I wear a lot of hats.
Daughter, sister, girlfriend, best friend, auntie to the cutest kids around, instructor, client, and more recently manager, homeowner, and landlord. As a 24 year old, life has come at me quick, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
I graduated college in May of 2015 and immediately started my career in advertising a month later. Transitioning into adulthood was fairly easy – I was living at home, working out here and there, learning the basics of my job, all while everyone my age was doing the same.
Fast forward almost 3 years, and a lot has changed.
I work out 5 – 6 days a week, and also am teaching at the best workout studio around. I transitioned into a new manager role with my latest promotion. My long-term boyfriend and I purchased a two family home, which we have since moved into and have rented out the second unit in March. This is a normal busy day that I take in full force, all while juggling the things that matter the most: my family, friends and my dog.
After a lot of trial and error, I have finally found what works for me when it comes to balance. And I wanted to provide my top five tips to all of you. Take note, maybe some things work and maybe a combination of a few could help your day to day – everyone is different! (I can’t even imagine when I add the word “mother” into my equation down the line – shout out to all the supermoms!)
1. Prepare for the week
On Sundays, I like to get myself ready for the week ahead of me. I pick out my five work outfits, steaming and/or ironing as needed. I try to prep my lunches making a ton of something that I would be willing to eat all week (lately brown rice, ground turkey and veggies is my jam) I plan out my snacks, and what dinners I will prepare. I just find setting yourself up on a Sunday leads for successful and stress-free weeks.
2. Organize your schedule
The first thing I do when I get to work is write a to-do list, I find it holds me accountable and nothing feels better than checking off all of the items on your list. From there I look at my schedule and keep a very clean calendar. This way I can set the expectation of what after work events I can attend, I outline to myself what classes I am teaching/subbing, what days dinner will need to be cooked, who I can try to hang out with or when I can relax. A crucial part in my schedule is when I can work out. I have found mornings work best for me, because then I can go home after work and get stuff done and not feel like I missed out on exercise. Planning a schedule helps set the goals and follow through.
3. What makes you feel good?
This is a question I always find myself asking. Sometimes the answer is the same, sometimes it’s different and other times it’s a bunch of answers wrapped into one. Balance is the most important thing to me, and I cannot stress its importance. Working out makes me feel good, I feel confident when I feel like I pushed myself in a workout and I can see the results. On the other side of the spectrum ordering food with my boyfriend, hanging out on the couch and binge watching Game of Thrones also makes me feel good. I enjoy a few cocktails with friends, or having a soft-served ice cream on a weekend afternoon. So I am always trying to rationalize with myself on how to not feel guilty, and fuel the thought of “this is what I like to do, why should I deprive myself?”
4. Enjoy your “me time”
Set time for yourself always. You are the most important person in your own life. So whether you consider “me time” relaxing on the couch, getting a sweat in, or finally getting to your hobby, make sure it comes to the top of the list here and there. You owe it to yourself to make you a priority.
5. Routine, routine, routine
This last tip is a combination of everything. Once you find what works for you put all of the pieces together, get in a groove and thrive. Wrenches will be thrown into your plans, but you can adapt and make every circumstance work for you.
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.
Don’t miss it, embrace it. POWER through it.
-JACKIE