basic and I’ll give it a go.
Rating: 
Off to a good start
Well, I think it’s fair to say that I’m off to a good start with my 90-day plan. I was up at 6am this morning and did my yoga DVD … not very flexible at all so definitely need a bit more of that. Apart from that I’ve got most of the things ticked off my list for today, which is a good feeling. All that’s left is a bit of reading, doing my relaxation cd (brilliant people know how to deal with stress apparently) and to phone my ‘buddy’, which I’ve got booked in for 7pm.
I’m generally feeling motivated and keen to keep going. Well you’d hope so after just one day, wouldn’t you?
Taking my own advice
After feeling a decided lack of oomph when I got up this morning I decided to take my own advice and did Tip 10 from my 10 tips for staying motivated - I gave myself a break. I decided that if I got through as much as I could before lunch time that I could take the afternoon off. That in itself was a great source of motivation and I actually got quite a bit done. Then when I stopped for lunch I turned my pc off and enjoyed a work-free afternoon. What did I do with it? Slept mostly, then watched a DVD and did some reading. Lovely, could get used to that! Of course I won’t though. Tomorrow it will be back to work and hopefully feeling a lot more with-it.
The power of lists
I’m a bit of a list obsessive, so will probably be mentioning them fairly regularly. I love my lists. It’s a time management thing and a way to keep things out of my head so I can concentrate on one thing at a time (well as much as is possible with my overactive brain). The humble list came into its own today. I’ve been finding this week quite difficult so far - been feeling quite washed out and on the verge of things getting on top of me. When I get like this the slightest thing can send me into a panic, which definitely isn’t good for productivity.
I generally like to keep my inbox as clear as possible but over the last couple of days I’d let things build up a bit and it was really beginning to bother me. So, what did I do? I made a list! I wrote down everything that needed attention … actually I typed it up in a nice neat table, with a column to tick when I’d completed it and printed it out (on scrap paper I hasten to add). With this to hand I could move the screaming emails into folders ready to be dealt with, confident that they wouldn’t get forgotten because they were on ‘the list’. With that done I could already feel my brain clearing and could start working through them. Got a few small (and not so small) tasks crossed off and everything else is patiently waiting for me to start working through the list again tomorrow.
Not very good at Sundays
I don’t know what it is but I’m never very good at Sundays. I always get a bit restless or inspired to do some work or just plain old depressed. I’m having a restless one today. Instead of just chilling out and having a break from things I find myself thinking about all the things that I could be doing. I’m trying very hard not to do any actual work but I do wonder how much I benefit from a day off if I’ve got work constantly going round and round in my head. Is there any hope for me?
It’s a glorious day here in West Cornwall so we’ve got a walk planned for a bit later. That should help me in various ways - bit of exercise, some fresh air and stunning scenery to help clear my head. That should do the trick!
The hazards of running a business
I think it’s fair to say that I’m quite often so caught up in running our business that I don’t take enough care of myself. One of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2008 was to work on reducing my stress levels, but we’re half way through the year and I’m sitting here with a gadget attached to my arm checking my blood pressure every half hour. Not exactly my idea of fun!
Running a business is stressful. That’s a fact. We’re responsible for completing projects, making sure clients are happy, keeping the money flowing in, and the 101 other tasks associated with a smooth-running business. Don’t get me wrong, I love working for myself, but I do have to be aware that occasionally it gets on top of me.
So this is what I need to do:
- more regular walks (to enjoy the stunning coastline and countryside around here)
- more exercise (could do with shifting some weight)
- yoga (exercise and relaxation all in one!)
- relaxation exercises (have got a great cd for this, shame the battery in my MP3 player has died)
- eat more healthily
- have time away from the business (difficult when you work from home)
If I make more time for exercise and relaxation, I should be a fitter and healthier person, with loads of energy to devote to the business. Will hopefully make the doctor happier too.
