If trying to maintain balance in your life makes you feel like a tightrope walker, you’re not alone. Most of us have so many demands on our time and energy, life can feel like a three-ring circus.
I have had periods in my life where I wondered if I would ever feel on track again. Sometimes just a small part of my “routine” was what would keep me centered and knowing that the season would pass.
Take this quiz to see how well you are meeting responsibilities, while also recognizing and fulfilling personal needs and wants. Step back and look at the results for a bit of perspective.
Balance Quiz
True / False 1. The only way I can successfully manage my life is to intentionally take care of myself physically and mentally/emotionally.
True / False 2. Nurturing myself enlarges my capacity to help others.
True / False 3. I eat well and exercise regularly.
True / False 4. I get check-ups, go to the dentist, and take preventative precautions.
True / False 5. I set aside personal quiet time for myself, whether I’m meditating, letting my thoughts drift or simply relaxing.
True / False 6. I experience the gifts of each season: ice skating, sledding, evening walks, gardening, hiking, time outside, camping, swimming, barbeques, enjoying the seasons.
True / False 7. Creativity nurtures me, too. I do what I love, whether that’s cooking, gardening, drawing, painting, building, writing, dancing, singing or another creative pursuit.
True / False 8. Spending time with others enriches my life. I spend quality time with family and friends.
True / False 9. Contributing to the world provides connection and purpose, so I give my time, energy and experience where it is most useful.
True / False 10. I notice and listen to the emotional signals that tell me I’m out of balance: irritability, overwhelm, resentment.
True / False 11. If I feel like I’m catching a cold, I realize I may have stressed my immune system with over activity, so I stop and take care of myself.
True / False 12. When I need or want to, I say no to requests for my time.
True / False 13. I listen to and honor the requests my body makes for such things as a nap, a walk, green vegetables, hot soup.
True / False 14. If I have something planned for myself, I don’t just toss that aside when someone makes a request of me.
True / False 15. I’m busy, but I find time to do the things I want to do.
True / False 16. I’m happy. I regularly experience well-being, contentment, even joy.
YOUR RESULTS?
You may find that you answered false more often than true. If so, you may want to take a look at the questions to which you answered false and see if you can incorporate any of these into your life. Some are easier than others, but I think we can all try to incorporate at least one.
The fall, and the beginning of a school year, is a good time to step back and evaluate where you are. We have some time to shift before the “busy” of the holiday season kicks in. Let’s not waste that time!
I have become better about saying no to requests for my time, and honoring my calendar instead of putting other people’s requests ahead of my needs. It’s a work in progress, and I have several other areas to improve on. Awareness is key here.
ACTION
Which ways do you intend to help create balance in your life based on the quiz above? Please reply and let me know.
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