It feels odd to use the word “balance” when talking about life. The picture that comes to mind is a balanced scale or a teeter-totter, but the reality is that life’s events, activities, and responsibilities aren’t always going to be balanced evenly as a teeter-totter would be. Creating life balance is about being present and feeling fulfilled in all areas of life. When you achieve this, you’ll feel emotionally and physically balanced and live life in a positive, passionate way.
The key to creating fulfillment is to follow some very simple rules:
1. Breathe
Breathing is free, portable, and life-changing. Stop what you’re doing. Place both feet flat on the floor, relax your shoulders, close your eyes, and place one hand on your belly while the other rests on your lap. Now use your nose to inhale, filling every part of your belly full of air. Pause at the top of the inhalation and then exhale through the mouth. Repeat often. (For more on the benefits and practice of deep breathing, watch this video.)
2. Be Present
When we take things one step at a time and focus on the task at hand, we are more productive and less stressed. Break the multi-tasking cycle and begin accomplishing one “to-do” at a time. This provides us space to think clearly, be direct about our goals, and structure the day to achieve them.
3. Positive Affirmation
Researchers believe we have 60,000 thoughts a day and 80 percent of them are negative! We’re filling our brains with self-limiting beliefs when we allow negative self-talk into our lives. This is a sure-fire way to feel unfulfilled and out of balance.
Start replacing the negative chatter with a positive affirmation. When you hear the negative thoughts, silently say “there’s no space in my life for this to exist” and replace the negative thoughts with a positive affirmation. An affirmation is an “I am” statement such as “I am capable” or “I am confident” or “I am worthy,” ideas that will support you in health and happiness. Use powerful words that speak to you and carry meaning in your life.
4. Release Control
There’s no need to fret about the decisions another people make or the reactions people have to the choices you make. You can only control your choices and your responses.
Begin to release control of others’ decisions and responses by giving them permission to respond however they need to respond. This can be done silently, or communicated directly to the person in a caring, loving way. This will free you up to experience more fulfillment and joy in your own life.
5. Live a Life of Gratitude
The practice of gratitude sheds new light, affirms the positive, and helps you celebrate all that is good. Take time every day to express gratitude for the big and small things in your life. Write down 5-10 things you’re grateful for each morning upon waking, and again at night before going to sleep.
