Struggling to find balance in your life? You're not alone!

 

In today's fast-paced world, finding balance can seem elusive. Between work, family, social obligations, and personal hobbies, it can be challenging to find time for everything.

 

Living a life out of balance can lead to burnout, stress, and a decreased quality of life. That's why finding balance in your busy life is so important.

 

Well, I know that's easier said than done, so I've compiled a guide on how you can make it happen!

 

 

Assessing Your Current Lifestyle

 

The first step to a well-balanced life is to assess your current lifestyle. Take a step back and examine how you're spending your time.

I've talked about this before: Before you start fixing something, you need to know what's wrong!

• What are your priorities?

• Are you spending enough time on the things that matter most to you?

• What types of tasks are you wasting time on?

• Are you taking care of yourself?

 

Setting Priorities

 

Once you've assessed your current lifestyle, it's time to set priorities. 

• Decide what is most important to you and create a list!

• Make sure that you are dedicating enough time to those things.

 

Why?

• Productivity and Efficiency. When you have a clear sense of what needs to be done and the order tasks should be completed, you can better manage your time and avoid distractions that can impede your progress. Prioritising is key to productivity and helps you focus your precious time and energy on the most important and impactful activities. You can achieve your goals more effectively and feel a greater sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

• Less Anxiety and Stress. Having set your priorities straight will help you manage your time more efficiently, which can, in turn, reduce stress caused by feeling rushed or running out of time.

• More Opportunities. By having more free time, you'll be able to become aware of new opportunities knocking at your door, instead of being too busy, just trying to get things done!

How?

• Learn to say NO to certain obligations without feeling guilty. After all, there are only 24 hours in a day! If it doesn't fit, it doesn't. And that's ok!

• Delegate to others. Do you have any current tasks you can have someone else do instead? Create a list, and then assign them one by one!

 

 

Creating a Schedule

 

Creating a schedule is crucial in finding balance. After you've set your priorities, it's time to create a plan. Map out your day, week, or month and make sure you're allocating enough time to each of your priorities. Start with the ones that are more important to you. Don't forget to include time for self-care, rest, and relaxation... and don't forget about fun!

 

When you've got a list and a written schedule, you'll be able to free your mind from overthinking. You'll have space and extra time to focus on the more creative, fun stuff!

 

You can also read my article in Brainz Magazine on how to declutter and get things done: Declutter Your Life ‒ The 7-Step System To Getting It All Done.

Taking care of YOU

 

Create healthy habits to achieve more balance in your life. Remember, quality time is more important than quantity!

 

• Mindfulness and Meditation. Practising mindfulness and meditation can help you stay grounded and present in the moment. It will reduce stress and anxiety and help you focus on your priorities. You can use something like Insight Timer, a free app, to get started.

• Exercise and Movement. If you follow me, you probably know by now, Fitness is one of the 7 Fs of Oola (if not, learn more here). We believe regular exercise and movement are essential for a balanced life. Make sure to incorporate physical activity into your routine to help boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and improve your overall health. A healthy diet is, of course, part of this plan.

• Getting Enough Sleep. There are countless studies about the importance of quality sleep. It's crucial for our overall health and well-being. Ensure you get enough sleep each night to help reduce stress and improve your mood. I love using essential oils, like lavender, to help me relax and sleep better!

• Spend time alone. Personal space - and time - are vital in our busy lives and very often overlooked. Schedule some me time, preferably every day, but at least once a week, to spend some quality time by yourself. Go for a walk, take a hot bath, listen to your favourite music, read a book, journal, or be by yourself with your thoughts. It'll help you recharge your batteries and have more energy to tackle whatever comes your way.

• Treat yourself. Buy yourself a gift, eat your favourite food, go to a spa or have coffee with a good friend. Do whatever makes you feel loved and appreciated, first by you but also others, because you're worth it!

Remember Fun

 

That's another one of the 7 Fs of Oola and one of my favourites! It's all about doing what brings you joy. Everyday life doesn't have to be as serious as we make it. Make sure to include chunks of time just for fun!

• What makes you laugh? What brings a smile to your face? Whatever it is, do it as often as you can… and put it in your schedule if you feel you'll neglect it!

• Remember: one aspect of fun is communication. Connecting with others is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. Make time for social activities and spend time with the people who matter most to you. Schedule some quality family time. Do something fun with friends.

• Create a bucket list of all the things you want to do and the places you want to go. And start planning and scheduling them… one by one!

Last But Not Least

• Turn it off. Turn off useless distractions when it's appropriate, like:

  • Your phone in the evenings or when you're working on a specific task that needs your full attention. Remember the time we had no mobile phones? The world was still turning back then, but phones didn't interfere with our personal lives! 

  • Constantly watching the news and the negativity it comes with.

  • Social Media: endless and mindless scrolling. DO something meaningful instead.

  • TV binging. Yes, it's ok to do it occasionally, but if it feels like an addiction, it's time to address it.

  • Use these blocks of time to do something more creative and fun instead!

• Minimise toxins. Including toxic friends and relatives, as well as what you put in your body and your head (negative self-talk, negative feelings and thoughts). It's not easy, but it's a necessary part of having a balanced and fulfilling life.

• Practice Gratitude. Every day find things to be grateful for in your life. Appreciate the little things that make you smile or stop in awe, like a beautiful sunset. The more you practice gratitude, the more things you'll find to be grateful for.

• Expand your awareness. And what I mean by that is to try new things.

  • Change your routine.

  • Think outside the box.

  • What's a new way to do a boring and repetitive thing in your life? Like taking another way to work.

  • Consciously pause and look around like you're seeing everything for the first time! Appreciate it.

  • Learn something new.

  • Go on a trip.

  • And be more present in every moment of your life.

 

Remember, finding balance is a journey, not a destination. Take it one step at a time, with no pressure, and be kind to yourself along the way.

 

Need help? Learn more about Oola & Oola Life Coaching - How To Find Balance In An Unbalanced World here!