Seeking Balance Through Self-Reflection
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Do you struggle to balance multiple competing demands for your time, energy, and attention? Do you often feel like there is not enough time to do all that is on your agenda for the day? Left unchecked, this can become an unhealthy lifestyle, leaving you in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Sometimes we just get used to a routine even though it might not serve us well. When we develop a habit of putting too much on our plate or allowing others to do so, it’s only a matter of time before we reach the end of our human limitations.
Proper Maintenance
Self-reflection is key to maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Self-reflection is where we pause to consider our internal experience and how we are being affected by our external circumstances. This is an act of the will, and does not happen automatically. It requires a choice to shift attention away from the things that demand our attention and to prioritize the vulnerable parts of ourselves, parts that do not place demands on us but consequently suffer when neglected. The areas to which we are most dedicated—our career, education, relationships, or church activities—may sometimes give us a false sense of security. While the core values that guide our dedication to these areas may be valid, a lack of balance in managing these priorities may prove problematic over time.
An Example of Electronics
Consider that electronic devices typically have limited capacity for how much data or space they need to function properly. When we come close to reaching these limits, we receive messages letting us know that we need to free up space in order for our device to continue functioning properly. As human beings, we too have limited capacity for how much we can take on and carry before we start to break down. Imagine how much of our health, relationships, and wellbeing we stand to lose if we don’t heed the warning signs that let us know that it’s time to seek balance in our lives.
Warning Signs
Experiencing relationship distress and elevated stress levels are indicators that something is off and needs to be addressed. When imbalance is present, you might notice that attention to detail and timelines can slip due to rushing to get things done. You may have an elevated sense of urgency or fear of failure to get things done, which may lead to an elevated level of stress and anxiety. There may be disturbances in sleep and eating patterns, mood fluctuations, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy or interest in enjoyable things. These are just a few examples of the impact of remaining imbalanced.
An Inside-Out Approach
Going back to the analogy of electronic devices, we know that our devices (phone, watch, tablet, computer, etc.) work better when they are all in sync with each other. The same is true of human beings. To be “in sync” with someone or something means to be aligned, coordinated, or in harmony with them. For an individual, the more all the parts of our being (mind, body, and soul) are in sync, in alignment, in agreement, and in harmony, then the more efficient, effective, and grounded we become, achieving balance from the inside out.
Achieving balance involves attuned awareness and wise distribution of time, energy, and attention. By taking inventory of how we spend our time, energy, and attention, we practice good stewardship over what God has given us to work with. If taking inventory on your own feels daunting, though, there are professional counselors available to assist you in that process. As you seek balance and self-care, I pray that you will find it to be that beneficial key component to maintaining wellness and longevity along your life journey.