The Go Slow Life and Busy Seasons in Life
I haven't posted a blog in over a month and I'm sure there's some explanation there (I was busy! My boss is leaving my company! I traveled to Ireland with my husband and 2 small children!) but that's neither here nor there.
The reality is that I was (and am) in a very busy season of life.
My work allows for me to be on call for discussions and emails from 9-5, however, much of my work requires time away from communication. So it's a trick juggling act.
I have childcare daily from 7am to 5pm which works out to 50 hours a week. I live 10 minutes from work, so I'm able to maximize my work time because I'm not commuting. (This is a total blessing for sure because traffic in my area can be horrific.)
So, I'm able to work for 45-50 hours per week, MAXIMUM, without negatively impacting my relationship with my husband and children. And keeping up with the house. And maybe relaxing once in a while.
However, my work demands are greater than 45-50 hours a week. If I were able to work 55-60 hours a week, I could probably be ahead of the curve better, but it is what it is. It's a busy season.
So now, more than ever, I need to go slow. Because the pace around me has only escalated.
When I feel overwhelmed, I fall into behavior patterns that actually exacerbate the problem. I start avoiding work by checking social media. I vent (whine) to my coworkers about being overworked. I eat foods that aren't productive to good energy levels so I get tired more easily.
It's a vicious cycle.
So what do I do? What should you do?
Take 2 minutes in silence. Away from your desk. Hide in the bathroom stall if you need to. (Don't bring your phone). Breathe slowly. 4 counts in, 4 counts hold, 6 counts out. Repeat again and again and again until you feel yourself slow. Go slow, so you can go fast.
The reality is that I was (and am) in a very busy season of life.
My work allows for me to be on call for discussions and emails from 9-5, however, much of my work requires time away from communication. So it's a trick juggling act.
I have childcare daily from 7am to 5pm which works out to 50 hours a week. I live 10 minutes from work, so I'm able to maximize my work time because I'm not commuting. (This is a total blessing for sure because traffic in my area can be horrific.)
So, I'm able to work for 45-50 hours per week, MAXIMUM, without negatively impacting my relationship with my husband and children. And keeping up with the house. And maybe relaxing once in a while.
However, my work demands are greater than 45-50 hours a week. If I were able to work 55-60 hours a week, I could probably be ahead of the curve better, but it is what it is. It's a busy season.
So now, more than ever, I need to go slow. Because the pace around me has only escalated.
When I feel overwhelmed, I fall into behavior patterns that actually exacerbate the problem. I start avoiding work by checking social media. I vent (whine) to my coworkers about being overworked. I eat foods that aren't productive to good energy levels so I get tired more easily.
It's a vicious cycle.
So what do I do? What should you do?
Take 2 minutes in silence. Away from your desk. Hide in the bathroom stall if you need to. (Don't bring your phone). Breathe slowly. 4 counts in, 4 counts hold, 6 counts out. Repeat again and again and again until you feel yourself slow. Go slow, so you can go fast.
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