Spinning Plates

This is what my life has felt like the last few weeks...like the person I watched on TV trying to keep the plates spinning and not crashing to the ground. The first week of the semester is ALWAYS like this. I teach three sections of Orientation, a combined graduate and undergraduate reading course, and three sections of School Observation. So it's a mad dash to get everything set up, Blackboard set up, syllabi updated and printed, and a new schedule figured out. And that's just the beginning when it comes to work.

Keeping health as a priority and preparing for the week feels very similar sometimes too. Prepare all the foods, figure out all your supplements and when you can take them; plan your workout schedule for the week, meet with coach and make all your workouts. It doesn't happen by accident- you have to make time for it. After a time, you may even really look forward to it! I know I do, and I am actually looking forward to getting to the gym tomorrow after being snowed and iced in for two days. Drives me stir crazy!!

"I just don't have the time" I see this a lot, hear it a lot, but in essence, it's just not true. The correct response would be that it isn't a priority for you. No judgement here- it just may be where you are. We all have the same hours in a day. We all have work and family obligations. My coach said if I have to, then just get up earlier. That was his response when I said I didn't think I could get there every afternoon. I teach two evenings a week!! I have three kids! I was writing a paper! I have X,Y, and Z to get done. The truth of the matter is, I had to make time. So when I worked out my class schedule, I began to figure out what times each day I would work out. I usually give myself one day off during the week and then again on Sundays. Otherwise, this semester, you will find me at the gym after work.

So, life is always going to be full of spinning plates. Somethings you can prepare for, others you cannot. Set a routine- I know people who work out every morning at 4:30 am and 5:30 am; I also see the same gym friends when I go in the afternoon. You can do this! What do you do to help keep yourself on track? What times do you find work best for working out? Share your suggestions- we'd love to know!

Just be awesome!
~ Vanessa