Average Jane Needs Some “Me” Time

I can feel the burnout approaching, although it has not yet reached its apex.

My evening and weekend calendars are just too full. I volunteer with three separate organizations, keep up with numerous social groups, and practice with my band once or twice a week.

I'm sure it started because I love being around people and staying busy, but the balance has tipped too far. I need time to get and stay healthier, which means scheduling regular exercise and opportunities to cook at home. There are household projects that have gone undone for too long. Heck, I'm even a couple of months overdue for a pedicure.

Fortunately, I have a plan.

Starting in June, I'll be finished with my terms on two non-profit boards. That'll be about a month after I start getting my CSA shares of vegetables and organic meat.

My new after-work schedule will include three evenings a week working out at one of our local community centers to supplement the yoga classes at work to which I'll be returning starting today. I'll then be cooking dinner and spending time with my husband and cats.

As important as the volunteer work may be, it's going to have to be cut back. It's also time I took a hard look at the stress-to-enjoyment ratio of the band.

My participation in social and networking events will probably continue at the current rate. They're the activities I enjoy the most, outside of hanging out with my husband and other family members.

My intention is that this will be a summer of self-improvement, laughter, long naps, reading, playing with cats, and other healthy choices that will extend for many seasons to come. Maybe I'll even get back into this "blogging" thing I've heard so much about…