Almost a decade ago, I remember deciding that my life needed a more even dispersion of activities, priorities and interests. I printed off the word “BALANCE” in bold, black letters on a white, 8 ½ x 11 inch piece of paper and pinned it to my ceiling, directly above my pillow. Every morning, when I opened my eyes, “balance” was the first thing I was reminded of. At the time, of course, “balance” meant making sure I spent less time on MSN and more time reading, less time talking on the phone with my crush and more time talking to my parents and less time at the mall and more time completing my homework. My good friends knew about the “balance sheet” and, lovingly, teased me about it. I, too, thought it was kind of funny at the time.
But now, I can’t help but think that my 16 year old self was rather insightful. So often people will refer to a good “work-life balance” and I’m always reminded of that balance sheet. It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in haze of duty, tasks, meetings and to-dos and finding a good balance between work, play and everything in between can be tricky. The thing is, there is no one, set formula for balance. For some people, balance is attained through intensity, change and forward motion. For others, balance is found in peacefulness, routine and tranquility. In a recent discussion with friends, it became very clear to me that balance is understood and defined very differently from person to person, depending on an individual’s priorities, needs and desires. Whatever those priorities, needs and desires may be, it can often be useful to take a step back every now and then, to reset and refocus on the things that contribute to your well being and happiness and, ultimately, to a balanced life.
Not to suggest that you should print off your own balance sheet and pin it to your ceiling, but below is a list things to remind yourself of when your zen seems to be spiralling out of whack….
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Identify the things that make you happy and make time for them
Take the time to think about the things that make you feel your best. If it’s punching the clock 80 hours a week, then suit up, hustle hard and get it. If it means cutting out time in your day for exercise, then wake up that extra hour early to fit it in a sweat session. It’s important to identify the things that contribute to your overall well being and then give yourself the time to do those things.
2. Own it
Whatever it is that you need to do to feel balanced, don’t make excuses for it. Own it. Even if that means taking a bubble bath while everyone else is posting on Instagram about the “good things that will come to those hustle.” Own that bubble bath. You deserve it.
3. Roll with the punches
No one likes a curve ball, but be prepared that the best laid plans may change on a dime’s notice. Such is life and when you’re thrown one of those curve balls, the best thing you can do is to roll with the punches and play a game of catch.
4. Keep track
Keeping track of your lists and to-do’s, really helps to clarify what absolutely needs to get done and, what could possibly be put on the back burner. Try consulting your lists* (*read as: agenda) twice daily – once before heading to work and once before bed. This helps to create an efficient mindset but will also give you a chance to find those spaces in your schedule to do the things that you love. Looking ahead at your schedule on Sundays is also useful, for the same reason!
5. Mind, Heart, Health
These three things work to complement one each other, but often, they are the most difficult things to keep in balance.
Mind- It’s great to keep your mind stimulated, but aim to create opportunities for your mind to rest as well. Spending all day looking at a computer screen, then browsing on your phone, then perahps watching T.V.– on most days, a bright screen is almost inevitable. Try to find time for your mind to unplug. I’ll take a hot shower. I’ll do some laundry. I’ll go to a barre class. I’ll paint my nails. I try to carve out time where I’m stil being productive but that allows my mind (and my eyes for that matter) a little down time.
Heart – It’s easy to forget about the matters of the heart when your schedule is barely manageable. Remind yourself of love and think of ways to show love to those who matter to you, whether it’s a simple text message, phone call or a quick catch-up. Simulateneously, try to remind yourself of how you feel loved and make room in your life to accept it from those who are trying to give love to you.
Health – There’s no doubt that a healthly lifestyle is correlated to a happy, more balanced life. Eating well, drinking lots of water and exercising should be high up on your priority list. But every now and then, it’s probably equally benecifial to, straight up, treat yourself. Have an extra glass of wine… or a decadent desert… or anything that usually doesn’t find its way into your diet. Everything in moderation, of course.
And maybe these things won’t help at all when it comes to finding balance in your own life. But, in the words of Lao Tzu, “at the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.”
Taking the time to listen to yourself is often all it takes.
Happy (balanced) weekend nuts, enjoy!
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