Finding a balance in your life can feel like an elusive goal at times. There are always so many things that you want to do and see, but finding the time to do everything that you want can be difficult. But finding a balance does not have to be a constant struggle. In fact, there are a number of small tips and tricks that you can use to find some much needed balance in your life.
Make a to-do list
It is simple, and may even sound silly, but it is a surprisingly beneficial activity for keeping your life, and your mind, in order. Jotting down the tasks you need to accomplish for the day (keep it realistic!) helps keep you on track. And there is a satisfying sense of accomplishment when you can check off what you have gotten done. But do not worry if you cannot finish everything. The list is meant to be a guideline rather than a taskmaster.
Be realistic with your expectations
When it comes to keeping your to-do list realistic, we sometimes find that it is okay to put things off or that it can be done by someone else (if we simply ask for help!).
Also, be realistic about your own expectations. You are setting yourself up for failure if you anticipate perfection. After all, it is the flaws that make life fascinating.
It is okay to ask for help
And, speaking of asking for help . . . we tend to shy away from asking for help because we do not want to inconvenience anyone or do not want to appear incompetent. But sometimes it is better to ask for help than go it alone. Even just asking for advice can provide great opportunities for growth and learning when we have someone else's perspective on a situation.
Break bigger tasks down into smaller ones
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step," as the adage goes. If you are faced with a work that appears too large to tackle all at once, consider if you can split it down into smaller chunks.
I am prone to having an all-or-nothing mindset. If I cannot get everything done at once, I feel like I will not be able to accomplish anything else, therefore it does not get done, and I become overwhelmed. But if I force myself to take a project and break it down to just 10 or 15 minutes at a time, it is not so overwhelming and the task will eventually get done.
Be sure to take breaks
Sure, you are trying to get things done, but if you push yourself too hard, you will burn out and accomplish nothing. It does not have to be extended periods of time; and taking five minutes to do things like deep breathing, rolling your shoulders, and letting your mind and body rest will help you stay motivated and focused.
Finding a good balance in your life is important. It allows you to feel like you have a good amount of time to do the things you want to do, and also allows you to make sure you get the things you have to do done. It is okay to focus more on one area of your life than another at first, but the point is to try and find a good balance so you can feel satisfied.
