After five glorious weeks off, I went back into the office on Monday.
Overall, it didn't feel like I missed much. Many things I was working on seemed to have stood in place waiting for my return. And my tidy desk was the same. As was my spectacular view. The only thing that was different? Me.
Somehow, despite a very busy week, with a number of incredibly urgent projects, I've managed to maintain my chill and de-stressed demeanor.
I love my job. But it is, after all, just a job. Having this time off allowed me to put that back into perspective, and I am crossing my fingers that I can retain my inner calm through the holidays.
So although it was back to work, I am trying to not have it be entirely business as usual.
Specifically:
- I am trying to manage my time so that I am not back to the 50-60 hour work weeks. I almost caved and logged in to do some work today, but then I didn't. I need my weekend time to re harge my batteries. If I work through the weekend that doesn't happen.
- I'm making time for the things that are important to me. That means last week I made time to go to the Giants' World Series parade with my boss and colleagues. And I also made time to go to the Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market.
- I am happiest when I make time to write. Although my NaNoWriMo novel has not taken off yet, due to heading back to work this week, I spent the bulk of this afternoon writing a meaty post for my gaming blog.
- I want to make a dent in the stack of books next to my bed. I just finished Foucault's Pendulum last night, and am working my way through A Handmade Life now. I am trying to make time each night to read. It's a good way to wind down in addition to getting the creative ideas flowing.
- I'm back to eating consciously healthy lunches. I'm trying to very my diet, and am makign sure I eat enough fruits and veggies. When I eat better, I feel better.
- Likewise, I am trying to not fall back into staying up until Midnight each night. I have to get up at 6:30, so that means 11 p.m. is my target bedtime. I have a tendency to not get enough sleep, which is a killer, especially if you are working under pressure (which I usually am) and intolerable if your workday stretches past 8 hours.
Wish me luck.
