Figure out a fall routine that works for me

but I also feel like it’s not the right goal to focus on the problem that I’m having. My routine is in place and should be working, more or less. It’s the other things I’m taking on in addition to my routine that are keeping me from adding in the health-related things, and I’m already working on those in another goal. I am going to mark this done but still keep thinking about how to do more of the things I want to do… and how to find the courage to stand up for those choices. Ayayay.

I was feeling pretty good about the routine, although I knew I still needed to fit in my exercise and yoga/ meditation. This week, in contrast, I am feeling absolutely besieged! I don’t know if it’s all the extra subbing I’ve taken on, the fact that there is grading on my plate that was not yet happening last week, or just my organizational skills being a little rusty. I’m starting to work out how to organize my papers and tasks, but still dropping some balls and creating unnecessary stress for myself.

Also, still haven’t really worked exercise into my schedule, mostly because I’m coming home and feeling pretty shattered and/or with lots of work to do. I know that exercise and meditation are actually helpful for building energy… I know that I will get this routine worked out a little better in the coming weeks.

I was wondering if I was done with this goal, but I’m pretty sure I’m not, yet.

of the semester, as I haven’t given too many grades yet so the students still like me (LOL) and there isn’t too much work yet either. But so far this is easier than expected. It is working much better for me to be on campus in the mornings and teach late morning/ midday compared to night classes last semester. My Tuesday and Thursday are really light and I’m done and home before noon. Monday and Wednesday, I’m tired when I get home and it’s the slump time of the day for me, so I’ll have to think about how to manage my energy… perhaps resting then and working in the evening, but I get up early Tuesday and Thursday so I’ll have to be careful about resting for too long.

It’s really nice having Friday off because C is at work and I have the day to myself, which I’ve become accustomed to and which is important for me to work efficiently. Then, we will have one day off together, Saturday, which will probably turn into my day of indulgence. :)

The most pressing issue for me in terms of this goal is fitting meditation and exercise into my routine.

Having had a reduced schedule for a while (but a lot to think about and do during that time) and also having been on vacation for a while, it’s a shock to come back. I am already exhausted at 2 PM. I was not thrilled with my time management in and out of class today. I’ve lost the habit of keeping track of the time. Also was a distracted driver this morning and narrowly missed accidents twice. :(

I’m going to take a little while to rest, and then figure out what needs to be done to get ready for tomorrow. It will be my first day teaching yoga at 7 and then driving to the college for a 10:00 class. I’m nervous about finding parking at the college and also feeling underprepared for my first class in a new course…

• I absolutely need to fight to protect both Friday and Saturday as days off as much as possible.
• Sunday is a very physical day (I teach three yoga classes). It would be better if I didn’t also have to worry about my ESL class grading/ prep on that day (although I don’t know how realistic that is).
• I have gotten quite hooked on coffee over the holidays, and will probably feel better once I wean myself off again.
• I will need to schedule exercise and meditation and be dedicated to keeping those appointments with myself.

Also, I need to figure out the best balance between work and breaks Monday through Thursday. I hope to get on the schedule of getting up early each day. Monday and Wednesday I can go to campus early and get lots of work done while I’m still fresh in the morning before class. Hopefully that will allow me to rest and renew in the afternoons, and then do more work in the evenings. Tuesday and Thursday I teach yoga early and then will have to go to campus for class… I’m not sure yet how this is going to work for me.

Finally, I need to make sure I get enough to eat, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays. My class is 11- 1:20 on Monday and 11- 2:20 on Wednesday, and I will probably need to bring food with me to campus.

once I return from my honeymoon and, shortly thereafter, start the fall semester teaching schedule. This will be quite different from what I was doing in the spring, so I’ll have to find a whole new rhythm and a way to make my life as happy, healthy, and rich as possible.