Finding balance is a challenge that has been amplified by the current live, work, socialise and exercise from home regime. But has long been on the agenda for many, including myself.
What is balance?
The Oxford dictionary provides two definitions:
1. An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady. 2. A situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
For the longest time I focused on the first part of these definitions, seeking an equal split with the whole work hard and play hard mentality. But now, a few gym memberships, lots of yoga and meditation and a sabbatical later I now understand the secondary part of the definitions. “Enabling someone to remain upright and steady” and “ the correct proportions”.
Balance isn't something you find, it's something you create.
We don’t need to split our time equally between the different elements of life, but I think we should allow ourselves the time and space to indulge just enough to feel in complete harmony. It’s important to recognise the signs our mind and body is giving us and take the appropriate action, whether it’s running, baking, enjoying a glass of wine, going for a hike, learning a new skill or binge watching the latest TV series.
There is no blueprint that tells you what you should do or for how long, but I encourage you to take some time to explore what works for you.