Balance in Unbalanced Times
The wise yogi and author Sadhguru once stated: “There is no such thing as work-life balance. It is all life. The balance has to be within you”. And indeed, the premise is both critical and correct. What are the keys to maintaining balance among all of the demands in life when we are seeming pulled into directions of imbalance regularly? A framework of comprehensive wellness can lend insight into useful mindsets that can lead to such balance.
The old maxim “all things in moderation” gives us helpful perspective. Work, play, socializing, personal quiet time, worship, meditation and other pursuits that help us recharge are all essential. But such pursuits are only effective in proper doses. It is as easy to burn out from doing nothing as it is from doing too much. The consequences are a similar decline in motivation to rise up for the next wave of accomplishment.
Budgeting time and tracking various pursuits can be a useful tool. The late Stephen R. Covey, the same savant who reminded us to “sharpen our saw” in his highly touted “Seven Habits” series, built an industry around time management. Each one of us needs to look at our days and weeks and ensure we find space to fit in not only the essential tasks around work and home life, but those activities that will “recharge our batteries”. Without that recreation and renewal, we will not be able to forge ahead at full speed when necessary. This requires effort and conscientious planning, but it can be done if we will focus.
In my book “Twelve Pathways to Personal Wellness” the theme of balance is woven throughout the entire book’s narrative. There is an entire chapter dedicated to “finding your quiet place”. If you are unaware of what your special quiet place is, it is time for some reprioritizing. Physical activity, recreation and quiet time dedicated to reflection and refreshment are every bit as crucial as on-the-job performance. Without the one, you will eventually falter in the other.
Comprehensive wellness reinforces these aspects of balance by providing suggestions and avenues to enhance and enrichen our lifestyle. However, programs are only as useful as people participating decide they will be. This becomes a cultural reinforcement issue. It requires dedication in the home and in the workplace. In short, a commitment to balance must be internalized before you can execute the activities that bring balance. And that continual pursuit and execution is key.
A life well lived is indeed a balanced life. Understanding the principle leads to devotion to the principle. This in turn yields results with consistent application. We can all achieve that balance if we are both willing and diligent.
You can read more about balance in all aspects of wellness here: