Robert Fulghum says it best, “Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day SOME.
When we take the time to break from one aspect of living to equally engage in others (Physical, Emotional, Career, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social), we then begin to tap into balanced living. Although living in balance is not always easy to achieve much less maintain, it can be very rewarding.
A balanced life is living a life of harmony where all things in life work together to complete the whole you. When your life is in balance, you will be more healthy, more energetic, happier, motivated, and satisfied.
Physical
A perfect example and probably one of the most popular in which we lack motivation, is that of the physical aspect of balanced living. Statistics shows that regular exercise or physical activity helps the body to function better. However, only 30 percent of Americans get leisure-time physical activity.
Spirituality
One Hundred and sixty people were surveyed from different faiths (Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists). The results show that religious experiences such as prayer, meditation, yoga, etc. was significantly linked to better mental health and helped people to better cope with everyday stress.
Intellectual
When it comes to intellect, it is sad to say that for some of us, once we graduate from high school or college our pursuit of/for new knowledge deteriorates. Yes, we may be masters at what we do, but we are not learning anything new. Research clearly shows that education and learning produce favorable changes in the brain.
Social
Socializing, considered a form of mental exercise, provides stimulation for the brain, keeps one sharp, have been associated with lower blood pressure and contributes to longer life expectancies.
Career
When achieving work life balance neglecting your mental well-being, relationships, and health can affect your productivity. Instead plan ahead, give yourself ample time to complete projects, set a work start and cut off time and define clear expectations with others.
Emotional
Improving your emotional health can too, be a rewarding experience. People who are emotionally healthy tend to be in control of their emotions and their behavior. Able to handle life’s challenges, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks.
Tap into the Whole YOU!
A few tips; Remember to Set Priorities. List all your tasks if not daily then on a weekly basis, organize them according to priorities. When prioritizing, be sure to consider each area (Physical, Emotional, Career, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Social) pertinent to living a balanced life. Be Flexible. It is pertinent to take a break from routine. Be flexible and adjust your schedules and priorities accordingly. Mind Your Mind. Subconscious beliefs are known to be self-limiting and self-sabotaging. Purposefully embrace the process of positive thinking, especially in the areas of behavioral/habit change, wellness and stress reduction. Establish Accountability. Enlist the help of an accountability partner to encourage you along the way.
My hope in 2014 is that YOU Tap into the Whole YOU!
According to Burley-Allen (1995) “When we listen to ourselves we can increase our self awareness and begin to understand why we behave the way that we do. Early in life we formulate beliefs that affect how we behave, those beliefs then influence how we talk to ourselves”. (pp. 88)
On this day, I would like to stress the importance of (negative/positive) self talk. Our internal thought process not only affects the way we behave and the way we feel but it can also be a major contributor to lack of productivity in our lives. When thinking back over my life experiences and how they have affected me, I am reminded of the following scripture and chose it to mediate on this week;
Romans 12:2NIV
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and prove what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I find this scripture important because in order to respond not only to others in a proper manner but to myself (through positive self talk) I need to renew those thoughts of old therefore renewing my mind and adapting a better thought process in line with the word of God.
My Prayer: Lord help me to live a renewed life and not one according to the world’s patterns. Help me to process information and revelation in a healthy manner, one in which you will be glorified in my life.
A balanced life is living a life of harmony where all things in life work together to complete the whole you. When your life is in balance, you will be more healthy, more energetic, happier, motivated, and satisfied.
A few tips; Remember to Set Priorities. List all your tasks if not daily then on a weekly basis, organize them according to priorities. When prioritizing, be sure to consider each area (Physical, Emotional, Career, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Social) pertinent to living a balanced life. Be Flexible. It is pertinent to take a break from routine. Be flexible and adjust your schedules and priorities accordingly. Mind Your Mind. Subconscious beliefs are known to be self-limiting and self-sabotaging. Purposefully embrace the process of positive thinking, especially in the areas of behavioral/habit change, wellness and stress reduction. Establish Accountability. Enlist the help of an accountability partner to encourage you along the way.