So there really is no two ways about it. I’ve been a bad, bad blogger and I know it.
In the past I’ve cited my (new-ish and technically first real job) as an excuse. The long hours and challenging workload keep me busy, it’s sometimes hard to fit in some of the things I really love – like the occasional evening yoga class, or an afternoon of weekend cooking, and of course, blogging and even blog-reading (which I’ve missed terribly).
But the truth is – that’s no excuse. I’m quickly finding out that “adult life” (I can already picture reading back on this in 2-3 years time and laughing/cringing) is all about striking a balance. You make time for the things and the people that are important to you, no matter what.
As much as I value and prioritise my job I’ve come to realise that there are certain things I have to make time for – for my own sanity, health and well-being.
Spending time with family and friends is at the top of that list, (after all I moved home after four years for a reason).
My beautiful mother and I on her birthday
Followed closely by maintaining a regular workout/running schedule.
I’ve been called crazy for getting up at the crack of dawn to run to the gym for a workout but the truth is exercise keeps me sane and that is no exaggeration. Waking up early is a small price to pay if it means I get to clear my mind, shake my legs out and work up a decent sweat before taking on the day.
Also, my life in Bahrain is unfortunately much more sedentary than I’m used to. I spend 8+ hours at my desk most days and hardly walk anywhere – so now more than ever exercise has become a priority for me. I don’t see it as a chore or something that needs to be “done” – it’s just a natural part of my day and I truly relish and enjoy it.
Another thing I try to find time for is doing at least some meal planning/prep – even if it means a measly batch of hummus on a Saturday night.
Some weekends I get more time than others and can actually put together a decent spread which my mom and I live off of during the week.
Twin lunches of lentil salad with tahini dressing
And of course getting a little time each week to rest and is key for me. Aside from the fact that my body is usually drained from a week of hard workouts – I also need some time to mentally re-charge. Call it “me-time” if you will. It can be anything from sleeping in on a weekend (a rarity) to catching up on my favourite TV shows, curling up with a good read or even devoting time to the blog and writing a cathartic post like this one.
Or getting in some pampering with a mani-pedi
I’ve noticed that when any of these things falls by the wayside – my whole life is out of balance.
If I don’t get a chance to de-stress, unwind and rejuvenate, I’m a mess. I go to work cranky and restless, I’m unfocused and unorganised and nowhere near as productive as my usual self. I silently resent myself and others, my temper could flare up at the drop of a hat and all of a sudden I’m harbouring all this negative energy and it just feels…well frankly, like crap!
I guess what I’m trying to say is it’s important to make time for yourself. I can’t stress the importance of this enough. It may sound like a no-brainer but the truth is it’s really easy to get caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle without taking a second to yourself. So please, don’t forget to step back every once in a while, and don’t feel guilty about putting yourself first.
And on that note – I’ll end this by saying that I have resolved to blog more. Not just for myself, but for anyone who reads. This blog is important to me, and so are my readers (even if there are only two of you left!) so I will find a way to make time for it just like I do everything else I love.
Have a great week everyone.
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