Living a Balanced Life, Is it Possible?

We all want to live a balanced life, and we strive to achieve what feels like at times, an elusive equilibrium between our work, family, friends, recreation, and other aspects of life. But is it really achievable? Is living a balanced life even possible in today’s hectic world? Let’s take a look.

Before we decide whether or not it is achievable, let’s define what “balanced life” means. To start with, it is important to note that no two people are alike—what works for one person may not work for you. That being said, there are some universal aspects of living a balanced life that can apply to everyone. These include setting realistic goals and expectations; being clear about your boundaries; taking time for yourself; prioritizing your commitments; and focusing on the present moment instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

Living a balanced life is possible—but it does take practice and perseverance. The key is to find what works best for you as an individual, and stick with it, while remaining flexible to make adjustments along the way. Some of these areas in more detail are:

Asserting your physical, emotional and mental boundaries by saying “no” when necessary is effective, so that you can focus on your priorities without getting overwhelmed by too much responsibility. Setting your boundaries will also involve taking time out of each day to relax and do something nourishing for yourself—whether it be reading a book, exercising, or catching up with friends—without feeling guilty about it!

Focusing on the present moment rather than worrying about things outside of your control (such as what will happen tomorrow, or getting your mind and emotions ensnared by focusing on what happened in the past). This can help reduce anxiety and stress levels significantly and give you more clarity when making decisions throughout the day.

Being able to cope with change and the inherent stress it brings, is now more important than ever if we consider all the unprecedented kinds of changes that are occurring at a very fast rate, across every facet of our lives. With the effects of globalization, human beings have become far more interdependent, and these faster-paced changes and disruptions are creating increased stresses in more areas, across broader populations. In our interdependency on one another, it can also make our physical world seem smaller. What affects those in one part of the world can now also have more of an impact on people living many thousands of miles away. With all these continuous changes, and not all negative either, it can also create greater uncertainty about being able to make long-term plans for the future. In human history though, there’s always been degrees of economic changes, political upheavals and wars between nations, earlier pandemics, famines, job losses, and climactic events, that have challenged our ability to cope and even to survive. Being aware that many things have their own cyclical timing, and being somewhat mentally and practically prepared for the unexpected, we can still move our lives forward in a positive way.

Staying connected to a community that resonates with you and grounds you, whether social or spiritual, is going to be your life-line when you experience yourself losing some of your inner balance and needing to shore up. Being able to turn to people you can lean on, and receive that extra emotional support to regain your equilibrium is truly a gift, and one worth investing in.

Conclusion:

Striking a balance between work, family, friends, recreation, etc., can seem like an impossible task at times. However, taking small steps to make shifts and changes will work best, and with some practice and determination acquiring more balance is definitely achievable!

Start by defining what a “balanced life” means to you personally, then set attainable goals and prioritize your commitments accordingly. Don't forget to take time out of each day for yourself - this will help reduce stress levels and keep you focused on the present moment, instead of worrying about the future.

The overall emphasis here, is that no matter what is happening next door to us, or 25,000 miles away, it actually matters far more, what is going on inside of each of us, the state of our own mental health, in how well we are able to focus on, and give good care to ourselves, in proportionate ways – is really what will help guide each of us to obtain more self-management and equilibrium in our lives.

Barbara Halcrow

Barbara believes that by offering ourselves more care and self-nourishment we will gain in personal strength and resilience. In this way, we can create swifter, positive changes in our lives, and we can also positively affect the lives of others.

Don’t forget to have your own “recess time” and add play to your day!

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