By Joshua Stevens
Henry David Thoreau once said, “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”
We can’t all immerse ourselves in nature for a couple of years like Thoreau, but if you find yourself spending too much time at work, you may need to find some balance. Because we all have different priorities and values, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to achieving a balance between work and life. Here are some tips to help you balance your life.
Make Time for Yourself
Learn to create opportunities for relaxation in your life. Plan a vacation. Find a hobby (working doesn’t count!). If you’re not sure what to do, try painting, writing or photography. Sometimes just researching a new hobby can be relaxing and fun.
Connect with People You Care About
Call, send an email or visit. Reaching out to people from your past, as well as connecting with people from the present, can help you feel grounded and balanced.
Eat Well
Take time to make your own healthy lunch instead of eating out. Break out of your routine, eating lunch at your desk. Minor adjustments can do a lot to improve your health and well-being.
Exercise
Run, bike or swim. Exercising outdoors – even when the weather is bad – is a great way to reconnect with nature and balance the time you spend inside working. Include exercise options, like hiking in the mountains or surfing at the beach, when you plan your vacation.
A few small changes may be enough to make you feel more relaxed and fulfilled. For the good of your physical and mental health, assess all your needs and prioritize what’s important to you. The benefits of achieving balance in your life will be worth it.
# # #
Joshua Stevens, D.C., is a holistic chiropractor in Chapel Hill and Durham where he utilizes chiropractic, acupuncture, detoxification, nutrition, and cold laser therapy with patients. A two-time Ironman finisher, he focuses on racing cyclocross and mountain bikes … much easier!
