The Real Life RD

helping you find peace with food and your natural body size

  • the RD & NP
  • Online Courses
  • Women’s Wellness
  • Speaking
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Exercise, Life, Self Care, Thoughts

4 Thoughts Including Being Productive & Being Okay Where You Are Now

August 27, 2018 By Robyn 14 Comments

1. Being productive while working from home

I’ve gotten this question a lot lately and I’m not sure I feel the best to answer it since I’m certainly not the guru at working from home. But I have made a lot of mistakes over the years running an online business & private practice and through those mistakes I’ve learned what actually works and doesn’t work for me. This is what works for me, so if it resonates for you – great! But know there are many ways to organize your days so you feel focused and purposeful in your work instead of lost and frustrated. Not everyday is a productivity win, but overall I feel like I’m in a good place. Here’s a few things that have helped me most.

  1. Boundaries with email – I check email for about 10 minutes three times a day – in the morning, after lunch and before I wrap up in the evening. That’s it. Most days I stick to that. I love the Elle and Co. blog for business tips and after reading her post on keeping your inbox at zero I’ve implemented that system and never looked back. Having Connie manage the [email protected] inbox has been a HUGE time saver as well. Email is sneaky because it makes us “feel” productive, but it actually doesn’t help accomplish goals.
  2. Tucking my phone away – My phone doesn’t stay near me, it’s in another room when I’m working. I’ll check my phone a small handful of times throughout the day, but it’s not on me all day. I find that heavily distracting. Whether it’s seeing a text come through or having a knee-jerk reaction to check social media because I’m procrastinating work…having my phone around isn’t helpful. I typically check my phone when I check email and give myself 10ish minutes to check in on social media and answer any urgent texts (aka texts from therapists/physicians, urgent client texts, etc) If I’m walking somewhere I’ll briefly check my phone and answer texts, but overall I respond to personal texts after work hours.
  3. Plan out the next day the night before – before I wrap up in the evening (around 6:30ish usually, I look at my planner and my Google calendar and loosely plan out the next day. I’m a rhythm person not a routine person so it’s loose. I choose my top three things I want to get done the next day and set aside time outside of client calls to get those things done. Anything over that top three is a bonus. Planning my days the night before makes it so when I wake up, I’m not trying to figure out what I need to do that day, I already know.

I am certainly not a type A, super organized person – that would be nice some days 🙂 But I hope these tips are helpful. I’m happy to expand on this if you more questions – leave them in the comments!

2. Enjoy Where You Are Now

I pinned this quote above last week. With all the change happening this year I’m finding myself wanting to race ahead. I also have all these ideas about where I want to see the business/practice go and where I’d like to grow as an NP which are all good things….I love to dream! But I’m finding myself thinking about the future and what I hope “will be” versus enjoying and being okay with where I am now. Maybe you’re in recovery from and eating disorder, working through intuitive eating, or learning to tolerate and accept your body. Maybe you’re in a season of career growth or maybe you’re in school wishing you were starting your career. Maybe life feels mundane and unexciting right now and you’re waiting on that next adventure or big change.

Staying present in the here and now is HARD. So I hope this little reminder is helpful. Sometimes, depending on how I’m feeling, I like to replace “enjoy” with “be okay” because it feels more realistic and fitting. Also speaking of Pinterest, we have done a total revamp of our Pinterest, which was long overdue. I cleaned up a bunch of boards, made new boards that I hope serve you and we are adding pins daily. So if you’re looking for some life giving quotes, support in your ED recovery/body image/intuitive eating journey, easy and delicious recipes, hormonal health or other fun things you can check it out here! We’ll continue updating and adding to the boards – my/our goal is to continually provide resources to help you (and me) live a better life.

3. Meal Plan for This Week

I very loosely “meal plan” – anything more than what I do now feels stressful and not fun. This week for lunches I made a big pot of this corn chowder since summer is winding down and the weather is cooling off. It’s a version that’s less rich than traditional chowder because although I love corn chowder, I’ve learned that richer, denser lunches can take a hit on my motivation to work in the afternoon. This version looks super tasty and something that will likely keep me feeling good – mentally and physically – all week. The one change I made was adding in some rotisserie chicken to make it more of a meal and we’ll eat it with a simple salad…and by that I mean throwing mixed greens into a bowl and drizzling with olive oil and vinegar.

For dinners this week, we made a batch of these Thai turkey meatballs. This is a recipe I found a while ago on Pinterest and they are so good. And they freeze really well too. Eat them over rice (I prefer that) or any other grain you like. Noodles would be awesome too. We’re eating them with rice and sautéed greens, but roasted broccoli would also be tasty! Also if you’re interested, here’s a post on meal planning and intuitive eating that I hope you find helpful. I don’t spend more than 45 minutes to an hour in the kitchen on Sunday or Monday cooking for the week because I don’t like to. So cheers to delicious and satisfying food with minimal effort!

4. Cycling App

I’ve had some pelvic/pubic bone pain lately so have had to take a break from long walks and other forms of movement that create impact. I loathe spin classes, but biking I enjoy – preferably outside, although biking outside isn’t realistic right now. Lately, I’ve been enjoying getting on the stationary bike a few times a week and listening to a short podcast. But after a while, I got bored of that and wanted to mix it up a bit. I found this app called CycleCast and love it! I’ve found (so far) that the instructors aren’t annoying (yelling isn’t my jam) and there is zero talk about calories, toning up, and stuff like that. I haven’t listened to every class, but so far I’m into it and appreciate the absence of diet talk. I find anything over 30 minutes too long to cycle – a spin class that lasts 45-60 minutes feels too long for me. So I love that the app offers 20 minute and 30 minute options – perfect amount of time for me and a fun way to take a break from work. I don’t enjoy spin classes, but I am really liking this app and it’s been a good way for me to find movement that I do enjoy when options I have found enjoyable in the past aren’t options right now.

Happy Monday! Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments!


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

  • 5 Thoughts5 Thoughts
  • COVID-19 Check InCOVID-19 Check In
  • April Coffee DateApril Coffee Date
  • Using Quotes to Live a Better LifeUsing Quotes to Live a Better Life

Filed Under: Exercise, Life, Self Care, Thoughts

« You Have to Find Your People in Your Intuitive Eating Journey
Can You Have a Medical Condition and Still Eat Intuitively? »

Comments

  1. emily vardy says

    August 27, 2018 at 6:24 am

    I definitely do not think I’d have the self-discipline to work and home and actually get anything done…I’m way too easily distracted!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 29, 2018 at 7:54 am

      I have friends that feel the same way!

      Reply
  2. Julie says

    August 27, 2018 at 8:44 am

    Staying in the present is so hard! Thank you for the reminder, Robyn. Have a great week!

    Julie

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 29, 2018 at 7:54 am

      Have a wonderful week too Julie!

      Reply
  3. Jen says

    August 27, 2018 at 11:19 am

    I’m a lot like you, I work from home & need just enough structure to keep me on track & motivitated but not so much that I get overwhelmed (: Love the glimps into what it looks like for you!!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 29, 2018 at 7:54 am

      I hear you Jen – I feel the same way!

      Reply
  4. Madeline says

    August 27, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Hey Robyn, I don’t think the Thai turkey meatballs linked. Would you mind linking it? I would love to make it!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 29, 2018 at 7:56 am

      Oops! It’s linked now – enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite says

    August 27, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    Loved so many things in this post! I seriously need to put my phone away when trying to work on something…it gets so distracting!

    I also really resonate with point #2…the biggest life lesson I’ve learned over this past year is to be present in the moment instead of always looking to the future (which I always tend to do!).

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 29, 2018 at 7:56 am

      It was so hard to make the switch to less phone but I feel SO much more calm and less stressed

      Reply
  6. Emily Swanson says

    August 27, 2018 at 11:43 pm

    Ok that’s super cool that you found a cycling app that enables you to do classes on your own. I personally love working out on my own and an occasional with someone. Also I appreciate what you said about boundaries with phone and email; the more I’ve been intentional about that the more I’ve found that I’m able to focus and be productive and less scattered or anxious.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 29, 2018 at 7:57 am

      It’s certainly takes more discipline to be more intentional but it makes such a difference – glad you’re experiencing that for yourself Emily!

      Reply
  7. Emily says

    August 29, 2018 at 7:41 am

    I’ve been wanting to implement a better, organized routine with my schedule and my blogging. What wonderful tips! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 29, 2018 at 7:58 am

      I hope you find them helpful Emily!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

More On Lady Hormones

How Birth Control Methods Affect Your Hormones, Period and Fertility

What Your Cervical Fluid Can Tell You About Your Reproductive Health

women's reproductive health

Women’s Reproductive Health 101

I have yet to experience postpartum myself, but I've had many clients and readers that have been through that season of life. Or perhaps you are currently living through the postpartum period. Every woman's body is different, therefore every woman's experience after giving birth will be different. What works for one woman, might not work for the next. While one woman might go through postpartum and adjust to newborn life quiet seamlessly, another woman might find it much more difficult. She might need the support of medication, therapy, extra help and many other things. One way is not better than the other - they are simply two different ways of navigating the postpartum period. I hope this post helps you better care for yourself, whatever that means for you. There's no right or wrong way to care for yourself as a mom or your new baby.

Postpartum Hormones: what’s happening in your body and how to care for yourself

* indicates required

Categories

Get in Touch!

Follow Me!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

I talk a lot about moving, eating, and living intuitively so you can be well hormonally and live a fulfilling life in line with your values

The Real Life RD on Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 two babies are asleep at the same time in their beds (and not on me) for the FIRST TIME IN 7657 DAYS and dear lord I could cry tears of relief straight into this latte and bowl of chocolate chips bc I woke up this morning exhausted and weary and told Nick I didn’t want to parent today 🤣 Not even calling this self care. It’s sanity right now. And even if it lasts 5 minutes it will be 5 minutes of freaking glory. p.s. yes that brick is crooked bc v uneven floors are part of the charmed package of this old house
Learning over and over again in this season that f Learning over and over again in this season that feels unsettled and chaotic and longgggggg that sometimes, you just need the viewpoint of a toddler to remind you that the seemingly insignificant things & moments really are....straight up magical. And that yes, these mundane days are packed full of goodness & beauty if I keep my eyes fixed on what actually matters.
Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, wowww 🤯 Asked at least six people where to find something and their opinion on all the options bc holy decision fatigue. Nursed my newborn on the floor of the paint aisle. And BLESS my new contractor friend Matt I found in the lumber section that pushed my cart around and helped me avoid the mistake of buying exterior wood for some DIY bathroom shelves.
.
I’m giving all our bathrooms a DIY makeover and I couldn’t be more of a rookie. So shoutout to all my Lowe’s buddies and YouTube 😜 You’re making this happen.
We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t plan to close on a house 10 weeks after having a baby, but here we are. And we are so, so grateful.  And I’m also terrified. We’ve moved three times and lived in three different states since we got married three years ago. After six years spent living in New York City and Boston, moving back to Charlottesville was really, really hard for me. I cried a lot those first six months because my heart ached for the northeast and for city life. I wanted to pack up and go back to Boston ASAP. It felt so different and so quiet here and at times, very lonely. Even though it felt like the next right step, I second guessed our decision A LOT.
.
But here we are 10 months later ready to continue investing in this neighborhood we’ve come to love. And this community of people that have become so dear. Ten months later and it feels so, so right. And although committing to settling down here for a good bit feels really scary to me, it also brings so much peace to know we aren’t moving again anytime soon. We are here to plant and grow. And raise our babies in this house as we make it a home. It’s also really fun to have one of your best friends be your realtor. We love you @kelli.teter.nesting 🤗
.
Now, to see if we make it out of this kitchen renovation all in one piece 🤪
my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in ghee with sautéed spinach (also in ghee) and an english muffin with more ghee + some sort of jam on half for that sweet & savory combo. we discovered these local english muffins (from The Bread Basket) and they are doughy and delicious and we are obsessed.
.
I’ve found that I need a solid source of protein and lots of fat for breakfast to keep me full while breastfeeding this time around vs with Cal, I was so into big bowls of pb & chocolate chip banana oatmeal. just goes to show our bodies know what they need and change cravings accordingly. also, just a psa: go pick up the maple butter from @traderjoes bc it is bonkers 🤤 and lastly, shout out to my husband bc a lot of mornings he is making this bfast for me while I nurse & try to pull myself out of bed - don’t for a moment think I’ve got it together 🤪
I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brai I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brain of if/how to use this platform in a way that aligns with how I want to live my life. I’m finding it tricky to discern that when 90% of my use on this app is for professional purposes. But I’m not sure if even professionally, it makes sense for me. Because I feel more aligned with what matters to me when I’m not regularly present here.  I’m not really sure what things will look like moving forward, but for right now I’m here to share with you that I somehow found some spare minutes between newborn & toddler life to write a post with some semi-coherent thoughts on life lately. 🤪 You can head there by clicking the link in my profile.
I’ve been completely disconnected from social me I’ve been completely disconnected from social media and that’s been vital for me during this tender postpartum period of transitioning from a mama of 1 to 2. But today, I’m bopping on briefly to share how Teddy entered this wild world with you - if you’re into a lengthy, detailed birth story, the link in my profile will lead you to the blog post 💙
Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our famil Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our family at 12:48am on Wednesday after a quick and swift labor & birth at home 💙 Thank you Father for another healthy baby boy & your abundant, tender love for us. What an undeserved gift.
Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his due date, but also....LET’S GO DUDE. Still over here eating dates (check out the @ebbirth article on the research showing dates can help ripen (aka soften) your cervix, reduce the need for medical intervention in labor and can overall, improve birth outcomes) drinking red raspberry leaf tea and sleeping as much as possible with a 19 month old running around. And also trying to survive July in VA without public pools or splash pads bc it is BLAZIN HERE (and I’m a wuss with the heat 🤪)
#AlignPartner A huge plus of transitioning from ti #AlignPartner A huge plus of transitioning from tiny-apartment-city-living to house living is this screened in porch. This little oasis sold me on renting this house when we moved from Boston to Virginia back in November. I dreamed about this becoming our outdoor living room for at least half the year (because also, summer comes earlier and stays later down here - which has a its pros and cons 😆)  During Cal’s afternoon nap, I set up shop out here with my computer + something refreshing to drink and get a little bit of work done before my brain turns to mush and/or a find myself napping instead of working. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I can only drink so much water during the hot months before I’m over it so I’ve been mixing it up with either seltzer + juice, iced tea or @alignprobiotic’s new Kombucha On-the-Go powder sticks - all you do is mix one of the packets into ice cold water and stir. Then sip!  With quarantine life, we aren’t on-the-go much these days, but it’s still nice to have a nonperishable drink option always around. Flavor wise, it’s like a fizzy iced tea with a zingy, refreshing lemon ginger flavor.  I think it’s important to know that not all probiotic supplements are created equal. They all aren’t backed by evidence, but the Align brand is and could be something helpful for you if you feel like you need some digestive support - but talk to your healthcare provider first. I try to incorporate probiotics into what I eat - and that mostly comes in drink vs food form. Tell me how you’re staying hydrated in the comments ...because these days, it’s the little things 🤪 #AlignProbiotic **Use as Directed
Lunches for the past month or so have been some re Lunches for the past month or so have been some rendition of a sandwich + chips + fruit. SUMMERTIME 😎I’ve switched to open faced only bc there just ain’t much room left in there for food at 38.5 weeks 🤰🏻90% of the time at the end of a meal, no matter how “small” the portion, I’m feeling stuffed and like the food is in my throat (just what you wanted to read on this lovely Tuesday afternoon 🤪) but my point here is...intuitive eating doesn’t mean find-the-perfect-fullness and eat-only-when-hungry. Sometimes it means eating when you’re not hungry and feeling overly full often and trying to eat foods lower in fiber and higher in calories.
Found this photo on my camera roll today from a wa Found this photo on my camera roll today from a walk I took a month or so ago. Between quarantine and spending my days with a toddler, life is much less hurried and a lot more mundane these days. But those two things are helping me to stop & notice and to chill out on checking things off my to do list and instead just being present with whatever is in front of me. I want to have the curiosity & wonder my 18 month old has as I go about my day - with my surroundings and people I encounter and really, everything. Life is way more meaningful that way. Ending my evening with that reminder and a white chocolate chip cinnamon blondie covered in vanilla ice cream before I go take an Epsom salt bath and read.

Copyright © 2021 · The Real RD· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer


Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy