Balancing your obligations and need for personal time can be a stressful task to accomplish when so many things are going on in your life. Fortunately, it can be quite simple to bring balance back into your life and refocus on the things that matter most to you. Following are seven tips you can use to bring balance into your life and achieve a greater sense of wellbeing.
1. Go Outside and Reconnect With Nature
People tend to spend most of their time indoors, whether it’s at work or at home. More so now than ever due to remote work being so common. Being surrounded by nature has many benefits for our physical health. A walk in the park on a warm sunny day can invoke a sense of calmness and joy within a person. Furthermore, the sun is an important source of vitamin D, which can boost your mood and enhance your sense of wellbeing. Try taking at least fifteen minutes each day to go on a brisk walk outside. You’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel once it is over.
2. Learn How to Say No
Many people struggle with their ability to say no. Whether it’s in response to taking on another workplace project or going out with friends when you really don’t want to, declining an invitation or offer can seem difficult to do. We often feel guilty when we turn someone down, however, accepting every invitation and project that comes your way increases your risk of burnout, anxiety, and even depression. Bring balance back into your life by becoming familiar with your social and workload thresholds, and saying “no” to invitations that you aren’t comfortable with accepting.
3. Take Up Journaling
Journaling is a highly effective way to decrease mental stress and anxiety. The great thing about journaling is that all you need to get started is some paper and a pen (or a laptop). There is no right or wrong way to journal, as long as you keep writing. Consider setting aside fifteen minutes a day to write down your fears, worries, and things you are grateful for. By making journaling a part of your evening routine, you’ll be able to clear your head and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
4. Explore New Meaningful Hobbies That Bring You Joy
One of the most important ways to stay balanced is to engage in meaningful activities that bring you joy. Explore hobbies that you’ve always been interested in but haven’t had the time to do so. Have you always been interested in learning how to use tarot cards? Pick up a deck and learn about tarot card meanings and spreads. You could even use tarot cards as an inspiration for your daily journal entries. By exploring new hobbies and learning new things you’ll enjoy a better sense of well-being and balance in your life.
5. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Sometimes the ways in which we speak to ourselves and our own internal dialogue can have a negative effect on our outlook. When we feel overwhelmed we often ask ourselves why we can’t handle the pressure or manage stress as well as others do. When you feel those self-doubts start to creep in, try to redirect those negative thoughts and remind yourself of all of your positive attributions. By reframing negative thoughts and practicing compassion towards yourself you’ll feel more centered and balanced.
6. Get Involved With Your Community by Volunteering
Connecting with your community is one of the most effective ways to bring balance into your life and remind yourself of what truly matters. Get involved with your own community and volunteer at a local homeless shelter, hospital, or library. Volunteer work can provide you with a sense of purpose and improve your self-esteem, making it an effective way to find balance in your busy life.
7. Keep a Hopeful Outlook and Positive Mindset
When things get stressful it can become easy to feel overwhelmed. Even in the most difficult of times, it’s important to try to keep a hopeful outlook and see the silver lining in your situation. By remaining hopeful and staying positive about your situation and your future, you’ll increase your ability to cope and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle.
Everyone is unique, which means that we all have different thresholds at which we become overwhelmed and experience imbalance. By finding your limit, slowing down, and accepting the help of others around you, you’ll enjoy heightened inner peace and a greater sense of balance in life.
