12 Mar 5 Tips to Stay on Track with Company in Town
It is often more challenging to continue to keep up the goal supportive habits you are creating for yourself, when company is in town and schedules change. There is less you have control over and more personalities and preferences in the mix!
This is absolutely a real feeling. But ALSO there are still so many things you CAN do to take care of yourself in the mix. Of course this can look so many different ways, My hope is to share some strategies that work well for me and my family and ways you can adapt these ideas in your own life in a way that feels aligned!
1. Manage Your Time Well
The week prior, plan accordingly of how you can knit in pockets of time throughout the week to prepare for company and minimize the last minute overwhelm and scattered feelings.
One day focus on cleaning one room or one area of the house; bathroom, kitchen, bedroom.
Have a lose plan with food options –
what staples can you have for breakfast options (oats, eggs, bread / english muffins, fruit, frozen pancakes, breakfast chicken sausage, etc!)
what can you prepare ahead for easy lunches (crockpot, soups, sandwiches, wraps, cut up veggies, fruits)
share responsibility for dinner – when we had my sister visiting, my mom was in charge one night for dinner and I was responsible for another night.
Continue to prep foods in pockets of time when everyone is hanging out
– boil eggs, cook a whole grain, cut up produce
these little moments of using your time you are already in the kitchen or just sitting around in the kitchen with everyone can really add up and help minimize meal time stress, and give you more freedom ultimately!
2. Prioritize Sleep Rhythm
Keep Sleep Schedule within 30 – 60 minutes of usual pattern.
Of course you want to maximize your time with company you don’t get to see often. But getting adequate rest and sleep will help you feel your best with guests and helping you more easily move back into your routine when the work week begins.
Sleep is a huge piece I prioritize when family is in town, because it is something I very much CAN do. I am able to show up better for everyone else when I am rested! This is about just communicating with your family ahead of time, that you are going to head to bed around 9:30pm so you can adjust plans accordingly and you are setting the expectation ahead of time.
At this point my family just knows. I go to bed, regardless if everyone is still up! This also allows me to get up early and have my own time in the morning first.
I am personally someone who needs their own personal space and time throughout the day. I love spending time with family. But it also is really drains my energy and I have to give myself personal space throughout the day. The morning and evenings are a big part of this for me!
And really, at that point, everyone is just sitting around, hanging out, which is fine! You don’t need to do everything for everyone. Write out what foods they can grab on their own for breakfast. Set the coffee maker up the night before.
3. Share Responsibilities
You can still be a wonderful host AND give others responsibilities, give them permission to do what they need to do for themselves! When you are clear with your needs and also ask others what would make them feel good, everyone feels like their needs are met and are able to enjoy this time together!
My family connects in the morning and evenings about what each person would like to accomplish or prioritize for the day. Whether it’s a workout, a walk, going skiing, tubing, running to the store, etc. When each person feels heard and validated, this eliminates the guilt and resentment that can transpire when one person feels like they are doing everything and has no down time.
4. Mix In Meals from Home
When it comes to meals, we enjoy having most meals from home. Sometimes my sister and brother in law will go out for a meal just the two of them, and we watch my niece. But in general each person shares time in the kitchen and preparing options.
I usually keep my breakfast pretty similar, because I genuinely enjoy it, it agrees with me and sustains me. My brother in law likes to do a big breakfast, which is fine! He does the whole thing, and we all sit in the kitchen together and just enjoy being together!
Lunches we often do leftovers from prior meals, soups, chili or grain, veggie and protein bowls.
There’s fruit, yogurt, peanut butter, and other baked goods for snacks, as people want them.
And dinners we all sit down together. Typically a carb, protein and veggie style. One night we did brisket, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. Another night we did scallops, lentils, green beans and salad.
5. Continue with the Basics
No matter circumstances or where I am, I just continue doing the basics to support myself
Having three balanced meals through out the day
Drinking adequate water
Going out for family walks and other outdoor activities
While enjoying other fun foods and drinks through out the weekend.
We enjoy having intentional family meals around the table, with good food, company ambience and comfort.
I know that if I do the majority of the things that support me with sleep, activity, nutrition and my own personal space. I can more easily navigate the chaos, schedule changes and fun aspects. Without feeling totally derailed and depleted.
Do I always makes the best choices, NO. I am human too. But thought it would be helpful to share habits that help me in these moments!
I’d love to know what habits help you stay on track towards your goals during busy weekends with travel, family, company, and fun? Share in the Better group chat!
Remember that what you are working towards doesn’t happen in a day, it happens daily. There are always habits you can maintain no matter what gets thrown at you, if you have the resources, back up tools, and are creating rituals that Feel Good in your day!
Have a wonderful week!
Jennie