Today finding one’s Life Balance is the topic on everyone’s mind. We all want some form of balance in our lives and within ourselves.
Yet, this simple little phrase has so much attached to it and what it actually stands for.
The big questions on everyone’s mind are:
Do I have balance in my life?
or
Do I have an imbalance in my life?
These in turn raise more questions:
What does life balance feel like?
What does life balance look like?
What are my priorities?
Take a little time to ponder on these questions, really think about them in order to get a clear perspective of how your life is actually balanced.
For all those reading this post one thing is for sure – you’ll all answer those questions differently.
Why? Because life balance looks and feels different for each and every one of you.
Life Balance – Benefits
Maintaining a healthy life balance is not only essential for happiness and well-being; it can also be a tremendous boost to a person’s creativity, their career progression and/or the success they crave in a business venture they might embark on.
This is because a well-balanced person has a far greater ability to focus their attention and energy on attaining their goals, taking productive actions and moving forward in a meaningful way.
However, one of the great insights into Life Balance is that whilst it is personal to each individual it can change depending on what their life entails at any given moment in time.
If people don’t recognise this and do something about it then things can get out of balance and life can become overwhelming.
If that happens then one can end up totally depleted and running on an empty tank.
TIPS
Below are some steps you can take to change what ever isn’t working for you and bring the balance back into your life.
It should be noted that the key is not to try to change everything all at once – make small adjustments over time. In this way you will be able to analyse and determine what works best for you.
Eventually you will have developed a whole new set of positive life habits and you’ll never look back!
Here are 10 simple things that work:
1. Turn Tech OFF
At the weekend DISCONNECT: Don’t make excuses, just try it for one day at least, or even for a just few hours each night.
Put the phone down and turn off the computer. Give your work brain a rest.
Now spend that extra time interacting with your family and friends!
2. Trim n Slim
It’s a given that if your life is constantly overflowing with work related things you will not be able to manage it all. It’s just not possible.
And that ultimatley causes pressure and stress.
So learn to say NO to anything that is either not essential or doesn’t add something of value to your life.
BE RUTHLESS!
Behave like the editor of a daily newspaper – cut, cut, cut, anything and everything, if it’s not good for the story.
3. Pay Attention to Your Health
Everyone has heard this time and time again. Look after your health! We usually pay lip service to the principle but fail to act on it.
We all know what we need to do and how we need to do it (author included). However, it isn’t until we have a health crisis that it becomes a priority .
Our health really does affect the quality of our lives and our work.
Scientific studies have shown that we are far more productive and happier when we get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and engage in some type of physical activity.
4. Reduce the Toxics
By that, I don’t just mean the toxic chemicals we intake from a poor diet, smoking or drug use. (although that would certainly help.)
What we mean here is to reduce the negative influences around you.
Avoid toxic people, complainers, whiners, people with negative attitudes. If you can’t avoid them completely, at least minimise contact with them as much as you can.
Try to surround yourself with positive, supportive, can-do people whenever possible.
5. Spend Time Alone
Making time for you 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.
Nowadays this is often referred to as Me-Time. You can read more about the enormous benefits of Me-Time –> here.
Some things you might like to try: meditate, write, sketch, do some yoga or simply sit quietly for a few minutes each day and do absolutely nothing.
Also. You could try to recite The 5 Rules of Life in your mind each and every morning. I do.
You’ll find those rules –> here
6. Relationships Matter
Every day set aside some quality time to spend with your family and friends. Don’t just sit in front of the television, or a computer screen.
Really connect with the people in your life and pay attention to those that you care most about. We’re talking about good old fashioned face-to face time, not Zoom!
For example you could make a date with your significant other, or go out for a coffee with one of your friends. How about playing a game with your children.
Yes really get to know the people around you.
7. Treat Yourself
If you’re a lady then you might want to get yourself a pedicure or a facial. Better yet, schedule a massage.
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.
If you’re a man you might want to go to a sporting event, an iconic sightseeing day out, a three course champagne celebration, a locked room mystery, or even a workshop masterclass.
For a couple maybe you’d both enjoy a TV presenting experience, or even a cookery class with the experts.
8. Explore the World
Take a walk in nature and pay attention to what you see going on around you.
Take a new route each day. You could also visit a new town or try being a tourist in your own.
Attend a local theatre performance, play amateur photographer and photograph the birds or go to the park and watch the children playing. Let’s face it they really know how to enjoy life!
Each day you should get out the house and do something new. Try saying hello to the strangers you meet – you’ll be amazed how many will smile and chat with you.
9. Expand Your Awareness
There are many ways to expand your awareness. Here we look at the new skills you could undertake learning rather than the more spiritual aspects of awareness.
So. Try taking a class, or 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 some uplifting music. Find what interests you and do it!
10.Have Fun
Laugh, joke, play around, find your sense of humour, subscribe to a daily joke or get a tear-off silly calendar.
Nothing can help you feel better about life as a good old-fashioned laugh.
And Finally..
This is a huge topic which I could go on and on with. I’ll stop for now.
However, try to remember that life will always find a way to test us to the extremes – no matter how much we will think we’ve mastered our life balance. So don’t ever be afraid to take the occasional test.
As my father told me when I was a child….
“You are not judged by the challenge, you are judged by how you handle it.”
Please remember – finding Life Balance will always be different for everyone.
I will end by saying that it’s important that you should always listen to what your inner voice is telling you. Very often it is guiding you into a space which will help you gain the balance in your life.
I leave you now with Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole and his rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
Peace and tranquility.
Author: Michael W
Special Thanks to
Rambling in Pen 