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Two November Experiments

 

Avi as a strawberry for Halloween.

    Since I'm feeling a bit more in a routine work and schedule wise, I've decided to try two experiments this month. I've been thinking about both of them for a while, and I think I have the bandwidth to try them out this month.
Experiment #1: The Seven Minute Workout
    I struggle to get into exercise routines. It's not my highest priority, but I always do feel more energetic on the days I exercise. I've decided to do the seven minute HIIT workout everyday in November to see how it feels. It definitely gets my heart rate up without feeling too hard, and it's easy to fit in right before I shower in the morning. Although I've done this workout intermittently,  I'm curious to see what it feels like to make this a daily habit. 
Experiment #2: Time Block Planning at Work
Attempt #1

    I read Deep Work by Cal Newport earlier this year, and I've also been listening to his podcast recently. In both the book and podcast, he advocates time block planning, which is basically making a plan for each minute at work. I tried this out on Friday, and it was so helpful. Allocating a specified time for each task forced me to be realistic about what I could and could not accomplish, which forced me to to prioritize better. I'm hoping this helps me to make better use of my plan time at work, and start the day by evaluating priorities. I think playing with this for a month will help me to be more intentional about lesson-planning and grading.

    Have you tried either of these strategies? What's something you're looking forward to in November?

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Comments

  1. Grateful KaeNovember 1, 2020 at 1:45 PM

    What is the 7 minute HIIT workout? Is it a specific routine? I don't think I've heard of that. Sounds like a good way to at least do something and solidify the exercise habit!

    I also like to utilize time blocking. My job is very fluid, meaning that it kind of just could theoretically go on and on without end. So I like to make a time block schedule each day in the morning and block out "deep work" periods (in my case, just doing my nurse data work with no breaks/ other interruptions in there) and then schedule in when I will take "lunch" or "breaks" etc. I find it extremely helpful to stay on task and know in advance when I will have a chance to check my personal email, respond to texts, get a snack, etc. (important since I work from home and there's no shortage of ways you could waste time, haha!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SamNovember 1, 2020 at 5:27 PM

      I use the one that was published in the NY Times a few years ago. There's lots of free apps and youtube versions of it! I'm always impressed by people who work at home. I definitely appreciate having boundaries between home and work although it would be more convenient in a lot of ways.

      Delete
  2. Grateful KaeNovember 1, 2020 at 1:47 PM

    Adding another comment because I forgot- would it be possible for you to add a widget to allow people to "subscribe by email" to your blog? I don't see one anywhere. I love being able to subscribe to blogs I like to just get the new posts in my email, so I don't have to remember to check them all all the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SamNovember 1, 2020 at 5:23 PM

      Thanks for the suggestion! I added the widget to the sidebar :)

      Delete
  3. CocoNovember 22, 2020 at 12:31 PM

    I've read about the time blocking from cal and I even ordered his new planner. will try it out when I receive it. I'm intrigued.

    ReplyDelete
  4. SamNovember 23, 2020 at 5:41 PM

    I'm curious to know what you think of it! I was tempted to order it too.

    ReplyDelete

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