I’d also love more time forreadingand relaxing with my husband.
“She needs a defined schedule so she can block out time for herself.”
Our gurus came up with these exercises to get Zied back on track.
We’re all overwhelmed."
(It helps to charge your phone in another room to avoid the urge to grab it.)
For Zied, that’s two found hours of downtime a day with her kids and husband.
And instead of checking news feeds while I wait for appointments, I bring steno notebooks and brainstorm.
I used to tweet while I brushed my teeth.
Not anymore, and I’ve cut my bathroom routine by at least 15 minutes.
Make your must-do’s more fun
Come up with ways to infuse levity into your day.
(Create anenergizing playlistfor cleaning?
Fold laundry while watching your favorite sitcom?)
But the slight chaos is really family fun, and it doesn’t bother me because everyone is enthusiastic.
I even let my cell go to voice mail during this time to prevent interruptions.
I’m learning!"
There aren’t enough hours in the day!
Yet it still feels as if I can’t accomplish everything I want to get done.
My diligence has paid off: I was promoted earlier this year.
But ironically, I’m working harder than ever to prove myself in the position.
She has to cut herself some slack so she can nurture herself, too."
She can pick that person’s brain about tricks to work efficiently and get out of the office.
“True leaders don’t kill themselves for 12 hours a day,” Miller says.
“That causes burnout.”
“Not everything deserves 110 percent.
If you usually check something three times, do it only twice.
This change will help Amari shorten her workday without hurting her performance.”
This reassured me that everything didn’t have to be flawless, and it upped my confidence.
I’ve shaved 30 to 60 minutes off each project and have fewer late nights.
It’s a relief."
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, getting buddies involved in the search for Mr.
Right can make the process feel less onerous.
Plus, Hammonds’s pals can introduce her to their friends to broaden her pool of single guys.
Her BFF can even be her wingwoman when she’s out socializing in mixed company.
I went with a girlfriend to her alumni event, where I chatted up some guys.
It didn’t lead to a date, but it was a start.
Filling my calendar with after-work plans also helps me pull myself away from my desk.
It feels great to have found a way to balance my career with my personal life."
“I wish I had more opportunities to be creativeI love to paintor just relax and be calm.
I’m always running.
I even bring my laptop to bed!
Research shows that working on two tasks at once decreases productivity.
And the more difficult the jobs, the more inefficient you’ll be.
Don’t include can’t-avoid tasks such as “clean litter box” or “dinner with in-laws.”
A few items on Rothstein-Kramer’s list: (1) Write newspaper columns: 112 hours.
“Makes me feel creative and accomplished.”
(2) Play with dog: 212 hours.
“Nourishes my soul.”
(3) Charity board work: 7 hours.
“Hard work, lots of extra commitment.”
Scan your list to see which tasks excite you; nix those that don’t.
After you’ve downsized, you’re able to devote more energy to what feels meaningful.
It felt great to realize that life wouldn’t grind to a halt because I said no.
Rothstein-Kramer can stash colored pencils in her bag, then keep her eyes open for inspiration.
Draft a poem while you’re in line.
How it worked"When I stopped juggling four things at once, I started enjoying each activity more.
It gave me an amazing burst of joy.
It’s blissful!”
We use sitters in a pinch but otherwise juggle it ourselves.
Then it’s the dinner and homework routine, and by 9 P.M., we’re all in bed.
Before I had kids, I used to work out every day.
I’m so drained, I don’t even have energy for adult conversation.
I’m totally run down."
Make socializing mellow, not Martha
Connecting with others doesn’t have to entail hours of exacting preparation.
The time she saves can go toward workouts or relaxing with her husband.
Afterward, I truly feel like I’m myself, not only an exec or a mom.
Now I let them watch while I enjoy a much-needed energizing run on the treadmill.
I can feel the endorphins flowingit’s great!"
22 Habits of Happy Women
Celeb Me-Time Tips
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Subject
