Yay! I didn't miss the entry point for Top Left Quadrant this time! Fall is seriously crazy, and I can't quite think about it all at once or something in me starts running for the hills, but the structure will, I hope, keep me from going nuts or at least the minimize the time I spend going nuts and maximize the time I spend remembering to keep myself healthy, since health and stress-reduction are really important right now. (I have until December to try to get healthier to try to avoid taking a medication that I really don't want to because of its side effects.)
So here's my post over there:
The upcoming quarter has a ridiculous number of preps and overfull classes, a number of big service commitments, some research work I really want to get done in a very slow and plodding way, and some health issues that I really must take seriously so exercise and stress reduction are crucial. Before all that starts, I have a small chapter to write and at least one major home project: making the home office/library more livable by buying bookshelves and unpacking boxes. Meanwhile I also want to keep up with our family projects -- somehow! Really just thinking about all I have to get done by the end of the calendar year makes me want to crawl back into bed. So I have to just keep my head down and keep working, but without stressing myself out because of the health concerns!
So this week's goals:
-work out at least twice this week
-get draft together of short chapter (which probably breaks down into working on it several times this week)
-prep and write several big emails to get those projects done
-keep head from exploding by engaging in frequent stress-relieving breaks by. . .???
-engage in research and reflection on what kinds of stress-relieving breaks would work (saying I'll meditate is fine, but maybe there are better things I like more -- I'm seriously open to ideas!!!!)
-compile Big Project drafts so I can take stock of what I got done in the last quarter
-prep somewhat
What are you favorite ways to relieve stress? Any ideas for me?
2 comments:
Knitting is mine! Don't you crochet? Or am I thinking of someone else? Making something that involves your hands in a kind of slow and rhythmic way is--for me--quite relaxing, provided it's something that I feel pretty confident doing and that isn't going to just be a total mess.
Or walks? Getting outside for short breaks?
Stretching for a few minutes? Not athletic stretching, but just really enjoyable, getting-into-your-body-in-a-way-that-feels-good stretching.
Reading a poem that you love? Slowly, so you can really let it sink in.
Looking at some favorite art?
Coloring books? (I have a Celtic Designs coloring book that I play around with about twice a year, but it's intensely soothing.)
Something playful and fun with your child? My son loves puzzles, and I'm trying to really enjoy working them with him. I think that I'm succeeding.
1-minute dance parties?
Wow, making this list was really helpful for *me*, whether or not it was for you!
heu mihi, this is a great list! What fun! I do crochet, but you hit the nail on the head that it has to be something I'm confident doing. I started a cool slouch hat one ambitious evening and next day and I haven't wanted to get back to it because it's so intense. (I've never crocheted on the round before.)
I should tack this list up at work and home!
Thanks!
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