Experience the joy of a balanced life
By Palika Trudeau MA Psychology and Alain Trudeau
Do you ever feel like there is not enough time in the day? Do you ever catch yourself eating, talking on the phone and driving down the freeway all at once? Are you overwhelmed by the fast pace of your life as if you are always trying to get “over there”?
If you are tired of a stressful lifestyle it is up to you to seize the moments to enjoy your life, appreciate your meal and smell the roses. Balance comes from planning your life intentionally, according to your nature and needs.
For athletes it is a well-known fact to include in their training schedule regular periods (days or hours) of recuperation planned in advance to enhance their physical and mental performance. In business or sports the idea that more effort equals better results is known to be an utopia.
A knowledgeable planner understands that he or she is not a machine or computer but rather a human being with emotions, feelings, biorhythms, who is impacted by seasonal changes and stress from life transitions etc.
''Setting goals for your practice and game is an art. The trick is in setting them at the right level - neither too low or too high.''
GREG NORMAN-Golf superstar
It goes with out saying that if these facts are true for athletes and business executives; it also applies to people in all spheres of life.
Set aside quality time for family and loved ones. Make sure this special space is exclusively for them, devoid of business, anxieties, or “to- do” lists.
Get to know yourself by becoming aware of your maximum energy levels during the day.
Remember that the fast pace of cities and businesses are not always in synch with your natural body rhythm. Be self-aware and don’t just try to adapt yourself to other people’s expectations. Respect your nature because it is your own personal capacity.
By being conscious of who you are it becomes possible to take responsibility for your wellbeing, prevent burnout, disease; minimizing stress and feelings of being disconnected.
Keep some time for yourself where you can do activities that are satisfying and nurturing. Perhaps you have left something behind that is very dear to you, like playing music, reading, mediation, and sports activates, etc. because of lack of time. Remember that you are not just a mad money producer or unlimited caretaker.
The good news is that you are not a victim and your quality of life is a result of the choices that you make every day.
Begin the quest to eliminate stress by asking yourself these questions:
What part of the day am I most productive and energetic?
Do I have an occupation that fits my psychophysical nature?
Are my goals realistic and stimulating but at the same time are not over stressing me?
Do I maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit?
Do I honor my nature or have I just become a bi product of social conditioning?
Am I evolving in the right direction in my life?
