I used to take advantage of nap/ rest time to get some work done. I felt like it was a time of day or my children were sleeping or either playing quietly. So I should be using it productively to get some work done. But over time I actually realized that this was not the best route for me. And often working during nap time was not productive at all. Or maybe it was productive but it really affected the whole rest of my day and even my attitude towards my children. But I started to think about if this way the best to handle balancing business and motherhood.
Sure, I could sit down and bust out some blog posts, answer some emails, or do some quick editing. But I often found that if my children walked in because they needed me. Or maybe they woke up a lot earlier than I had expected and planned, so I couldn’t get much work done. Sometimes I was even in the middle of an important task that then had to be left unfinished until later. I would often end up frustrated and angry. And those feelings were often geared towards my children because they were getting in the way of work I “needed” to do.
So, a while back I decided that instead of working during naptime I would use the time for other things. I started to use it as time for myself (gasp). Nap time is something that I hold sacred in this house, and oftentimes I use it to get a little bit of a reprieve. It’s a time where sit down and read a book or take a nap myself if I feel like I need one. Sure, sometimes I will get a little bit of something done. Whether it’s busting out a few quick emails or maybe making a phone call that I don’t want to be interrupted for. But I really leave the deep work for my business for times and days when I know I won’t be interrupted or distracted. (you can read more about my weekly work schedule here)
Once I changed this rhythm in my days, from working during that time to resting. I found there was such a different feel to the rest of my day. I was no longer exhausted in the evening hours. Not only that, but I felt like I had more energy to pour into my family. And I felt like I had gotten a little break in the business of the day. Which is very much needed for an introvert like me.
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Rachel Howden Photography is a photography mentor in the San Francisco Bay Area who specializes in family, newborn, baby. Motherhood, and maternity photography in the Bay Area. Including Livermore, Oakland, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, San Jose, Fremont, and Pleasanton. Mentorships are not limited to being in person and can be done virtually as well. This post focuses on Rachel as an educator for other photographers. Rachel loves helping other photographers learn film photography, balancing motherhood and business. And finding your why and purpose in your business. She helps photographers build rhythms and techniques to have a successful business. One filled with contentment and joy (and profit, of course).
This post helps you to have a little sneak peek into what you will receive if you have me as your photography coach. If you want to learn more about what a mentorship and coaching session looks like, you can find out more about it On This Page.
Are you interested in booking a mentorship? Contact me HERE.
