“MORE OF WHAT WE LIKE, LESS OF WHAT WE DON’T.”
Many people will have a certain resonance with the words, “I need to find more balance in my life” – this normally presents itself particularly when we are stressed, tired or we feel we just don’t have enough time, maybe we feel that there is something lacking. Are we neglecting some part of our life – work, family, friends or more importantly yourself?
Life is a balancing act – we are all constantly juggling and that in my opinion is kinda healthy – each day, week, month or year is different and we need to learn to adapt and be happy with who we are and what we do for ourselves and also for others.
Sometimes we look at others and what they do and what they have and seem to always want more for ourselves, again that is not wrong. However, in a bid to accomplish our goals and to succeed on all fronts, we often fail to understand the importance of having balance in our lives.
Maintaining a well-balanced life isn’t just crucial for your health, happiness, and well-being but also essential for increasing productivity, managing stress, and releasing your true potential.
We have all heard the expression “not seeing the wood for the trees” – sometimes we need to prune the branches to see the wood, this is important on many levels – it gives us sight of the tree – focus, and more importantly it gives way to new growth.
Over the last twenty years’ time and time again I have met with many senior leaders who have got stuck and on first sight seem confused or lost – many have never stopped they have been on a rollercoaster and have not had time to think they just do, affording them some time and just listening has always worked to give them clarity and a way forward.
It’s always amazing to me, by taking a little time and looking within always leads to a clearer, healthier and focused view of what and who we actually are – it always leads to a big smile and a sense of what to do next.
So, how can you achieve balance? It all starts with you – look within……here are some easy ways to get you started:
Stop & Pause:
Take some time off to unwind. Relax and recharge. It could be a couple of hours a day or during the weekends. Switch off all your devices (laptops/phones) and engage. Read a book, meditate, practice yoga, go for a run or talk to a loved one. I get it…. the urge is to see who just pinged you or to check Facebook/Instagram accounts, but it’s important to note that all of these things can wait.
Similarly, don’t trade your sleep for work. Overworking or overthinking about work-related issues at home doesn’t’t just elevate stress, it also kills productivity and can damage your relationships. Once you’re done for the day, take your mind off work – Switch Off
Relationships Matter:
Find time for quality time with your family and friends. Connect and pay attention to those you care about. Make a date with your partner, have a drink with a friend, play a game with a child. Get to know the people around you – Connect More
Trim & Edit:
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!!! – Edit More
A Healthy Lifestyle:
We hear this time and time again, but usually only give it lip service. We know what we need to do, but it is not 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 – Health
Avoid Negativity:
Adopting a positive mindset and staying away from negative influences is essential for inner peace and happiness. Stay away from toxic people (complainers, whiners, poor attitudes) as much as possible. If you can’t completely avoid them, at least minimise contact and tune them out as much as you can. Practice gratitude, avoid self-criticism and do at least one thing every day that makes you happy – Exclude the Negative
Reward Yourself:
A manicure, pedicure or a facial. Better yet, a massage or a long soak in the bath. It doesn’t’t need to be expensive; a glass of wine or cocktail, your favourite coffee or tea, a candle or some beautiful flowers will make a huge impact – Reward You
Explore More:
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 on your own. Attend a theatre or music event, keep your eyes open and look at who is enjoying life!! – Explore More
Just Have Fun:
Laugh, joke, play, find your sense of humour, subscribe to a daily joke, find fun around you to engage in, surround yourself with fun people. Nothing makes you feel better as fast as a good old-fashioned belly laugh – Have Fun