Some scenes you juggle two balls, some scenes you juggle three balls, some scenes you can juggle five balls.The key is always to speak in your own voice.
-John Burroughs (American Essayist 19=837-1921)
We all juggle our lives-family, friends, work, hobby, exercise. The question is how to we balance it all? Is there such a thing as balance in our life?
One of our first priorities is to take care of ourselves-sleep, diet, exercise. For how can we work efficiently if we don’t? We can’t take care of others in the long term if someone doesn’t take care of the care taker. It’s like they say on an airplane, you put the oxygen mask over your own face before you assist others.
Know what your priorities are. Of course your job is important-for if you don’t work, you can’t pay the bills. But don’t let loved ones suffer in the quest for the almighty dollar. Many years ago, my husband and I decided to work different hours so that our children wouldn’t have to go to daycare. With no family around to help, sure it was tough. But at least one of us has been able to do things with the children on a regular basis. We don’t want life to pass us by and realize one day that the children are grown and gone, and we don’t have a relationship with them.
Maintain a positive mental attitude. Sure someone’s going to dump a big pile of dinosaur doo-doo on you every now and again. Your stress levels will be much lower if you do the best you can do and realize that you’re not perfect (and neither is anyone else). Some health issues that can be prevented by maintaining a positive frame of mind are: obesity (how often does food calm your nerves?), asthma (chronic stress can make it worse), headaches, digestive issues and premature death to name a few.
According to the Mayo Clinic, benefits of positive thinking can help with:
- Increased life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
Don’t try to juggle all aspects of your life yourself. Ask for help, seek advise, delegate. Life is not easy sometimes, but we can work to make it balanced and happier.