Balancing Work, Life AND a Side Hustle

If you remember reading the lessons I've learnt in four years of blogging, you'll know that blogging takes a TON of work. So it shouldn't be a shock to anyone that finding a way to balance your life, and a full-time job or school, plus blogging or another side hustle, feels like it's damn near impossible sometimes!

Sometimes, there's just too much that demands our attention and there's way too little of us to give, and that's okay! It's important to recognize that we aren't superheroes, and we can't do everything, even if we want to!

So because I spent the last four years balancing (at different points): a blog, full-time school, on-campus jobs, a sorority and other campus (over)involvement, a full-time job, a side-hustle job, AND somewhat of a social life, I've decided to share my little secrets. No, it's not easy.. but is it worth it? Absolutely!

1. write it down // whatever it is, just write it down. I ALWAYS have a notebook on me because thoughts always pop into my mind at the most random moment. Whether it's a blog post idea, a marketing concept for a client, some ideas for my day job or a meeting or appointment that I scheduled, I write everything down, along with little to-dos and reminders for each "category" and it saves my life! It's the first step to getting my shit together, something that's definitely necessary to do everything!

2. take care of you // it's overwhelming as it is to do one, but trying to juggle all three on top of everything else you have going on is a whole different ball game. Try to take some time for you, and find the time to do the things you enjoy doing or you'll be on the road to burnout in no time. And make sure to take care of your body. I am the most guilty of sacrificing sleep when I have so much going on, but it's so importan to ensure you're taking proper care of your body! Whether that means eating a salad for lunch, drinking more water, getting those 8 hours in or going for a run after work, the more you take care of you, the more energy and strength you'll have to keep going and be even more productive.

3. know your priorities // maybe you're willing to write one less blog post this week if it means making it to your best friend's birthday dinner, and maybe you're happy to skip the gym to finish up that blog series you're working on. Know what you're willing to give up to achieve what you want, and honor them! So if that weekly TV show on Monday nights (Bachelor, anyone?! #TeamRaven) is important "you time", then by all means take it!

4. it's okay to say no // hey! you do A LOT! so yes, while you'd love to volunteer to run that charity bake sale, or you were asked to take on more responsibility at something you're involved in, don't say no right away.. consider it! BUT, if taking on more responsibilities is going to make one of your priorities suffer, then know it's okay to turn down the opportunity. I was always a "yes man" and I got seriously burnt out at 21 years old. First came the panic attack, then came the emotional breakdown, and then eventually I barely wanted to do anything. So, if saying "yes" adds way too much to your plate and sacrifices your emotional health and sanity, then say NO!

5. schedule schedule schedule // I cannot stress this enough... scheduleeee! The only thing that really keeps all my shit together when I'm taking on a million tasks, is the fact that I use a planner. Writing down everything from random notes, to-do's, appointments, meetings and important dates, and so so so much more keeps my life in order and my brain from being pure mush.

I've been a longtime fan of Erin Condren's life planners for quite some time as you well know by now, and I've tried the different layouts but I kept coming back to the vertical layout. Now, instead of being broken down by morning, day and night, the three sections are blank, for you to use however you want. Personally, I break it down by category: blog, work and personal. So I know at a glance what each "section" of my life requires from me for the day!

Plus, with customizable stickers, bright pens, snap-in dashboards and personalized covers, it's the perfect accessory to organize your life, and I mean every part of it! Interested? Take $10 off your first Erin Condren purchase!

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So there you have it.. the key to staying on top of everything and somehow staying sane! These are the years for the full-hustle, side-hustle and every kind of hustle! Go forth and slay, ladies! 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Erin Condren. The opinions and text are all mine.