I mentioned I am starting a crazy week with school and work.
For the past couple of years, these weeks have looked something like this:
I throw myself into my tasks, only breaking for food and sleep. I don’t make phone calls, I don’t read much other than school-related stuff, I say hi to my friends but only chat for a few minutes…you get me. Another thing I don’t do a lot of is feeling good about myself. Yep, these times tend to wear down on my self-esteem.
This week has been better. Even though I have a lot to do, I’ve been staying mindful that work on the self is just as important. Even if it’s only for five minutes, I make sure to sit at least once a day (yes, I successfully created a sound-proof sitting area in my bedroom!). I’ve also been journaling a lot, which feels great and doesn’t take up as much time as you’d think.
In addition, I think I’m really getting a handle on my school stress (which you can read about here). My “plan” has been working, which is increasing my confidence and battling that pesky low self-esteem.
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Meal planning this week has been helpful too. I didn’t have to think about lunch yesterday because I already knew what I was having. I really have my freezer to the thank on this one though.
Chili con carne (the last bit!) and cornbread.
Do you think work on the self is just as important as work on your job/school/relationships? Are you able to put yourself first? I struggle with thinking that I am doing something “selfish” by taking time to work on me. However, recently I’ve realized that this kind of work is actually harder than some of the stuff I do for school. Perhaps it’s not only the idea that I’m being selfish that has held me back from doing, but trepidation of how hard self work can be. Well, I can now attest that it is worth the effort.
Have a spectacular Tuesday my friends!
Check out this new Andrew Bird song!
Jam of the day: Andrew Bird “Eyeoneye”
Working on yourself is extremely hard but very much needed! Love you sweet pea
Hope this week goes as well as it can!
I definitely think it’s among the most important tasks in life. I do really well with it most of the time, but sometimes my self suffers. I think now is a time I really need to do something about that.
I’m so glad you’re having success at maintaining your happiness and doing well with battling stress!
The older I get, the more I realize how much “self time” matters. If I’m constantly running/working/doing, I burn out and even forget what I’m working toward (or at least it becomes blurry). I advocate for myself much better now at 27 than I did at 23-24. I guess I thought I was invincible, then I got a little tired and realized it’s okay to rest once in a while.
I think it’s wonderful that you’re taking time for yourself. With it, you are less likely to burn out or “get tired” as I mentioned earlier.
Sorry if I sounded all “old and wise” in this comment. I guess the years have made a difference.
You know, I didn’t realize until I read your comment, but I consider “work on the self” and “time for myself” to be two related but separate tasks. I think working on myself is some of the most challenging reflection I’ve ever done and requires specific attention. Time for myself is more about relaxing my mind. Both are difficult for me, but in my life there is a distinction between them. Thanks for helping me realize that, even if it was unintentional!
You are doing an incredible job and I’m proud of you for prioritizing! Self-care really is the most important care, and it’s not for the faint of heart either! xo Erin
Love! we talked about this recently in texts so I wont say too much, but…. as perfectionists, I think it is really important for us. I do know a lot of friends and other randoms that take “mental health” days a lot when they just have a little headache…or something minor, or feeling lazy. (and they do this really OFTEN!… meaning they baby themselves too much!) I often cant figure out if I am exhausted/ really NEED a break until it is too late and my body tells me for me…by getting sick, etc…………., I also realize that I am soo hard on myself, and usually at a diff end of the spectrum from these randoms that abuse the “mental health day policy”. (Not that im not incredibly lazy sometimes too!)
Also, the video on my facebook status (the TED ONE) has some great remarks on this too! check it out, I bet you’d love it!!
OH AND YAY. Im proud of you. It feels so weird, right?!
http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html
THAT’S THE TED TALK!