5 Simple Steps to Find Balance and Get Your Life Back

For the past few months I’ve been on a bit of journey to try to improve my life. This has involved reading self-help books, figuring out what makes me tick, and spending more time on ‘me’.

I started getting up as close to 5am as possible — just like the books say — but I never quite made it to that exact time. It was a case of ‘body says no.’

I would do a short session of yoga and meditation and power straight into my work at 6am. By mid-afternoon, I was absolutely dying inside but needed to be available for work until 6pm. It was far from fun.

And so, I turned it all completely on its head and scrapped the 5am idea and instead allowed myself to sleep in. Every day. The first couple of days it was amazing. I felt like a sleep goddess. But lo behold as the days went on, I was still just as tired. I had stopped my yoga and meditation and was ploughing straight into work.

Neither routine was working and it was then I started to think about ‘balance’ and what that really means. It’s even harder now that most of us are remote working and trying to separate work and home life, but we need it.

The key is not to try to change everything all at once. I’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

Take a step back and figure out what a balanced life looks like to you. For me, it’s less time on work, more time on me, and spending time with my husband.

And so I’ve started with a few simple strategies/positive habits to gain back control of my life.

“Balance is a feeling derived from being whole and complete; it’s a sense of harmony. It is essential to maintaining quality in life and work” ~ Joshua Osenga

1. Turn it all off

Mute your work notifications after hours and at the weekend to eliminate the temptation to open them up and keep your work brain active. Modern technology is great but it can also be a hindrance. Stop endlessly scrolling through social media — so many of us do it and we’re scrolling away the hours of our life.

“The problem is that technology has become an extra limb for some of us. It’s important to utilize this technology, but at the same time it’s important to know when to take a break from it.” Alex Broches

2. Slow down

I thought that being efficient meant replying to every email and message instantly. That’s how I got into the 6am work habit as I wanted to be ahead of the game. Working at a fast pace was making me stressed and overwhelmed and I felt like I didn’t have any time in the day. Savour the little things like that morning cup of coffee, learn to say ‘no’ more often, and focus on one thing at a time.

3. Carve out time to spend on yourself

If you’re getting up earlier, make sure it actually benefits you. As I’ve found out the hard way, getting up ridiculously early to work is not a healthy habit. Instead take this extra time to do things for you — whether that’s reading, writing, meditating, or exercising — whatever it may be, make sure it’s for you. And don’t forget to schedule regular breaks throughout the day. Have that bubble bath, listen to some music, and just be.

4. Avoid negativity

Staying away from negative influences and toxic people is essential for inner peace and happiness. Whilst it’s important to follow the news, too much can have a negative effect on our lives. Of course, there are certain things that need our undivided attention and support. However we also spend a lot of time wallowing at day-to-day events that are mostly out of our control. Practice gratitude, adopt a positive mindset, and do at least one thing each day that makes you happy.

5. Prioritize

Examine what is important and what isn’t to figure out how much time and energy you should invest in the things that matter to you. For example, should you be answering a work email whilst eating dinner with your family? Is buying new clothes more important than saving money to re-vamp your home? Regularly evaluate your priorities so you can effectively manage your time and stay focused on your long-term goals.

Deep down, each of us knows what we need right now. If we could put into action our imagined perfect day, we would be much happier — and much more balanced. We are constantly competing with outside noise instead of focusing on our own priorities. We can’t do everything.

Stop trying to please everyone else, tune out the noise, and make sure you’re looking at the bigger picture. We all have limits and the sooner you accept yours, the easier it will be to find balance.

“When it comes to balance, you have been sold a bill of goods. It’s time to give yourself a break, embrace the life you have, and make adjustments that will allow you to grow in the areas that are crucial to your most important commitments as well as your happiness.” ~ Dan Thurmon