I have found that there is a never ending selection of things to do and people with whom to do them in NYC. This is great in the fact that I’m always occupied and constantly doing or planning to do something. I also have very little time to be bored, or to worry about various complications of life. Each night I go to bed exhausted – which rocks – since there is no insomnia to speak of at all either.
But with all that fun it seems there comes a drawback or two as well. Mostly in regards to that whole “sleep” thing. Balance can be difficult, especially for me, and finding balance in my new life here has become increasingly challenging. I can’t sacrifice a bike ride, and I wouldn’t have missed the Sigur Ros concert last night for the world. But combine the two, plus the commute to and from the show and the result is approximately 4 hours of sleep, followed by a strenuous hour long 6am bike ride. I’m proud I did it, but I imagine that it isn’t the ideal situation for my well being and balance.
Needless to say I’m a little out of it today. It is a perfectly gorgeous day though, and I think I might go to Union Square, cop a squat, and take a nap in the sunshine for lunch. Or maybe the brisk walk will invigorate me, and I’ll press though to the end of the day with gusto. It is a possibility, though we shall see…
So how to find balance in the big city? How to do much of what you love without sacrificing just as much needed sleep? To begin I am scheduling my evenings about a week in advance at least, which is the norm for people here anyway. Also, on Mondays and Wednesdays I’ll do my best to head back to my hood after work. Even if I feel the need to go out, I can do so in the slope. This puts me in a position to be in bed at a normal hour, in theory at least. That’s why having a neighborhood you love is so essential – you’ll do most of your socializing and during the week activities fairly close to your abode, at least most of the time. If it’s otherwise than you are far more hardcore than I, and if that’s the case then my hats off to you because at this point, I still feel like I could really use that nap.
I do plan on being in bed by 11 tonight. Yeah yeah, stop laughing. I mean it. Really. Right after dinner on a boat on the west side of Manhattan. Come on, you want me to pass up on that? Not a chance.
Though I am happy that tomorrow is my day off from physical exertions. 6 days straight and I am ready for a break.
So the search for balance appears to be an ongoing one and perhaps more complicated than I anticipated. I look forward to posting updates with tips. Perhaps in a list form??? Quite possibly indeed.
Oh Jill, it sounds like you’re having so much fun. I’m so happy for you!
http://watchfuliving.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/sleep-story/
Maybe this NPR story will help. Lack of sleep is a common frustration, you are NOT alone!
After the newness of it all wears off, you will find balance. Enjoy it all!
Hey Jill! Still checking in on you from time to time!
Balance is a never-ending quest for those of us who think about it. School just started up for me and already I’m way out of whack.
My favorites: Vipassana and yoga. I took a Vipassana retreat last June (www.dhamma.org). There’s a center in MA if you can get away for 10 days. And it’s pay-what-you-can. Don’t expect to be entertained or for it to be easy, though. It’s one of the toughest things I’ve done. I felt amazing afterward.
Also, I gave up my spinning classes for yoga, which I’m getting free through a work-study arrangement. My body asked me to slow down, and I obliged. We’ll see how it works out. I still love to ride, though I’ve never been hardcore like you!
33 has been interesting so far. I feel like my mind and body both want a bit of a rest. Or at least a different kind of stimulation. It’s strange, growing up.
Best of luck with it! The glow will wear off eventually. But till then, don’t burn yourself out. Self-care is more important than concerts and boats. We wear down the core of our being with stress- even the good kind!
i think balance comes with bears. they have it right. i mean come on hang outside for a few months then gorge yourself then sleep for a few months FTW. you can’t go wrong with that.
Well tonight is Friday and it’s a little after 12 and I managed to not go out at all this evening. Hooray! I’ll be headed to bed soon and have a bike ride and a run planned tomorrow.
Thanks to everyone for your comments, and particularly the links! Keep em coming!