We all KNOW that to be successful we must find balance in our life. The art of juggling
is not lost as we try desperately not to discount one aspect of our life while
pouring our energies into another.
In a recent post of Royale Scuderi, she outlines 10 steps to help us
find balance.
·
Turn it off – Disconnect on the weekend. I
hear the excuses already, but try it, at least for one day or even a few hours
each night. Put the phone down and turn off the computer. Give your work brain
a rest. Bonus: Spend the extra time actually interacting with your family
and friends!
·
Trim, trim, trim – It’s a given that if
your life is overflowing you will never be able to achieve balance and manage
it all. It’s just not possible. Say no to
everything that is either not essential or doesn’t add something valuable to
your life. Be ruthless!
·
Pay attention to your health – We hear this
over and over again, but usually only give it lip service. We know what we need
to do, but it isn’t a priority until we have a health crisis. Our health really
does affect the quality of our lives and our work. We are far more productive
and happier when we get enough sleep, eat a little healthier and fit in some
type of activity.
·
Minimize toxins– By that I don’t mean
chemicals (though that might help too.) Minimize the negative influences around
you. Avoid toxic
people (complainers, whiners, poor attitudes.) If you can’t
completely avoid them, at least minimize contact and tune them out as much as
you can. Surround yourself with positive, supportive, can-do people whenever
possible.
·
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. Some things to try; meditate, write, sketch, do some
yoga or simply sit quietly for a few minutes each day and do absolutely
nothing. You can do it!
·
Relationships do 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. Make a date with your
significant other, have coffee with a friend, play a game with a child. Really
get to know the people around you.
·
Treat yourself– Get 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.
·
Explore the world - 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. Attend a local performance, play amateur
photographer or go to the park and watch children play. They really know how to
enjoy life!
·
Expand your awareness – Take a class, 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. Find what
interests you.
·
Remember fun – Laugh, joke, play, find your
sense of humor, subscribe to a daily joke or get a tear-off calendar. Nothing
makes the feel better as fast as a good old-fashioned belly laugh.
So my friends, feel free to use any of these strategies, or
feel free to add to the list ~ how do you find YOUR balance?
Be good to yourself.
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