| I know I'm coming late here, I really hope I'm not too late for you to read this. I have two children - a four month old and a 5 year old. I tried working around the time they were up and I always felt guilty. I also work full time, loose an hour a day commuting (or there abouts), etc. The point I'm making is that I'm lucky to find a few hours free each day as it is. Here's what I'm doing now and it's working well. Mentally, I'm in a good space, not feeling burnt out, feel like I'm seeing the kids enough, etc. * I get up early. I have found going to bed early gives much better sleep. I am naturally an evening person so this was hard but getting up early (around 6am) I've found makes the days feel longer. This negates an anxious behaviour of mine feeling "there isn't enough time to do anything". Sometimes when I get up early I'll do an hour or so of work, othertimes I'll head in to my day job early so I can get out early. * Learn about the pomodoro technique; it's invaluable and you can get a lot done. Break your work into Pomodoro slots (I use 25 minutes) and plan before you start. This way when you have a spare block or so you can just do that. * Try to find 2-3 hours a day uninterrupted to work. * Never forget you need time to yourself to unwind and relax. Make this a priority. * Don't neglect your family. You will be far happier and productive when they're happy, at least that's what I've found. * Never, ever work on weekends. You need time to yourself and do things you want to do. * Get a good nights sleep * Eat healthy. Make sure you get your 5 / 2 a day. * Exercise during lunch. I go for a walk every day and love it. Good luck! You'll get there with perseverance. |