July 18, 2016

Balance isn’t just for gymnasts and yoga enthusiasts.  Finding balance in your life can reduce stress, improve mental and physical health and help you to achieve your goals.  Sometimes it can help to take a step back and realize that it is not too much of something we are doing, it could be not enough of something else.  For example, if you are a fit and healthy person exercising 4-5 times per week and finding you are tired, perhaps it is not more exercise you need more but more time relaxing, down time reading a book, talking to friends or getting a good night’s sleep.  Maybe you are a social butterfly and are busy every night one week, the next week find a night or two to relax without feeling pressure “to do” and instead “just be”.  phdbalance

Incorporating the Past to find Balance

Think of the last time in your life where you felt more relaxed or not pressured, what was different then? Are there things you can bring back into your life that worked before?  Perhaps learning something new would balance our your need to learn, socialization time and feeling more accomplished.  That could mean altering a weekly coffee date with a friend to going to a local class for painting, yoga or drumming.  Combining goals and tasks for the week can relieve pressure to “get things done”.

Balance can also mean finding time to care for yourself when you feel drained from helping others.  It is ok to say “No” or “I wish I could but I can’t” and schedule time for YOU.  Balancing social time with alone time is a must for those with more introvert type personalities and can also help those that are more social butterflies.  One thing is not bad in and of it self, however when we have an abundance of one thing and are lacking another that is when we notice symptoms of suffering.   If you find yourself feeling drained or overwhelmed take time to not only consider what you have too much of, but what is missing that would balance your body and mind.