Tweaking the summer structure
In my last post, I described my scheme for getting stuff done over the summer by blocking out times to work on particular projects and other work. Overall, the scheme worked well - I was quite productive - but it needed a few tweaks. Going forward into this week, I've made some of the following changes:
1. Shortening 2.5 hour morning workout time to 2 hours. I found that I had way too much time left over in the mornings, so I'm shortening my allotted exercise time by half an hour. I should still be able to get in plenty of walks and runs in the shortened time.
2. Using smaller blocks of time. Last week, I had a number of 3-4 hour blocks for particular projects. While it was nice to have the time to focus on things, I found myself losing interest before the block was up and forcing myself to plow through the work. This week, instead of having 3 and four hour blocks, I'm using more 1.5 - 2 hour blocks.
3. Working in slack time. While last week's schedule was productive, I was also excessively stressed. While the fundamental cause was beginning of summer jitters, I also think a lack of slack "decompression" time also contributed to the problem. I can usually use my time on the train for this purpose, but now that I'm home most of the time, I need to work that time in. I've assigned myself some domestic chores and other to do's throughout the week that will allow me to take some mental time off, while still getting something done. (For example, on Thursday, I'll be cleaning out my closet for items that I can sell on eBay or Craigslist.)
4. Add designated buffer time. Late in the week, I like to devote Thursday afternoons to "Visit the Beach". I don't plan on spending an entire afternoon on the shores, but it is useful to have "disposable" time that I can use to reschedule other blocks of time when emergencies pop up. For example, if I needed to devote Wednesday morning to fighting fires, I could relocate all of the things scheduled for that time to the "beach" slot without screwing up my whole schedule. Last week, I used "beach" time for a last-minute meeting with my advisor in Evanston. (And should "beach" time roll around without having been used for something else, I will indeed head out to the beach [weather permitting] with a book in hand.)
Given that it's getting late here, I'm going to wrap this up with that last point. I think that the tweaked schedule should be as productive as last week while eliminating more stress. I'll post updates as needed.
