Where to find the balance?

Working a 9-5, having obligations, wanting to work out, do the hobbies that make you feel good, eat good, being social, having resting time. Where do you find the balance in all these things? 

Every once in awhile, I get so caught up with this busy life that I simply forget to slow down. When I start feeling the tension in my shoulders and neck, and everyday I'm having to remind myself to stop clenching my jaw; It's moments like these that I realize "If I don't slow down now, I'm getting close to another burnout!"

Burnout's happen to me sometimes. It usually revolves around a time where life just seems to keep hitting me over the head with a brick. And responsibilities keep me so busy that I don't have much time for myself. So where can I find the balance?

"There is no such thing as a work-life balance- it is all life.  The balance has to be within you."
​ -Sadhguru

1) Turning things off.

Maybe this seems like an obvious one, but when is the last time you allowed yourself to be unavailable or bored? Turn the phone off. Shut the laptop. Find the times to let yourself be away from the technology. You might just find there actually is enough time in the day to put the laundry away, or get the dishes done. 


2) Prioritize.

Start saying no. I'm pretty bad at this one. Sometimes it's hard to say no to plans when I'm fully aware I have other things I need to get done. But what I have find to be more easier is instead of being the one invited to do things, start being the one to invite others to do things. And of course things planned ahead of time. That way you can have more scheduled times to spend with family and friends.



3) Spend time alone.

Easier said than done. In the comfort of your own home is always easiest, but try going outside of the house for more intentional time with yourself. Spending alone time really helps keep me grounded and can help with my social battery to recharge. Like going to a coffee shop or bookstore to read, study or relax. It's so necessary to spend that intentional time alone!


4) Clean out the toxicities. 

Life is so complex and there are many things out of our control. But think about some of the things you can control. Are there things you see on social media that makes you feel not good enough? Or is discouraging? Are you lacking inspiration because all the things you see are negative? Why not try cleaning up social media. Or finding ways to surround yourself with more positive things.

5) Self Care

What do you actually do for your self care? I do have another dedicated to self care! But definitely find set times to treat or. care for yourself regularly.

​6)Emotionally

Anger and sadness can lead us to holding on to negative feelings far longer than we would like.

"Anger is a sadness that had nowhere to go for a long time"

It's not easy to just let go of those negative feelings. Especially when you've been treated wrong. But working towards healing and finding healthy coping mechanisms is the first step. I think validation can help with healing. Talking with others that have experienced what you have, or speaking with a therapist can help get those feelings off your chest. 

I have found it really helpful reading books about certain topics. Like After the Rain. A dear friend gifted this book to me and I never resonated with a book more in my life.

So while it feels good to be validated, it's more important to validate yourself and take control of your emotions. No letting your emotions to control you.

We won't always receive the help we need. Sometimes it may feel the whole world is against us. But learning to be confident in yourself, rely on yourself and your abilities can go far.