Balance is one of the most important things to strive for in life, whether it’s in your work, family, health, happiness, or any other area. But it isn’t always easy to achieve. Here are some tips to finding that super-elusive equilibrium.
1.) Switch off the electronics
If you’re working on your computer for the better part of the day, checking social media during your coffee break, and then ending your day glued to your favourite series, you’re getting a fair amount of screen time. Try to keep your weekends free of electronics, wherever possible, and make a point of putting down your phone when you’re with your family. In this day and age, admittedly, it’s difficult to do, but you’ll experience an improved sense of balance once you master it. And your health will benefit too.
2.) Enjoy la dolce di far niente
Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing”, this concept is strangely foreign in our modern world, because society seems obsessed with planning, consuming and producing. Find a few moments every day to just be. Get your mind away from your tasks and your job, and read a book, listen to music, enjoy coffee or a meal with mindfulness, or sit in a green space and take in your surroundings. Make a point, over weekends, of staying away from the TV, going for a walk or a hike, ignoring chores for a while, and just enjoying the best parts of your day.
3.) Expand your horizons
The world is big, but we tend to live only in our little corners. Do yourself a favour and attend a music or dance performance. Try a new type of cuisine or visit a museum. Enrol in a course you’ve been wanting to do, or watch a movie in another language.
4.) Enjoy the good in the world
There are a few things you can treat yourself to that are undeniably good for you: a good massage, a piece of art or a beautifully prepared meal. Stand on a cliff and appreciate the view. Invest in an item of good-quality clothing that will last for years. Save a little money for something that will be good for your sense of balance and appreciation of life.
5.) Appreciate your relationships
People are among our greatest assets, yet we so often neglect to show appreciation to those we love. Make a video for a special someone in your life. Write them a hand-written letter. Treat them to a coffee date – and enjoy a good laugh.
You and your immediate family have access to the ICAS EWP which provides an omnichannel point of access.
Written by LifeAssist
