Balance is defined as “an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.”
How often have you lost your balance in life?
With the many balls that you have to juggle, it can sometimes be hard to keep every area of life in perfect harmony. Most psychologists and self-help gurus look at five main areas that need regular attention in life: professional, personal, spiritual, emotional, and physical.
What does it mean to have balance, anyways?
Elements of a balanced life include:
- Limiting time-wasting activities that don’t bring joy
- Taking time for self and relationships
- Saying no when you need a break
- Looking for flexible work environments
- Keeping health a priority (mental and physical)
Finding the balance can be tough, but not impossible.
Setting time aside for self-care, nourishing your mind and body, setting priorities, and having a positive attitude can lessen regular imbalances. Employees in particular often find burning the candle at both ends can lead to an exhausting, vicious cycle that’s tough to break.
For those who let life become regularly unbalanced — working 48+ hour weeks, for example — the consequences physically and mentally are severe. Several studies found that longer hours make employees more likely to drink heavily. Not to mention chronic health issues like fatigue, insomnia, depression, and high blood pressure that come on swiftly due to personal neglect.
It’s easy to let life get so hectic that certain needs get pushed to the back burner. But, if you’re mindful of setting aside time for each area of your life, the more in sync each will be — and the less work it takes to get your balancing act together.
Easy Life Balancing Activities
Ready to bring some balance back into your life?
Here’s a look at 29 ways to live a healthier, more balanced life in the five areas that often fall out of alignment the most:
Professional
- Find a mentor
- Take days off
- Ask yourself if your job is fulfillingyou
- Don’t overbook your schedule
- Stick to 40 hours of work or less per week
- Set aside development days throughout the year
Personal
- Take an art class
- Enjoy a spa day
- Try a new restaurant
- Learn a new language
- Plan a day trip somewhere new
- Take lessons in a new interest (cooking, kitesurfing, yoga, meditation, etc.)
Emotional
- Give back by volunteering
- Invite a group of friends over for dinner
- Join a service club
- Take a friend out to lunch
- Rid your space of clutter
- Talk to three new people each day
Spiritual
- Connect with nature
- Go on a mental health retreat
- Take a solo trip somewhere
- Learn to be still and meditate
- Read a new self-help book each month
- Minimize toxins (people, habits, chemicals, etc.)
Physical
- Learn to garden
- Try a dance class
- Take daily nature walks
- Become a certified yoga instructor
- Walk a dog for an elderly neighbor
Balance Means Less Burnout
We don’t have to do it all. In fact, we can’t. It’s an illusion to think that humans are invincible and don’t need time for rest and play, alongside work.
But, it is important to find happiness in all areas of our life: professional, personal, spiritual, emotional, and physical. Each area won’t be balanced perfectly all the time, but when each area is fulfilled most of the time, it results in a happier and healthier you.
That looks different for everyone, so keeping that in mind as you find balance in each area makes it easier for you to not judge yourself on what you are or aren’t doing. Do what aligns best with your values and beliefs, and it will result in an overall feeling of peaceful balance.
As long as there is some attention being paid to each area, that’s the key to balancing more and burning out less.
What does a balanced life mean to you? And what creative ways do you find your balanced life?