Time to start working on my goal of creating balance in my life. It began with research and looking up articles and then finding myself laughing out loud as I saw titles like, “6 Ways – 9 Ways – 5 Ways to create balance.” Well, how many is it?? I don’t think there is any one correct answer. I think you need to decide for yourself what works best for you. So, after careful consideration, these are the steps I am following to help keep my life balanced and in check.
Take a break: It is important to take time off to unwind and recharge. During a workday, it means taking 10-minute breaks throughout the day to do some deep breathing, stretching and meditation. Be spontaneous and take a morning off and relax, read a book, have breakfast with a friend or loved one. Or better yet, plan a weekend getaway. Put down your phones, step away from your laptop and just relax!
Listen to your body: Your health is important. You need to take time to prepare meals to properly fuel your body and it is important to stay hydrated. The next one is tough because I am notorious for not doing this, but getting the rest you need. I am guilty of staying up too late and then getting up way too early.
Avoid negativity and toxic behavior: It is important to have a positive frame of mind. Negativity can drain your spirit and leave you feeling sad and frustrated. Remove the toxic people from your life. It only adds to the negativity and can prevent you from achieving inner peace. Start a gratitude journal, be less critical of yourself and try to do at least one thing everyday that brings you joy.
Prioritize your life: We all have a to-do list and sometimes it feels like a noose around our neck. Go through your list and start to examine what is important and worth spending your time and energy on. Do you really need to make that phone call? Can that email wait? Does that errand really need to be done today? Is that errand even necessary? Remember the phrase “Less is more?” We need to remind ourselves that we don’t need to finish everything on our list.
Take time for you: What?! Yes, it’s ok to pamper yourself. As women, we tell ourselves we are not allowed, but why? Get your nails done, get a massage, listen to music, read a book or take a me day. YOU ARE WORTH IT!!
Creating balance means finding what works best for you so can succeed in accomplishing your goals. It will constantly have to be fine tuned because life has a way of changing and many times without notice. But if you keep an open mind, anything is possible.
How do you keep balance in your life? I’d love to hear from you!
Several ways, but two are definitely playing either piano or guitar and coloring in my “big people” coloring books. It is such a great way for me to unwind & it even becomes meditative and I often only remember a dream while coloring!
I love coloring too! It’s so meditative!
Ahhh, balance! I remember that word and need to incorporate it all–especially while on a deadline to complete a novel! Great suggestions, Lisa.
Thanks Pat!!