Being pulled in too many directions may have your feeling out of balance. Here are some ways to find a middle ground:
- Acknowledge imbalance. Finding balance starts with admitting that something in your life is out of whack. Recognizing that you need to make a change is a first and necessary step.
- Ask questions. Evaluating what you want and need in your life is key to finding balance. Questions to consider include:
- What makes me feel happy or contented?
- What makes me feel sad, frustrated, or angry?
- What actions or activities help me feel like my life is on the right track?
- What does success mean to me?
- Keep a time log. Track how you spend your time for a week or two. Then, consider how much time you spend on what you want or need to do versus how much is lost to procrastination or other distractions. Look for problematic patterns or excess time spent on low-priority activities.
- Streamline. Cramming more tasks into a day is a recipe for exhaustion. Instead, look at ways to pare back your to-do list. Fewer obligations will help you stay focused and present.
- Practice energy management. Energy management helps you determine when you are most effective so you can use that time to your advantage. It also builds time to rest and regroup into your daily schedule.
- Build resilience. Make time for activities that rebuild your energy reserves. Having a well of resilience to draw from may help you maintain balance during busy or stressful times.
- Cultivate relationships. Having a circle of trusted family and friends makes it easier to weather difficult times. Find people who treat you with respect, support your goals, and make you laugh.
- Encourage life balance in those around you. Extend kindness and compassion to your friends, family, and colleagues. Respect their need to find balance in their own lives.
Source: The Staywell Company, LLC
