I’ve recently changed jobs-an excellent thing! After more than ten years at the same place, I’ve moved on to a new company.
The change was long overdue. My old job had become toxic in many ways, and the company itself seems to be in a negative spiral. I’m glad I was able to leave on my own power, rather than being laid off.
Although I’ve made a lot of positive changes in my life habits, a major life change like a new job has made it difficult to sustain those changes. Much of my life was built around my old office, my old commute. My old commute was a half hour drive. I would visit Berkeley Bowl to get my fruits and veggies on a regular basis. I went to a yoga studio around the corner from my old office. I loved my old routine, and it helped support my health.
My new job is in the financial district of San Francisco, so my commute has changed from a half hour drive to a bus, about an hour door to door. I love the bus! I don’t have to deal with the crazy drivers, so don’t have to carry that stress. It’s so relaxing to listen to a book while knitting. I’m getting a little more exercise in, too, as I need to walk or ride my bike to the bus station. It’s not far, but every little bit counts.
Even though the commute is easier, it is longer, so I have to really plan my exercise. So far, I’m not getting to the gym nearly as much as I’d like. It’s been really challenging to map my old habits to my new commute. The great thing about habits is you don’t need to think about them-you just do them. It’s going to take a lot of work to make new habits.
I still miss Berkeley Bowl, but found there are TONS of farmers markets in SF. Alas, the fruits and vegetables there must be much more precious than those at BB, because they are twice as expensive. Still, it’s great fun to take a walk at lunch and buy a basket of strawberries as a snack.
Given that it’s hard to swing your mat without hitting a yoga studio, it’s not surprising I found one a block from my office. Also more expensive (sigh)… The hardest part has been giving myself permission to go there. At a new job, I want to impress everyone that I’m working hard. Thing is, nobody is monitoring whether I take an hour for a class during lunch or not–well, nobody but me!
It would be too easy to let everything slide. It hasn’t been easy making new habits, but I’ve done so consciously and deliberately. I’m even thinking about changing my Weight Watchers meeting. The WW in SF is also just a block away, in the building next to the yoga studio. My leader Kathy moved away (sob!), and waking up early on Saturday mornings is not very appealing. I haven’t done it yet, though. One step at a time!
How have you rebuilt healthy habits after a major life change?
