I Sometimes Feel Like I May Burst…

Darling, I daydream as I wait for my Ultimate Concierge to finish his dental appointment. I think to myself, “I can hardly believe what I was able to accomplish in the past two weeks, but not without experiencing that gut-wrenching physical and emotional feeling that I was going to burst. This is not good.”

Yes, I got everything done—but at what price? I thought to myself “I am clearly in need of an intervention.” Then, I look down at my red kabbalah string tied around my wrist and realize that while it guards and protects me, it doesn’t have the power to teach me how to live a balanced life. I know it is up to me. God help me!

I have a feeling that many of you are in the same boat to some degree. Especially after living during this COVID-19 pandemic and long quarantine. So many hats we have to wear… and so much tumult in between that jumps out of nowhere! It’s no wonder that feeling overwhelmed has become such a common experience as we try to juggle work, family, and personal growth. During these challenging times, finding ways to alleviate stress and support our mental well being is more important than ever.

Achieving Balance

In the whirlwind of everyday life, achieving balance can sometimes feel like chasing a moving target. In today’s digital age, where the lines between work and personal life are often blurred, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what truly matters—our well being. Maintaining a healthy work life balance isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s crucial for our mental health, emotional well being, and overall quality of life.

The secret to a balanced life lies in self awareness and the ability to effectively manage our time and energy. When we take a step back and assess our priorities, we can make intentional choices that support our personal interests, nurture our relationships, and allow us to prioritize self care. Achieving balance is not about doing it all, but about making space for what matters most. By dedicating ourselves to this ongoing process, we can create a life that feels more balanced, energized, and fulfilling.

Responsibilities…

And as I am deep in thought writing this, America rubs up against my leg signaling me that he wants to go out or cuddle. But, I owe e-mails to a dozen people. I have thank-you notes that are piling up… Sound familiar?

I want to master the clock and be on top of my responsibilities and be organized. I want to stop feeling like I am on overload by identifying and prioritizing important tasks.

So what to do? Here’s what I decided to do—informed by the tried-true common sense I have developed and honed over my long, rich, and tumultuous life. Below, I’ll share practical tips for managing responsibilities and finding balance.

Self Care and Balance

Let’s be honest—finding balance in today’s digital age can feel like a full-time job in itself. With constant connectivity and the pressure to always be “on,” it’s easy to let self care slip to the bottom of the to-do list. But here’s the truth: prioritizing self care is not a luxury, it’s essential for achieving a healthy work life balance and a fulfilling life.

Self care means making your well being a top priority, even when life gets busy. It’s about setting realistic expectations for yourself, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the endless demands of daily life. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness for a few minutes each morning, taking a walk outside, or simply relaxing with a good book, these small acts can significantly contribute to your mental health and emotional well being. Incorporating mindfulness techniques such as meditation or conscious breathing into your routine can further enhance your ability to manage stress and maintain emotional stability.

In our always-on digital world, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. That might mean turning off notifications after work hours, limiting screen time, or carving out personal time for activities that bring you joy. By making self care a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, you’ll find it easier to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain a better balance between your personal and professional lives. Self care is also an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, supporting your overall health, wellness, and vitality.

Remember, a balanced life isn’t about perfection—it’s about making choices that support your overall well being. When you prioritize self care, you’re not just taking care of yourself; you’re creating the energy and resilience needed to show up fully for the people and passions that matter most. So go ahead—give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and embrace the healthy balance you deserve. Regular self care routines can help you experience renewed energy and greater resilience in your daily life.

Areas of Life That Need Balance

When we talk about balance, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about work and rest. There are several areas of life that require our attention—work, family, personal relationships, and self care. Each of these areas is equally important and plays a vital role in our overall well being.

To maintain a healthy balance, it’s essential to set realistic expectations for ourselves and recognize when we need to say no to non-essential commitments. By doing so, we can reduce stress and make more room for quality time with loved ones, as well as activities that bring us joy. Whether it’s carving out time for family dinners, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, these choices significantly contribute to our sense of balance and happiness. Remember, giving each area the attention it deserves is not just essential—it’s the foundation of a fulfilling, well-rounded life.

5 Ways to Embrace Balance

1. If something can be done in five minutes, I am not going to procrastinate.

Nike has it right. I’m going to make their mantra, Just Do It, mine. I always want to put the little things off, but they add up. These small tasks are part of our daily activities, and if not managed, they can disrupt our sense of balance. When I let all the little five-minute things pile up, they put me in burst mode, not balance mode. So instead, I will try and discipline myself and channel the feeling of relief I’ll get from knowing something is done.

2. Own my choices.

I am going to learn to say, “This will not work out for me.” I will also set realistic boundaries and expectations to avoid overcommitting and maintain a healthy balance. It will be hard to get out, but it conveys everything. In other words, “I will not let myself fall into martyrdom.” I will feel less beleaguered. I will have more time to do what I need or want to do. And, I know I will feel more balanced if I can achieve this goal.

3. What about physical and mental energy?

A few days ago I had deadlines. You, too, have deadlines for this or that reason. I ask myself, “What part of the day do I have the most mental and physical energy to accomplish what’s most important?” Well, I am freshest in the morning. The only thing I will do before I start my daily responsibility of writing is to make a fresh pot of coffee. I will resolve to do a few hours of non-stop writing, using this time to focus on my most important work, before I take on my easy tasks, like making phone calls, sending out emails, hitting the treadmill, and so on. I know I will feel so much more in balance—and energized—with a new routine where I put the most important things first. By staying focused during my peak energy times, I can enhance productivity and create a more balanced, fulfilling day.

Am I getting to you, dear reader? Are you seeing yourself on a clearer path to achieving balance rather than burst?

4. I will say to myself, “I can allow myself to quit if I am not fulfilled.”

If you are not fulfilled, I say quit. Why? We can use the time for something we enjoy, like spending quality time with loved ones. Prioritizing quality time helps maintain balance and strengthens our relationships.

5. I will simplify my elective burdens.

Once, when I was feeling out of balance, my daughter asked me to make my delicious guacamole for an event. I decided I should lighten my load instead of making my life more difficult. So, I thanked her for loving my recipe and explained to her that I was overloaded and will instead bring my favorite brand of guacamole. My burden was less, and I had more balance in my life and I felt good.

By delegating tasks or choosing simpler options like this, you can bring balance to your life, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.

Overcoming Obstacles to Balance

Even with the best intentions, life has a way of throwing curveballs that can disrupt our sense of balance. In today’s world of constant connectivity, it’s easy to fall into the trap of always being available, which can quickly lead to burnout. Unrealistic expectations—whether from ourselves or others—can also pile on the pressure, making it difficult to maintain a healthy balance.

The good news? With a little self awareness and some practical strategies, we can overcome these obstacles. Setting clear boundaries around work hours, for example, helps protect our personal time and allows us to recharge. Prioritizing self care—whether through meditation, exercise, or simply taking a break—can reduce stress and boost our energy. Delegating tasks and focusing on the most important tasks first can help us manage our time more effectively, leading to a better balance between our work and personal lives. By being proactive and intentional, we can navigate life’s challenges and stay on track toward achieving balance.

The Journey to Balance

Finding balance isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a lifelong journey. Life is always changing, and so are our needs and priorities. The key is to approach this journey with patience, compassion, and a willingness to adapt. Setting realistic goals and taking practical steps to manage our time and energy can make a world of difference in our daily lives.

Focusing on the present moment, rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future, can help reduce stress and bring a greater sense of calm and well being. By being mindful of our thoughts and emotions, and making conscious choices that support our overall well being, we can cultivate a more balanced, fulfilling life. Remember, every small step counts. With each day, we have the opportunity to bring more balance, energy, and joy into our lives—one mindful moment at a time.

Every Day Is Different

I know every day cannot be balanced in a day… or even a week or a month. Striving for good balance in everyday life is an ongoing process, and it’s normal for things to shift from day to day. I am a realist. But our days can be more in sync with the few easy ideas I listed. Each day is an opportunity for maintaining balance, and to find balance anew, even if it’s just through small changes. Managing stress on a daily basis can help you stay balanced and support your overall well-being. I already feel emotionally and physically better. Even small adjustments can significantly impact your overall well-being and sense of balance. Now all I have to do is just do it—balance or burst!

How do you stay balanced in your life? Let me know your ideas in the comments at the bottom of this page!