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Creating a Balanced Life in a Season of Chaos
By Paige A. Mitchell
Even with the best of intentions and all the time and money in the world, a balanced life is not easy to come by. What does a balanced life mean to you? Is it having time for your work, your family, your friends, and your health? Does it mean saying no to some commitments and appointments that are not high on your list of priorities? Maybe it means coming home a bit earlier, spending more time with your children, waking up before your alarm to stretch, pray, and get ready for the day.
There are many ways to create a balanced life, even if you’re going through a season of chaos and upheaval. There can be many reasons for chaos—starting a new job, having a child, moving to a new place, caring for an aging family member, or going back to school. Anything that changes or disrupts your version of “the status quo” can be interpreted as chaos. So, how can you deal with it and come out, not just alive, but also thriving? Here are a few tips for creating a balanced life in the midst of uncertainty.
Stick to a routine as much as possible.
The first thing you need to do is get yourself a calendar and put it somewhere that you’ll see every day and can easily add to. Knowing where you need to be during the day or the week can make it a lot easier to roll with the inevitable punches that life throws at you.
Balance is all about creating time for the things that matter while still leaving flexibility to have fun and deal with unexpected commitments. When you live by a calendar, know your routine, and know what to expect, it can temper any stress that may result from life’s chaos. Another great way to find stability is to give yourself bedtime—it’s one thing that you can control and can give you a sense of routine.
Make time for loved ones.
There’s no one like friends and family to keep us grounded and to support our mental health when it feels like everything is falling apart and becoming too overwhelming. Whether it’s sitting down to enjoy dinner as a family a few times a week, taking a walk with a friend after work, or simply making a phone call to an old friend a few times a month, speaking with those who know you well and can talk you down from the ledge can be irreplaceable.
When life throws some stressful curveballs, you can count on those closest to you to tell you the truth and help you through it. If you don’t have anyone in your life who you can count on, it’s not too late. There are unlimited opportunities to make new friends—whether it’s at the gym, a local church, meetups, or at work. Keep an eye out for people you trust and get along with—take the plunge and invite them for coffee. You never know where it may lead.
Keep your home an oasis of calm.
It’s tough to stay on top of a cleaning schedule when life gets crazy, but spending just a few minutes a day tidying up and keeping your things in order can have a calming effect on an otherwise chaotic life—not to mention make it easier to get dressed in the morning. Make your home life equally as important as your work life by prioritizing home repairs and projects.
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Paige Mitchell is a freelance writer who enjoys sharing practical advice on how to make our homes healthier, more functional, and most enjoyable.
https://paigeamitchell.weebly.com/
https://www.instagram.com/paige.mitchell18/