5 Quick Tips for Managing a Busy Week

November 15, 2024 by 18 Comments

My brother texted me earlier this week to announce that Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away…which of course means Christmas and the start of Hanukkah is just 6 weeks away, and then it’s New Year’s Eve, and the books will close on 2024. Now throw in all of the “end of year” wrap-up at work…can you feel the “busyness” starting to creep in?

At this time of year, it’s so very easy to become overwhelmed by the “busyness” of the season. So for today’s Fit Five Friday I’m re-sharing a few quick tips for managing a busy week.

This post was originally published in May 2022.

Five Quick Tips for Managing a Busy Week

Prioritize — When your calendar is overflowing, let go of trying to do “all the things” and just focus on those things that are non-negotiable. Also, protect your time by being willing to say no to some obligations. Remember that “No” is a complete sentence.

Delegate and ask for help — Even after setting your priorities you may find there are still too many items on your to-do list. Time to enlist some help! Don’t fall into the “superwoman” trap – ask friends, family, or co-workers to help take a few things off your plate.

Take breaks — Trying to go at full speed all day will leave you feeling depleted and will just add to the feeling of being overwhelmed. So be sure to schedule some breaks in your day. And, yes, schedule them or they won’t happen! Step away from your computer to get some fresh air to take a walk, throw on some music and have a quick dance party, or literally just stop and take some deep breaths to settle yourself.

Get enough sleep — When you’re in the middle of a particularly busy stretch it is so important to give both body and mind a chance to rest and recharge.

Eat wisely — In the same way, you need to give your mind and body the rest it needs, also make sure that you’re fueling properly. Coffee is not a complete meal! Heading into a busy week, stock up on healthy snacks so you’ve got easy, and healthy, grab-and-go options. Plan and prep meals in advance so you won’t risk defaulting to lots of take-out…or worse yet, forgetting to eat altogether (am I the only one guilty of this?).

How do you manage when things get busy?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Techer every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, crazy week, holiday sanity

Keeping Holiday Madness in Check

December 16, 2022 by 10 Comments

So how’s everyone doing?

Hanukkah begins Sunday. Christmas is 9 days away. Students are winding up semesters in a flurry of projects, exams, papers, and performances. Work is a sea of urgent requests, budget negotiations, or insert your industry’s last-minute push here. While I love the holidays, this time of year can be stressful! So for today’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing a few tips on keeping the holiday madness in check.

Keeping Holiday Madness in Check

First, and most importantly, give yourself some grace. Often the holidays can feel like an endless to-do list of shopping, cooking, hosting, and decorating. If you’re striving for the holidays to be “perfect”, let it go. Cut yourself a break and don’t feel the need to do all the things. And, always remember that it is ok to say No.

Give others grace — This time of year is hard for many for a whole host of reasons so check your expectation of others. Letting go of the “shoulds” as in s/he/they should do/be is very freeing. Focus on why you’re together and if someone is truly toxic do your best to minimize your exposure to them (see tip number 1 above!).

Move your body — Be it a run, walk, strength training, yoga, ice skating, or other activity, moving your body and protecting your fitness routine is good for your mind and body. Commit to carving out time each day to move. Some days you may have time for your regular run, but other times you won’t so have some quick backup workouts ready. And, remember every little bit counts, so take the stairs when you can or park at the far end of the parking lot when you’re out shopping.

Get enough sleep — As tempting as it may be, don’t sacrifice sleep in the name of getting more done. Stay consistent with your regular bedtime – your mind and body will thank you!

Take in the moment — As simple as it sounds, remember to stop, breathe and take in the moment. The holiday season is not a race – Enjoy the time with friends and family. And, embrace some self-care time for yourself.

How do you keep holiday season stress in check?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, holiday sanity

Weekly Run Down – Holiday Mode

December 22, 2019 by 25 Comments

After a couple of weeks of juggling crazy work days, winter concerts and other school events, and all that goes into Christmas prep, I am more than ready to shift into holiday mode. Amongst the madness, I’ve kept up on my workouts (to save my sanity!) – Here’s a quick run down:

Running

Over the past couple of weeks, my runs have been short (3 -4 miles) and uneventful. We finally found a home for the treadmill I won and it has come in handy on some of the more frigid days where black ice was a concern.

Cross-Training

If you follow me on Instagram then you know that I continue to love my Orangetheory workouts! I’ve been able to get to the studio twice a week, which feels like a good balance with 3 days of running. The classes are challenging and I love that no two classes are alike.

I’ve also managed to spend a little time on my yoga mat once a week – a rare occurrence that needs to happen more often!

I think this mix of 3 days running and 4 days of cross-training has really agreed with my cranky hip, which has been much quieter lately.

Today will be all about making cookies, wrapping gifts, and hanging with the fam, and then one more day in the office tomorrow before going into full vacation mode! Can.not.wait!

So tell me are you ready for the holidays? Taking any time off?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

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Filed Under: holiday sanity, Weekly Run Down

Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

November 28, 2016 by 5 Comments

Just in time for Cyber Monday, I’m sharing a few ideas for the runners in your life .. or for your own wish list 🙂

gifts

Sharing some gift ideas for runners #runchat #bibchat Share on X
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Source: SPIbelt.com

Let’s start with one of my must haves – SPIbelt. The SPIbelt is the first piece of running gear I ever bought at an expo and I’ve been running with one ever since (that’s 6 yrs and counting!). I love that it’s lightweight, doesn’t bounce, and holds my phone and other essentials.

Use code michelle2016 at checkout and receive a special goody bag!

zensah

If you’ve been around here for any length of time or follow me on Instagram than you know I make no secret of my love of compression sleeves – especially Zensah! These sleeves are a post-run must have, and they’ll also make a big difference on a long car ride or flight 🙂 In fact I’m such a fan of all things Zensah, I recently became a Zensah Ambassador!

Check out Zensah’s site for some great sales going on right now!

roadid_catalog_elitescreenshot-www-roadid-com-2016-11-27-17-30-33Another must have in my book for any runner (or cyclist) is a Road ID. I’m still amazed at how many runners I come across who don’t carry some ID when they run. I recently just chastised my brother for this! A Road ID speaks for you if heaven forbid there’s an accident and you can’t. Use code TAFW2DYPQ83 for $5 off the RoadID Elite.
believejournal_b897a982-0a50-4537-b102-15b07126cd02_1024x1024I think keep a training journal is a great way to help keep you accountable and motivated. And, while I like tracking stats online, nothing for me beats the written word. The Believe Journal (affiliate link alert!) offers a great mix of training log, running advice and inspirational quotes.

screenshot-www-knucklelights-com-2016-11-27-18-03-23Now this last item is high on my own wish list – Knuckle Lights! Being able to see and be seen is critical, especially if you’ve got to log your runs before the sun’s up or long after sunset. I’ve never been a fan of wearing a headlamp, so the on-hand design is perfect. I also love that these lights are rechargeable – cause who’s got time to hunt for batteries! Use code YKAF5544 to save 10%.

Of course, I couldn’t put together a runner gift guide and not suggest the gift of a race registration. Since the race gift card doesn’t exist yet (though I don’t know why…hello race directors!!), I can suggest using my Rock’n’Blog code for $15 off a half marathon or marathon registration. I’m psyched to announce that the code is now good for early 2017 Rock ‘n’ Roll races, including Arizona, NOLA, Dallas, Mexico City, DC and Nashville!

RnBCode Black

Have you started your holiday shopping?

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Filed Under: #CyberMonday, #RocknBlog, Gifts for runners, holiday sanity, SPIbelt, Zensah

Don’t let stress be a thief

December 16, 2015 by 16 Comments

You hear it over and over again….”this is a stressful time of year!”  I’ve uttered the phrase myself on more than one occasion. And, yes there is a lot to do this time of year between year-end to do’s at work, all that goes into preparing for the holidays, trying to attend this or that party or gathering — just add in end of term school projects, concerts and the like and you definitely have the makings of a stressful time.

I’m here to say to you and myself – stop and take a deep breath! Do not let stress be a thief and steal the joy out of this time of year.

stress free

During this holiday season I am going to remember to relax and breathe, knowing that there are things that will not get checked off that massive to do list….and that’s ok. I’m letting go of perfection and choosing instead to focus on family, friends and having some fun! That’s the best gift I can give myself.

How do manage this time of year – do you embrace the madness or want to run away?

rp_WednesdayWordScrabbleButton.jpgI’m joining Deb and others for today’s Wednesday Word – be sure to check out what they have to say about “Stressful.”

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Filed Under: #WednesdayWord, holiday sanity

Mindful Monday

December 1, 2014 by 10 Comments

being-in-the-moment-buddha-quote

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I really enjoyed having 5 days off – it was a chance to unplug and re-connect, and I took full advantage of it.

It also gave me time to think a lot about how I want to spend this holiday season. It is too easy to get caught up in the “doing” that comes with holidays – the frenetic pace of shopping, decorating, cooking; of fitness challenges and events to attend all gets to be way too much. You can get so caught up in the doing that you forget to be….to just be in each moment.

I’m choosing to not spend this last month of the year ruled by my to do list; so frenzied by all that can be packed into these 31 days that I miss the opportunity to really enjoy it. My goal is to “live in the present wisely and earnestly” and hopefully both my mind and body will thank me.

How do you deal with all the hubbub of the holidays?

 

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Filed Under: holiday sanity

#OneSmallChange Week 9

December 4, 2013 by 6 Comments

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Believe it or not we’re going into week 9 of the One Small Change Challenge!

Thanks to the challenge thrown down by Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice, I’ve been trying to make small changes that will hopefully turn into some good habits. So far my changes have included:

Week 1 – Daily plank routine

Week 2 – Keep my often-cluttered coffee table clutter-free

Week 3 – Increase my daily water intake

Week 4 – Repeated Wk 3

Week 5 – Daily rolling of my very tight quads and hamstrings

Week 6 – Take time each morning to set my plan/intentions for the day

Week 7 – Plan my strength-training workouts

When I got to week 8 last week I decided it was time to re-group. While some of my small changes were clicking along, others were not — my coffee table was drowning in an explosion of holiday catalogs and the daily rolling had dwindled to nothing. So instead of trying to pile on another change, I used week 8 to get back on track.

Moving on to Week 9, I’m once again sticking with my planning theme and focusing on meal planning. Last minute decisions on what to eat can sometimes lead to less than healthy choices. With the hectic schedule of the next couple of weeks heading into Christmas it’s going to be especially important to have meals planned out.

Do you plan your meals?

What changes have you made lately?

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Filed Under: holiday sanity, meal planning, Small changes

#OneSmallChange – Week 6 update

November 14, 2013 by 10 Comments

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Hard to believe it’s week 6 of the One Small Change Challenge! For those of you who don’t know, Marcia over Marcia’s Healthy Slice put out the call to finish the year by building some good habits. The key is to make one small change a week – adding a new change every week.

So how’s it going so far?

Week 1 – Daily plank routine

Week 2 – Keep my often-cluttered coffee table clutter-free

Week 3 – Increase my daily water intake

Week 4 – since things didn’t go so well I repeated Wk 3

Week 5 – Daily rolling of my very tight quads and hamstrings

While I’m still not getting the rolling in on a daily basis, I’m doing it more frequently than I use to so I’ll take that; otherwise I’m feeling like the other changes are becoming much more routine.

plannerMoving on to week 6, my goal is re-gain control of my day! I feel like I’ve been functioning in “reaction mode” lately, and then when I get to the end of my day I’m left wondering why I still have so much left on my to do list. So this week I’m returning to being a more faithful user of my planner. In the mornings, I get my mug of coffee and take a few minutes to my preview everyone’s schedules, identify the “must do’s” vs. “like to do’s” and set my plan/intentions for the day. I use to be pretty diligent about this in the past, and I’m hoping getting back to this routine will help settle things a bit – especially with all the added holiday madness that’s starting to creep in!

What small changes are you making?

 

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Filed Under: holiday sanity, seeking balance, Small changes, to do list

Stay Ahead of Holiday Madness and a Giveaway

October 14, 2013 by 5 Comments

As I sit here recovering from Sunday’s race (recap coming soon), I’ve been sorting through the mail that seemed to grow over night that I let pile up this week and I cannot believe how many catalogs I have! Each one urging me to take advantage of their great sale, to not wait before that perfect holiday gift sells out! Seriously – it’s only mid October. Combine the catalog deluge with the four different notices my boys recently brought home announcing various school holiday activities/events and I can feel the first tinges of holiday madness starting to seep in.

And, before you think I’m jumping the gun on holiday panic – there are just  44 days until Hanukkah, 45 days until Thanksgiving and 72 days until Christmas. And, as my fellow moms know, keeping track of all of the school activities, family events and finding the perfect gift for each and everyone on our list can add quite a bit to an already packed to do list!

So how do you find/maintain some balance going into the holidays? Today I’m collaborating with a few other bloggers, sharing tips for maintaining health and fitness priorities when things get crazy. For me I find a couple of things are a must:

  • Keep moving — Commit to carving out time each day to move. Some days you may have time for your regular run, but other times you won’t so have some quick back-ups ready – like planks or a few sun salutes. And, remember every little bit counts so take the stairs when you can or park at the far end of the parking lot when you’re out shopping.
  • Take a moment to breathe — This time of year is when I pay special attention to not fall off the meditation bandwagon. If you don’t have a meditation practice, just taking a few times throughout the day to stop and breathe can help slow a mind overwhelmed by to do’s.
  • Get enough sleep — As hard as it may be, don’t sacrifice sleep in the name of getting more done. Try to maintain your normal bedtime – your mind and body will thank you.
  • Remember to eat — In your daily running around trying to cram in all that needs to get done, it is very easy to skip a meal for the sake of time. Don’t do it! Feed your body and feed it well. You’ll be less tempted to down that extra cookie and you’ll have the energy you need to get all of those “to do’s” done.
  • Treat yourself — One of my favorite things to do around the holidays is plan a get together with a friend or two where we grab coffee together and then go for a mani/pedi! It’s a great way to grab a little girl-time. Check out  Coupons.com for Spa Finder coupon codes good for big discounts on spa services and day spas.

How do you keep holiday madness in check?

Win it: One lucky reader will win a $100 eGift Card to Spa Finder.Com (This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thanks to Coupon.com for sponsoring this giveaway!

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Filed Under: giveaways, holiday sanity

Decaffeinated Monday

December 10, 2012 by 7 Comments

I was racing to get out the door this morning to get to BOKS on time so there was little time for coffee…and I went from there to a chiro appointment. So it’s late in the morning and I’ve still not had coffee yet…(never a good thing)…so a bit of randomness coming at you:

  • Wrapped up week 3 of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge with a woeful 30.75 points. Having kids home and a little knee pain at the beginning of the week really threw me off my game. Definitely looking to up the numbers this week!
  • And because I love a good challenge, I just signed on to the Chilly Challenge for the month of January. This fun challenge is sponsored by Amy from Running Escapades and Janine from The Purple Giraffe It’s a friendly team competition to see who can log the most miles in January – just pick a team and start logging those miles. (And of course, there are some fun prizes involved.) Great idea to get the new year off to a good start!
  • I’m starting to do a little race shopping for 2013. I already have the Old-Fashioned 10 miler for February but want to find a spring half marathon. While I was super excited when the Nike Women’s Half Marathon announced they were coming to DC this spring, the $160 price tag quickly killed that enthusiasm. Seriously?!
  • 14 more shopping days till Christmas and I am desperately holding on to my zen! This will be a week of power shopping and online ordering!

OK, now for the safety of those around me, I’m off to find some coffee!

So tell me – what’s the most you’re will to pay for a race? 
Are you done with your shopping yet?
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Filed Under: Chilly Challenge, Holiday Bootie Buster, holiday sanity, race shopping