In March, I announced that I was ending this blog.
I am back for a day to announce my simple program for getting my energy back after a very stressful academic year. It was a tough year, as hard as I can remember in my 15 year career as a college professor. I am starting to feel better. There are even rumors that I'm getting my groove back, but let's not jump too far ahead. So why am I feeling better? Here's what works for me.
1. Sun. Just a little time sitting in the sun, whether it's watching the kids play, hanging out with my wife, or having a beer, or all of the above. It helps. Especially after an epic cold winter.
Have you seen my home video of the brutal storm we had in Buffalo in November?!?!
2. Exercise. My wife and I do exercise videos together in the morning. It's a good way to start the day and it's time spent with my wife not talking about home repairs, finances, kids, life, what's for dinner, etc.
3. Sleep. I don't sleep much during the academic year. Once it hits late September, my sleep is off until the academic year ends. I even catch a cat nap here and there during the summer months. I need to sleep while I can.
That's about it. The days aren't totally spent exercising, sleeping, and enjoying the sun. I do some other things too. But the point of this post isn't to celebrate productivity or scratching items off my to-do list. The point of is that rest and relaxation are important and necessary. I don't expect academic year 2015-2016 to be any easier so I'm taking it easy while I can.
