I haven’t been too shy about the fact that I started a new full-time, “go to an office and set a desk” job just a few weeks ago (tomorrow wraps up week 3).

Overall, I am really enjoying it – my work hours and commute are fantastic, my team is incredibly welcoming, and there’s tons to learn… but I’ll be the first to admit the transition has been a bit of a struggle.

During the first week, I came home and face-planted on the couch totally exhausted and ordered oodles of fattening take-out. I was totally freaked out, thinking I was falling right back into my old rut and worried that everything I teach was TOTALLY WRONG.

Could I really "have it all" with most of my time tied to someone else's schedule?

So, I did something that old me would never do… I took a step back, approached myself with kindness and said,

“Self, it’s only been one week. Give yourself some space to create the structure you’ve been craving.”

And – thankfully – the shift was fast and immediately tangible. I was right all along!!! {{{ pats self on back }}}

I’m still working out the kinks and not quite at full capacity, but here’s a handful of the things I’m doing to create more space and ease:

1. Have Fun “First”

It might sound crazy, but I’ve been “scheduling” some of my social engagements over the last few weeks – it’s helping me keep things light and fun! Honestly, I feel like it was not having anything fun planned that kept me running to happy hour for all those years.

2. Cook Once Eat Three Times

Over the weekend, I spent an hour food prepping. It’s saved me so much time trying to make lunch in the morning and figuring out what’s for dinner and who’s cooking. Here are a few of the things I did:

- I cooked a 2 lb. pork shoulder in my crockpot and used as pulled pork for dinner, salad topping for lunch, and filling for cinco de mayo enchiladas.

- I washed, chopped, and stored all my salad veggies – perfect for throwing together a quick lunch in the morning.

- I hardboiled a half dozen eggs for use in salads.

- I finely chopped and massaged (sounds weird, right?) a head of kale with olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and Himalayan sea salt and stored overnight. It will keep in the fridge all week (unless, like me, you gobble it up in 2 days!)

Now, if someone could just help me figure out how to get my dishes to wash themselves, I’d be all set!

3. Hit the Snooze

One of the things I’ve been fantasizing about (longtime friends and especially my mom will laugh at this one) is consistently getting up at 5:30 am. I have NEVER been a morning person, but 2 years ago, my husband and I started hitting Crossfit at 6 am, and the early morning became this whole new world that spiked my productivity like nothing else.

But lately, I haven’t been able to make that happen consistently. A day here or there, sure, but that snooze button has been my BFF. Here’s the thing, though: I’m hitting the snooze most frequently after later nights or intense evening workouts. My body needs rest and I’ve been finding a certain calm and clarity in that morning silence. So I’m just gonna let that sleeping dog lie.

4. Lunch Break!

“Lunch Break” is a bit of a new phrase in my vocabulary. When I was working like a maniac, I never took a lunch break; I’d sit at my desk, shovel food in my face, and work, work, work.

Well, I’m turning a new lunch leaf… I’ve been stepping away from my desk (usually outside to the park across the street – lucky me!) to eat lunch for the last few weeks and honestly IT’S LIFE CHANGING. I have an opportunity to disconnect, sort through problems, and eat more mindfully. Even on days when I can’t get out for lunch, I’m making a point to consciously step away from my desk for at least 20 minutes.

5. Get Sweaty Often

Even with my schedule in a bit of a flux, getting to Crossfit and yoga and PiYo several times a week (I’m shooting for 5) has been a non-negotiable. Movement and sweat equity has been critical to maintaining my sanity and keeping my momentum. Enough said.

Now, I want to hear from YOU: what do you do to create more space around your 9-5?