Life balance seems to be a struggle these days. Who knew staying home and doing nothing would be so off balancing! We know that maintaining a healthy life balance is not only essential for happiness and well-being; it can be a tremendous boost to your productivity and career or business success as well.
The question is, in a pandemic world, what does life balance really mean? What would a balanced life look like to us in this “new world”? And most importantly, how do we go about achieving it in the midst of work schedules, homeschooling, lockdowns and restrictions?
The key is not to try to change everything at once, but to make small adjustments over time to determine what works for you. Here are my 10 action steps to creating balance in your life;
1️. Turn It Off Disconnect from the online world. Put the phone down and turn off the computer. Whether it’s too much time on TikTok (that’s me) or overworking yourself, just disconnect! 2️. Trim The List It’s a given that if your life is overflowing you will never be able to achieve balance and manage it all. Say no to anything that is either not essential or doesn’t add value to your life. 3️. Listen to your body. If your body says take a nap, take a nap. If your body says “not today”, then it’s a no. Your body knows when you’re overworking it. On the flip side, your body may be begging you to take a walk. 4️. Minimize Toxins I mean this in terms of what we eat, what we put on our bodies & who we surround ourselves with. Minimize the negative influences around you. Avoid toxic people (complainers, whiners, poor attitudes.) you can choose to talk to them about their attitude /behaviour, or simply 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 you is probably the hardest thing to do for the typical overworked and overwhelmed person, and even harder when you’re locked in with the FamJam! But it is crucial for lowering stress, increasing happiness and encouraging creativity. Some things to try:
meditate
write
sketch
do some yoga
sit quietly for a few minutes each day and do absolutely nothing.
6️. Relationships Matter
Set aside quality time with your family and friends. Don’t just sit in front of the television, really connect and pay attention to those you care about. There are ways around this during restrictions and lockdowns. Plan a zoom date with friends or family, have driveway coffee dates with a friend, play a game with a child.
7️. Treat Yourself
This may seem difficult in a lockdown - believe me I can’t wait to get a pedicure and a facial! You can still schedule a massage too! It doesn’t need to be costly; a glass of wine, your favorite coffee or tea, UberEats Starbucks to your door, light a scented candle, pick up beautiful flowers at the store, watch a good movie. It will make a huge impact.
8️. Step Into Nature Take a walk and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Take a new route, visit a new town or try being a tourist in your own. Play amateur photographer around town or at a park. Stand and face the sun. Plant your bare feet on to the ground. Mother Earth is so healing!
9️. Expand Your Awareness
Take an online class/workshop, 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. Music ALWAYS heals my soul.
10. Remember Fun
Laugh, joke, play, find your sense of humor, watch a comedic movie, or stand up show on Netflix. Nothing makes you feel better like a good old-fashioned belly laugh.
Reminder, you don’t need to do ALL of these steps. Find what suits you!