Balance. Maybe we never quite get there. But some balance is better than the alternative: Rushed, worried, cluttered, stressed, lonely, and tired. Here are five ways to determine if your life is out of balance.
- You have no enthusiasm to exercise.
I’m not talking about training for an ultra-marathon or the Cross Fit games. Unless you enjoy that kind of stuff. But you are made to move. That is why God gave you legs. Things like walking in nature or playing with the kids or going to the gym. If none of this sounds remotely appealing to you then you are out of balance.
- You get irritable easily.
The smallest things get to you. Like bad drivers, people who text and walk, commercials, indecisive people at the coffee shop, and showing up to the doctor early only having to wait an additional 45 minutes.
- You constantly carry at least a low level of stress and anxiety.
You worry more than you dream. And when you do dream, it is to escape reality. You long to regain the freedom your fears have stolen.
- You hit the snooze button rather than actively beginning the day.
If you are continually tired when you wake up—you need more balance.
- You are frequently bored.
You live in a huge world—most of which you haven’t experienced. You have access to more media and literature than any generation ever has. And your mind is amazing. Boredom has to do with being out of balance and not being out of options.
And now you realize your life might be out of balance—here are eight ways to achieve more balance.
- Laugh
Laughter isn’t the opposite of seriousness. Laughter is the opposite of despair. Watch a funny movie. Listen to a comedian. Have fun with friends.
- Learn
Be intentional about growing. People out of balance are not moving forward in life. They maintain. New information and new skills lead to new possibilities.
- Detox
Not chemicals from your body. Although that might help too. Detoxify yourself from people who drain energy from you. Detoxify yourself from self-destructive habits. Detoxify yourself from hurtful things in your past.
- Disconnect
Pick a few nights during the week and a day on the weekend. Turn off your phone. The world will be fine without you and you will be better off without the world. You will return to the world as more balanced which is good for both you and the world.
- Simplify
Complexity is a symptom of being out of balance. Simplify. Say “no” more often. Declutter. Complain less. Forgive more.
- Strengthen
Take care of yourself. Sleep a little more. Eat a little better. Be a little more active. You’ll feel better.
- Play
Do what you want to do with who you want to be with. Stop taking yourself so seriously.
- Pray
Connect to God. Listen. Seek. Reflect. Center. Focus. Ask for balance. You’ll get it.
