Superwoman: Achieving Work-Life Balance

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AAWiSTEM, balance, careers, Dr. Amy Freeman, lifestyle, science careers, STEM careers, Women History Month, work-life balance

First I want to say I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Easter and Happy Women’s History Month! I can’t believe this is my first blog post of 2016 because I took a blogging hiatus. It feels good to get back into the swing of blogging. Last year was a busy year for me. I had work, blogging, projects, coursework, a personal life and many things going on. I had to take a step back and realize I need to reevaluate some things in my life to achieve a better work-life balance.

Even though I’m a young and healthy woman I have to remember I cannot do it all. I’m all for being a superwoman, but this superwoman needs a break. I’ve been reading a few blog posts here and there; talking to other women about this issue and realized that a superwoman needs to know her limits. In addition, a superwoman has to start saying “no”. When you say “no” that does not mean that you are being “rude”. A superwoman asserts herself and is confident. If you want to learn more about how you can be the best superwoman you can be in the workplace check out the book, Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel.

Besides this Lois P. Frankel’s book I recommend reading Dr. Amy Freeman’s book about work-life balance, Stress Less: 10 Balancing Insights on Work and Life. I did a Mademoiselle Spotlight on her last year and talked about how she is an inspiration to me as an African-American Woman in Science. She is a wonderful mentor and in her book I learned so many things about how I can achieve work-life balance.

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Spring Cleaning: 5 Quick Tips to Declutter Your Inbox

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lifestyle, work-life balance

Spring is around the corner! You know what that means — spring cleaning. I know most of you can relate to getting tons of emails every day. At times it can be overwhelming. If you are looking for more spring inspiration check out my blog post, Ways to Refresh Yourself for the New Season of Spring.

Let’s get started!

5 Quick Tips to Declutter Your Inbox:

The Power Nap

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balance, lifestyle, power nap, work-life balance

It’s that time of year when it gets dark earlier. I like fall, but I can’t stand that it gets darker earlier. I find myself getting sleepy in the early evening. Not good. I know I’m not alone. We’ve all been there.

Let’s talk about how we can overcome this sluggish-lack-of-energy feeling by re-energizing with a Power Nap. I like to take my Power Nap after my Power Hour depending on my schedule that day. Power Naps are amazing because it’s just enough time to relax without falling into a deep sleep.

Let’s get started!

Recharging After Your Vacation

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back to school, back to work, lifestyle, recharge after vacation, work-life balance

I’m back after a much needed break!

A month ago I wrote a post about How to make the most of your summer vacation. Since I took a small break from blogging this is the perfect time for me to share some of my tips for recharging after vacation.

Recharging after your vacation is just as important as taking your vacation. July is the perfect time to take a break because many people take vacations around this time. After my official break I used a few more days to recharge myself.

Now, that I’m recharged I’m ready to resume blogging again.

Here are My Tips to Recharge After Vacation:

1. Read an Inspirational Book(s):

One of my favorite hobbies is reading. During my break I relaxed and spent quality with my family. Towards the end of my break I picked up some inspirational books. Inspirational books will give you the push you need to get back to work or school after your vacation. If you want to see what I’m reading check out my summer reading list.

2. Take a Nice Walk, Run or Jog:

Along with reading I enjoy walking. Whenever I feel stressed or need some fresh air I take a walk. After your vacation take a moment to walk to help you unwind before resuming your regular schedule.

3. Listen to Some Good Music:

I enjoy listening to music and this summer I have been listening to all types of music. Before you go to sleep listen to music that makes you feel happy and relaxed. When you wake up you will feel happier and ready to start your day.

How to Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation

Tags

balance, lifestyle, PhD comics, recharge after vacation, work-life balance

Now that July is here you know what that means: Vacations! Many people take vacations in July because it is right in the middle of the summer and it is a great time to relax with family and friends. Even if your vacation is short take time to unwind and have fun. Here are my tips to make the most of your summer vacation:

How to Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation:

1. Prepare and Create Lists:
This tip may seem like common sense, but I will address it anyway. Sometimes we get so excited about our vacation that we forget to prepare. We might forget to send reminders to our labmates, boss, coworkers or other people that we need to notify. Check out Ph.D. comics (When to tell your advisor you’re going on vacation). A good way to remember what you need to do is to create lists. That way you will be able to enjoy all of your vacation and have things in order when you get back.

2. Switch Your Mind to Vacation Mode:
Leave all of your worries, frustrations, and stresses out of your mind for the time that you are on vacation. Check out this Ph.D. Comics post (Vacation vs Stressed). Have you ever been on a vacation with someone and all they talked about was how they are so stressed and dreading going back to work? Don’t let this person be you. Use your vacation as a time to temporarily forget life’s stresses. This is how to take a true vacation inside and out.

3. Leave Your Work at Home:
This is important, especially for my workaholics out there. The purpose of a vacation is to have time to relax, have fun and explore your vacation’s surroundings. If you are working you cannot enjoy your vacation to the maximum potential. Use your vacation time to completely escape from your work for a while. It will not hurt you. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for it. When you come back from your vacation you will be ready to get back to work!

Ways to Refresh Yourself for the New Season of Spring

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lifestyle, reflection, transition, work-life balance

The good thing about spring is that it is a time that we can refresh ourselves. I’m not sure about you, but I feel happier that winter is over!

Here are some of the ways that I am refreshing myself for spring: 

The Power Hour

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academic, career, Free Online Learning, planning, productivity, the power hour, work-life balance

The life of a scientist is pretty busy. Between labs, meetings, conferences and association involvement you can feel like you are not doing enough. I know you are doing enough. Don’t be too hard on yourself and take a break. Your work is important and life is important; you just have to find a good work-life balance.

Photo/Comic Credit: PhD Comics

Many of us understand this struggle. This is where the Power Hour comes in. The ‘Power’ Hour is a chance for you to focus your energy on something exciting and give yourself a break.