Finding Balance in an Unbalanced Time

In these uncertain times, finding balance can feel more elusive than ever. Our emotions and our energy are pulled every-which-way … against our will and seemingly out of our control. Join me in a discussion of how to find balance in an unbalanced time!

Inspirational Thoughts

“We can be sure that the greatest hope for maintaining equilibrium in the face of any situation rests within ourselves.” ~ Psychiatrist Francis J. Braceland

“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life — learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.” ~ Author Robert Fulgham

“Work, love and play are the great balance wheels of man’s being.” ~ Author Orison Swett Marden

Finding Balance in an Unbalanced Time

There’s no denying that the events of 2020 have left us all feeling at best off kilter, and at worst shaken to our cores. A global health crisis, economic uncertainty, social division, and the unsettling and divisive issues of an election year … all these have combined to create a world that feels like it’s spinning out of control. We are all longing for balance in an unbalanced time.

Create Balance

Balance isn’t something you find; it’s something you create. If you’ve been feeling unsteady and out of sync, a first step to regain balance is to take stock of your situation. Take a hard look at your current reality and the elements affecting your personal and professional well-being.

For example, perhaps you’re working from home now, and feel the crunch of disrupted systems, social isolation, and the lack of boundaries between work and home life. Or maybe you’re back in the office — feeling uneasy and unsafe. On the personal front, maybe the 24/7 family ”togetherness” leaves you desperately craving time alone.

Once you’ve assessed your situation, an important next step to improve balance is to be crucially honest and realistic with yourself and others about your needs. Be open with those in your personal and professional circles about the challenges you’re facing and ask for support. After all, we’re all in this together, and those around you are likely struggling with similar issues.

Regulate and Reframe for Resilience

Especially during this time of discord, rather than allowing feelings of helplessness and uncertainty to spiral into anxiety, it’s important to regulate your emotions. The more you allow your emotions to go unchecked, the less control and peace you will feel. Acknowledge your feelings of stress, sadness, or fear — but don’t let them drive your choices, actions, and state of being.

Despite the adversity you may be experiencing, practice facing them with resilience and hope. Reframe setbacks and threats as learning opportunities to grow and adapt. These are times like no other. But by taking small bits of control, and cultivating self-compassion and awareness, you can find personal and professional balance in an unbalanced time!

Tips to Find Balance in an Unbalanced Time

• Put first things first. In times of turbulence, increased demands, and high emotions, be sure to tip the scales of your focus and energy in favor of the things of value to you. Pause or let go of everything else.​
• Take care of you. Balance requires self-care for your body, mind, heart, and soul. Allow yourself time to relax and unwind, care for your body, and give yourself the rest, food, and exercise you need to function at your best.
• Be willing to say “no.” Don’t underestimate the mental and emotional toll of these unique and challenging times. You may have less emotional bandwidth to deal with demands large and small. Cut yourself some slack and decline or postpone invitations, assignments, and other requests that don’t bring you joy. See if saying “no” frees you to say “yes” to something else more satisfying and fulfilling.
• Find a creative outlet. When the world and everything in it feels crazy and out of control, taking up a new hobby or project may help you feel more focused, fulfilled, and in control. Consider whether you’d be more rewarded by a relaxing, purely-for-pleasure hobby like puzzles, a DIY home improvement project or something with a mission, like volunteering for a local charity or researching a social issue.

As your coach I am dedicated to helping you find balance in both your personal and your professional life. Through my Leap Forward Coaching method I offer you a proven process and life-changing experience to be intentional about your personal and professional balance, focus, and growth, for a healthy and well-rounded life.