How to Get Your Life Back Into Balance

Do you ever find yourself feeling exhausted or overwhelmed? Most people are busy with family, work, hobbies, or community responsibilities. Sometimes people allow their schedules to take control of their lives, and priorities might get disorganized. As a result, they may feel stressed, frustrated, and tired.

When your life is feeling a little imbalanced, it may feel as though you have neglected your needs, values or priorities. Although it may be easy to feel regretful and burned out at that moment, you can still work toward achieving a sense of equilibrium. The following practices will help bring balance back into your life:

• Be reasonable. People have a limit to resources like time, money, and energy. It is completely understandable to want to accomplish many things; however, it is important to consider how much time is in a day. Know that you are one person. Erase the idea of perfection and problem-solving for others—it’s okay not to get everything done. You are doing your best.
• Find a support system. Find the people in your life who build you up and support you, who add value to your life, and inspire you to be a better version of yourself. Try to avoid people who add or create more stress for you. Remember that stress will affect you physically, so, within reason, consider phasing out those who might be causing your stress or imbalance.
• Take control and say no. People often say yes to others because they may feel an unreasonable pressure to immediately please people. It is important to consider your current list of responsibilities and take time to think about what you can reasonably complete. Try to alleviate adding extra stress by learning how to say no.
• Make a schedule for rest. Resting doesn’t always have to mean sleeping, it can mean, reading, listening to music or a podcast, or utilizing a creative outlet. Whatever you choose, do things that bring you comfort and peace.
• Focus on today. There will always be something that we will need to do, haven’t gotten to, or something we have always wanted to do. Try to avoid obsessing about the future and focus on what is happening today. Creating a healthy, balanced life requires you to be present in your family, friends, hobbies, and work.

Remember there is more to life than the daily stressors that create imbalance and unhappiness. Start taking steps toward a more balanced life by learning how to take control, set boundaries, and focus on today. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, Centerstone can help. Call 1-877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) for more information about our counseling services.