I feel like I’ve landed on a whole other planet. Everything here in Charleston is different—the weather, the people, the food, the traffic, the grocery stores! Even though I put my dishes away a month ago, I still find myself scrambling to find things. But most of all, my schedule is different. I’m working from home now, so I’m struggling to find a separation between my work life and my home life. The last few days, I’ve woken up up, started work, and didn’t really stop checking my emails until I went to bed. But I’ve made time for my normal activities like yoga, lunch breaks, and taking Penny for long walks, right? Nope.
Everything is different, so the cues that used to remind me to take care of myself just aren’t there any more. And it’s SO hot and buggy outside during the time I used to walk two miles every day I just can’t bring myself to do it!
I have to build a structure—a routine that will help me get back on track. My first attempt will be a trip to a yoga studio tonight. The mindfulness I cultivate there will (I hope) help me to create more balance. Less worry, less work, less stress, less anxiety, and more calm. I really need more calm right now. I also need to build boundaries, and set aside a time and a place in my home for work so the rest of my apartment will be for living. One little change at a time, and I’m sure I’ll be back to myself before I know it.
What do you do to get back on track when you’ve fallen out of your routine?
I take a 'me' day. A whole day to reorganize and re-energize.
I listen to Tara Brach. Her most recent talk "The Power of Mind" is excellent. I can't say I'm good at this, but I also try to be gentle with myself. You just went through a lot of change and it's absolutely normal to go through an adjustment period. Enjoy class tonight!
I find that when things are in massive upheaval… such as moving across the country – what got me started over was focusing on the mundane things… like making cleaning house into a meditative situation. Then I gradually just kinda pieced everything else together around it. Take it a step at a time and you'll have a smooth flow in no time.
Even Superman had his Fortess of Solitude (an idea he stole from me the scumbag). Get your office setup and keep that space seperate from your home space. So at lunch time leave that space and go into the other -it will help get order back.
BTW this working 12 hr a day stuff … do you really thing Rodell & DG are buying this cr–!
(they might not be reading this) 🙂
I don't have any good advice because I am a person who craves routine, and it comes naturally to me. BUT I wanted to say that I'm thinking of you and if you give it enough time you'll find a nice rhythm. : )
Seems everyone else has already given you great advice (including the Tara Brach link!) 🙂 so I'll just sympathize and say that as much as I have found this past year of various travel opportunities to be quite a gift, it also taught me that I CRAVE a routine + balance.
I do as much yoga as I can (i.e. even if I can't do a whole hour or more when traveling I do a pose here and there…) and take a deep breath… and listen to music… and look at me giving you advice even though I said I wouldn't! 🙂
Some wise words my yoga teacher once spoke and stuck with me: "Give yourself some space"…the routine will develop organically over time 🙂
Thanks for all the support, everyone! I promise no more whiny blogs! Only fun from now on!