Balancing Act

HELLO EVERYONE!

I am writing because I need some help managing my time. I am currently studying for the NCLEX-RN. I am married and have a 4yr old son. I am feeling like I need to study for my exam every waking minute, but I still have to clean house, cook dinner, watch my son, and satisfy my husband. PLUS, I need to exercise and I do attend church services twice a week. I would like to know from those who may have a similiar situation, HOW CAN YOU DO IT ALL? ANY TIPS WILL HELP. Rozy

similar? maybe.....add on decorating committee (church) chair person and nursery worker, Homeschooler to two in different grades and babysit two other kids (ages 3 and 1) mine are 11 and 9. not to mention I keep care of the church's website. Oh and add in puppet and choir practices and baseball coming real soon! Oh yes and softball for the adults which we do and coach....whew! (oops forgot basketball on thursdays!...LOL) I just feel you make time for what is important to you! It can be done! tiring? sure!! You bet! worth it? ABSOUTELY!!!!

Hubby is very supportive we make sure we are "satisfied" (LOL)early in the evening or mornings, I have a routine that is flexible (in my head) I carry flashcards and books in the minivan and I am studying almost every minute that I am not doing somehting else. I have burnt many meals, and the house has been dirty for longer than I usually like but it works.

dont get me wrong I am mentally not alert when people talk to me, my brain is preoccupied with nursing and I am spaced out at all other functions but I warned those close to me ahead of time so they are very forgiving!

hang in there you just seem worn out! take a few hours go hop in tub and relax and refocus! It will get better!

How long you been studying?

AmyD

oh a good one to start is sleep when the 4yo does and wake up before he does and study if you can I wake up at 6 and the kids get up at 8 or after. I pray first thing then study. hubby leaves house at 6:15....so I dont feel guilty I am not spending time with him

I use the laptop also with head phones while sitting on the couch stoking his hair, he seems to be ok with that...LOL

Balance... ugh... Don't you just love when people say "oh how do you balance it all?" When inside you want to scream and cry!!!

I try and spend QUALITY time with my family... I used to feel like I was always trying to spend bits and pieces here and there while I have studying on my mind and when I do that, EVERYTHING suffers. If I divide my time and set aside certain time for people, activities etc, and give it my FULL attention it seems to be better...

For example, if I needed to study I knew I could not do it with my family around because 1-it would be crappy and 2-everyone would get frustrated especially me... But if I studied at 4 am when everyone was asleep I knew it was quality and no one felt neglected... I know if I just devote 30 minutes to my husband and know that that 30 minutes is going to be quality, it is going to make him feel better and keep him off my back ... same with my daughter... If i take her to baskin robins and not think about my CD I need to be studying, she will be happier and I will not feel guilty...

So I guess my key is to budget time for everything... Just like your paycheck...