I can feel the burnout approaching, although it has not yet reached its apex.
My evening and weekend calendars are just too full. I volunteer with three separate organizations, keep up with numerous social groups, and practice with my band once or twice a week.
I'm sure it started because I love being around people and staying busy, but the balance has tipped too far. I need time to get and stay healthier, which means scheduling regular exercise and opportunities to cook at home. There are household projects that have gone undone for too long. Heck, I'm even a couple of months overdue for a pedicure.
Fortunately, I have a plan.
Starting in June, I'll be finished with my terms on two non-profit boards. That'll be about a month after I start getting my CSA shares of vegetables and organic meat.
My new after-work schedule will include three evenings a week working out at one of our local community centers to supplement the yoga classes at work to which I'll be returning starting today. I'll then be cooking dinner and spending time with my husband and cats.
As important as the volunteer work may be, it's going to have to be cut back. It's also time I took a hard look at the stress-to-enjoyment ratio of the band.
My participation in social and networking events will probably continue at the current rate. They're the activities I enjoy the most, outside of hanging out with my husband and other family members.
My intention is that this will be a summer of self-improvement, laughter, long naps, reading, playing with cats, and other healthy choices that will extend for many seasons to come. Maybe I'll even get back into this "blogging" thing I've heard so much about...
We can only hope!
Posted by: Donna W | April 08, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Good for you, Jane! Regarding "healthy choices" - a product I market may be of interest to you and worth your time to investigate. It would be my pleasure to introduce you to it and to the very knowledgeable doctor friend of mine who assisted me in researching it in depth.
Posted by: Brian Hedgpeth | April 08, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Amen! Life is short better enjoy as much as you can.
Posted by: Spyder | April 08, 2009 at 10:04 AM
I hear ya, girl. Been there.
Pull back! Pull back! And then come play with us. :)
Posted by: lizriz | April 08, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Sounds like a plan! And, no I don't have any pyramid schemes to tell you about... jeesh.
Let me know when you're ready for a summer road trip...ANYWHERE!
Posted by: zen zone chick | April 09, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Everyone does, and I feel it makes the rest of the time more productive.
Posted by: answer to questions | April 13, 2009 at 11:05 AM
In our world, it is easy to forget that everyone does need a little "me" time. Seriously, I do feel much more productive, ultimately, if I give myself some time. Otherwise, I suffer.
Posted by: Legal Questions | September 06, 2009 at 10:30 PM