If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the importance of finding balance in every area of our lives. So many of us live our lives based on how busy we are, how many tasks we can accomplish, or how much work we can get done. Between work, sports, going to the gym, shopping and constantly running around, we always seemed to be doing something. It wasn’t until busyness and work were no longer options, that we realized there was so much more to life. We had nothing but time to focus on our families, our diet or lack thereof, our social lives or lack thereof. It wasn’t until the daily routines were removed, that we realized how many areas of life were out of balance.
Many began to see the cracks in the foundations of their lives. Without the hustle and bustle as a buffer, marriages began to struggle. Bickering and fighting about little things that we used to let ride, began to take over. Children began to struggle with the isolation and parents realized they didn’t really know how to help them or even what they needed. Folks living on their own realized how small their social connections really were and how lonely isolation could be. Then of course there was the fear. Fear of the virus, of sickness, of death. Then there were the aftereffects. The grief and loss, the financial hardships. Nearly everyone has struggled emotionally during and since the pandemic.
One thing was made clear: we need balance. We need spiritual connection, emotional fulfillment, real and lasting relationships, and a life purpose. Along with gainful employment, healthy bodies, active kids, healthy marriages/relationships and creature comforts. While we can’t have those things the perfect all the time, we can work to level the playing field of our lives. Spending time with the people that we love getting to know them. Making sure that our time off work is meaningful, not just filled with mundane tasks. Hanging out with or having conversations with friends. Going to church and spending time with God. Taking a moment to breathe and relax rather than just “pushing through.” Getting out in nature, taking a class, joining a book club or other hobby group, planning the vacation, scheduling the doctor’s appointment… Finding a therapist to help you with the emotions, anger, relationship struggles, communication problems, or parenting issues that don’t seem to be going away.
The first if step in finding balance is to acknowledge there’s a problem. Then you can begin the task of finding help to fix it. If you’ve identified with anything above, maybe it’s time to take a minute and give yourself permission to have a better life. You want to look back and see that you have lived a life full of joy and purpose that made it all worth it. You deserve it. Time to reach out and get it. If you’re not sure how to do that, we’re always here to help.
