I'm a big fan of sleep. I love naps.
Here's what I do know about myself: My body has a certain on-switch time (hint: it's 9:30a) and an off-switch time (hint: somewhere between midnight and 1a) and if I follow those rough guidelines, I wake up on my own without an alarm and I find myself productive and well rested.
Of course, if it's been a long day riding the pages or out hiking the trails, I might take a quick power nap just to recharge, but still, most days, my personal clock seems to work great.
I can always adjust for a short period of time - like if we have an assignment with European start times (boo, way too early! IV coffee needed!) or if I have an early doctor appointment or travel need, but my body prefers its own rhythm.
The past two years have most likely opened your eyes on how your body reacts to sleep, to lack thereof, to stress, and the change in how we do our work. Have you taken the time to listen to your body and adapt and give yourself what you need both sleepwise and otherwise?
I wish you sweet dreams, uninterrupted sleep, and as many naps as you need!
You all know I love giving back... and I've been speaking at the local law school for many years now, sharing with the students who will be future litigators how they can work WITH court reporters to create a truly excellent record.
I love doing this - and if you have the chance, please consider doing it in your area. The "baby" lawyers appreciated it and the next generation of court reporters will too!
We all love rituals - girls nights, massages, regular workouts... but what about our working rituals?
Do you have any that ease you into your productivity? Perhaps alleviate any anxiety?
Our job as a stenographer (or captioners) is filled with stressors and if we can develop rituals for ourselves to help limit those stresses, think how healthy, happy, and productive we can become?!
I love this profession... and I love sharing it. Wherever you are, in whatever period in your career you find yourself, be an amazing advocate! Introduce people to this incredible opportunity for someone who loves English, the law, computers, learning... Be the little pebble that creates the ripple in the pond!
