Today, I wanted to talk about a topic that I know everyone can relate to. Some are better at it than others but none the less it is something so vital to our lives no matter what may be thrown at us.
Learning to balance all aspects of our lives are a lot easier said than done. Believe me, I know. I have and sometimes I still do struggle with trying to balance family, friends, working, schooling, working out, e.t.c. So I thought what better way than to share some tips that I personally use to help me balance life just a little easier.
What does 'BALANCE' mean?
Balance for me is learning to handle various elements in my life where my heart, soul, and mind are in the same place and aren't being pulled in a million different directions. Therefore leaving me confused and indecisive.
How do you find balance?
Well, let's sub categorize for a second. The category is 'BALANCE' let's make two subcategories which will be 'external balance' & 'internal balance. The trick here is to balance out your subcategories because one person might focus more on one than the other. For example: I am the type of person who focuses more on 'internal things' meaning I focus more on self' reflection. What I can do to better myself or a situation. As where my husband is the opposite. He focuses more on 'external things' like work or school or any type of outside 'activity' which leaves him paying little detail to inside feelings.
For a better understanding here are internal & external listed out.
INTERNAL: Heart. Mind. Health.
EXTERNAL: Work. Family. Fun. Social.
All of these things have a positive & a negative to your life based on how you handle each one.
Here are a few ways to help get you aligned and feel at ease.
1. Acknowledge.
Take some time to really look at your life, your state of mind, and
how you’re feeling. Be honest with yourself and notice the areas of your
life that you’re neglecting.
2. Examine.
Notice if you’re leaning more toward an internal or external focus,
or if there are areas within each category that you would like to be
more balanced.
3. Set Goals.
Look at the outline to help you decide which ways you want to balance your life. Make a list.
4. Plan Tasks.
Make a list of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks that you will need to
do to achieve each of these goals . What have you tried in the past?
Did it work? If not, what can you do differently?
5. Reflect.
What is the most important thing you’ve accomplished in the past? How
did you stay focused toward this goal? How did you handle your fears,
doubts, anxieties, worries, and negative self talk? How does it feel to
know that you accomplished the goal in spite of these parts of yourself?
6. Prepare.
What is your inner “stuff” that will try to keep you from sticking to
your plan? (i.e. fears, worries, doubts, negative self talk etc.) Can
you specify the things you will say to yourself to push you off track?
(i.e. “just one more bite, I’ll start eating better tomorrow”) Make a
list.
7. Empower.
What do you need to remember in those times? What are things you can say to that self-sabotaging part of yourself? Be kind to yourself. Balance won’t feel good if you’re cruel to yourself in creating it!
8. Connect.
Is there a person or a tactic you can use to keep yourself supported,
motivated, and focused in those hard times? I highly recommend
connecting and sharing your inner process with someone. Find someone who
can help you challenge your inner demons, and celebrate your little
accomplishments.
9. Plan.
Just like accomplishing any goal in life, it takes time and effort to
overcome your habitual patterns and create new ones. If you stay on
track with this detailed and intentional process for three whole months,
then there is a good chance you will create new habits to enjoy a more
balanced life going forward!
I hope you find these tips helpful!
XOXO
thetinyvegan@gmail.com
