Sanity Self-care

During my three week anti-burnout break I did a fair amount of thinking on ways to reduce and manage my stress level. I also contemplated several other areas (anger, support system and sleep)that contributed to my near burnout but I'll address those at another time.

I have been feeling like I work 24/7 because I use a laptop so the office is always with me. Obviously, part of reducing and managing my stress is living work at work. The laptop will only come home when I am traveling. There will be no work done at home with the possible exception of some reading since I find that relaxing. The hours I was working at home will transfer to the center with my new base schedule being 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday to Friday.

A contributing factor to my stress is not "pampering" myself every once in awhile. So going forward I will indulge myself once or twice a week. Indulgences will include Starbucks, the occasional massage, a walk in the park and whatever may come to mind.

Quiet time is critical for my sanity and I have not been getting any for months. I will make time to journal, do guided mediations, read and laugh daily.These few concrete actions should reduce my stress considerably and make me and everyone around me happier.