Although it may seem daunting to balance your life (or get back in balance!), there are ways that you can realistically set about doing so. The big questions are…What does life balance really mean? How do you view a balanced life? And most importantly, how do you go about achieving it in the midst of your crazy schedule?
What Does It Take to Balance Your Life?
Self-discipline is one of the best tools to help you get back on track and balance life. Without self-discipline, time is wasted, you procrastinate, and you fail to follow through on things we know should be done. You can change what isn’t working for you and regain balance in your life. Following the 10 steps we have here will help you set you back on track and committed to living a well-balanced life where self-discipline is no longer an issue. Remember that you do not have to change everything at once. Making small adjustments over time helps you determine what works best for you. Eventually you will have a whole new set of positive life habits that will help you balance life. Here are 10 simple ways that work.
1. Turn It Off
Disconnect from digital devices on the weekend. Put your phone down and turn off your computer. Give your work brain a rest. It sounds challenging, but start small. Try disconnecting for at least one day or even a few hours each night and feel what a difference it makes.
2. Trim, Trim, Trim
Saying “no” is an important step to creating balance in your life. When life you over commit and stretch yourself thin, it becomes impossible to maintain a healthy balance. So, say no to everything that is not essential or doesn’t add something valuable to your life. Be ruthless! Saying“yes” without resentment and “no” without regret will set you on track to balancing your life.
3. Pay Attention to Your Health
Your health really does affect the quality of our lives and our work. Higher productivity and happiness lives in the balance of enough sleep, healthy eating and physical activity. Your body is an excellent indicator when your life is out of control. One such sign is poor quality sleep. Your overworked mind causes you to not sleep well, and soon your energy levels drop. Your mind feels foggy, and there seems to be chaos and clutter in your life. If this sounds familiar, the best way to take action is to look for ways to create space in your life and feel at peace. Know that you won’t reach this state of calmness and clarity straight away – it is a step by step process.
Cultivate a Peaceful Mental State
Here are a couple of suggestions for how to help create mental space for calm and peace:
Eat Healthy & Exercise
A healthy diet provides natural energy and boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the chemicals in our body that make us feel good. Here are some suggestions for how to get started: Improving sleep, cultivating a calm mental space, having a healthy diet and regular exercise are the foundations for sustaining a well-balanced life.
4. Minimize Toxins
We’re not talking about chemicals (though that might help too.) Minimize the negative influences around you. Avoid toxic people (complainers, whiners, poor attitudes). If you can’t completely avoid them, at least minimize contact and tune them out as much as you can. Surround yourself with positive, supportive, can-do people whenever possible.
5. Spend Time Alone
Making time for yourself is probably the hardest thing to do for the typical overworked and overwhelmed person, but it is crucial for lowering stress, increasing happiness and encouraging creativity. Some things to try: meditate, write, sketch, do some yoga or simply sit quietly for a few minutes each day and do absolutely nothing. Once you find an activity you enjoy doing alone, prepare to reap the benefits! Here are 10 Things That Happen When You Start to Enjoy Being Alone to help you get your life in balance.
6. Relationships Do Matter
Set aside quality time for your family and friends. A recent study examining the socioecological factors that influence work–life balance found that satisfying social needs in relationships were significantly associated with a healthy work-life balance. [2] Don’t sit in front of your chosen device. Plan a date with your significant other, grab coffee with a friend, or have some playtime with a child. Take time to connect and pay attention to those you care about. This quality time is essential for achieving balance in life. Find out more about how to balance family and work life here.
7. Treat Yourself
Get a pedicure or a facial. Better yet, schedule a massage. Plan your self-care sessions – and commit! For example, if you are a person who feels more relaxed after a massage, try scheduling massages once a month for 6 months to a year (or however far you wish!) and pay ahead of time. That way, there will be no excuse that you are too busy, and you will be less inclined to postpone since you have already paid. It doesn’t need to be costly; a glass of wine, your favorite coffee or tea, a delightfully scented candle, or beautiful flowers will make a huge impact.
8. Explore the World
Get outside for a walk and really take in your surroundings. Try out a new route to work, visit a new place or play tourist in your hometown. Check out your local theater, explore amateur photography, or visit your local park.
9. Expand Your Awareness
Take a class, learn to paint, or try something new that you’ve always wanted to learn. Read a book that sparks your interest, or try listening to uplifting music. Find what interests you.
10. Remember Fun
Laugh, joke, play, find your sense of humor, subscribe to a daily joke, or get a tear-off calendar. Nothing makes you feel better as fast as a good old-fashioned belly laugh. Science says laughter boosts the immune system, protects the heart, and lighten’s your load when you’re feeling down or angry.[3]
Final Thoughts
Creating balance in life is not about cramming many things into your everyday life. It is about knowing what is important and what isn’t and figuring out how much capacity and energy you have to invest in what is important to you. Living a well-balanced life is crucial for your health, happiness, and well-being. Not only will you feel like your best self, but you will also find that more balance in your life will boost your productivity, manage your stress levels, and help you live to your fullest potential. Featured photo credit: Katie Barrett via unsplash.com
