Ok, so you’ve got a social calendar that’s keeping you up and out late on work nights. You’ve got a job that’s keeping you up and maybe out on extended work nights. You can’t say no to anything so you’re half mad and wondering when you can get 39 days of sleep – right? If you’ve made it this far, there’s a good chance you’re desperate for ways to find balance and happiness in your life – who isn’t?! Here are 6 ways to find more right now.
1. Accept a social calendar you can manage to find balance and happiness
In the last few years I’ve pulled completely back on my social calendar…and it’s been life changing for finding balance and happiness in my life. Sure, the pandemic has also helped with this lately.
If your phone is full of invites, take a break from saying yes to every invitation (also see number 4 below), someone may be disappointed but you come first -and you won’t disappoint yourself.
It’ll be hard at first but you’ll realize you suddenly have more time to focus on yourself…and get better at it. You’ll become more productive and create new routines that are life giving without going out and spending money!
2. Smaller friend group equals balance and happiness
Like the idea of a huge group of really close friends? Get ready for Britney dating Bobby, Bobby liking Ashley, Ashley liking you, you liking no one and there being a new topic of drama every week. Sound fun?
Sure, having a lot of friends is ok, and I’ve certainly been there, but it’s more important than ever to manage your own personal brand and it’s best you have a few CLOSE friends. These are the friends you can run to in times of need, happiness, sadness and everything in between.
You are the culmination of the five people you surround yourself with the most, choose wisely. Everyone needs a foundation of core friends no matter who they are.
In my 20’s I had a huge group of friends but once I had kids and really understood what my priorities were I pulled back to a few close friends that were aligned with my values in life. I did this by slowly declining invites to the point where I stopped receiving them after awhile.
3. Find a job that will support and encourage your passions for balance and happiness
I love this one, it’s so important. Are you in the working world yet? Work 40+ hours a week? Have a job you can’t stand?
If you’re like the majority and spending 40+ hours away from your family and friends per week you’re going to need a job that not only supports, but encourages your passions.
When looking for a job you may not see your passions listed in the job description, but if you have a great boss they’ll be willing to create the flexibility in your role as long as you meet your goals.
Make sure to always ask in interviews if the hiring manager will allow room as long as you meet their expectations. I’ve done this in every role I’ve had in the working world. If your manager is hesitant ask for trial period where you can prove to them you can handle doing your job and find time to fit your passions in.
4. Learn how to say no
NO! Just like that! Ok, well maybe not always so abrupt, but you get the idea.
Learning how to say no is one of the most freeing things a person can do. I used to believe it was better to say yes to everything. If you want to find balance and happiness in your life it’s extremely important to know your boundaries so you don’t get burnt out.
If you say yes to everything you soon won’t be able to say yes any longer because you’ve burnt the candlestick at both ends. You’ll create boundaries, expectations and earn respect from those around you and find more balance and happiness in your life.
5. Let go of what you can’t control
The number one root of anxiety is holding onto things you can’t control. Sound easy? No way. This has to be one of the hardest things for a human to tackle – but once you do, life will become much easier. In these moments simply ask yourself – will worrying change the situation? No, it will only rob you of happiness in the present moment. What’s meant to be will be and things are never as bad as we think they’ll be. Get yourself centered and focus on what control you do have over any given situation and let that be enough.
6. Get involved in an extra curricular activity
Getting involved in your local community can look a lot of different ways. It does’t necessarily mean volunteering, but could mean taking a gym or dance class. It could mean finding a reoccuring social club (but not too frequent – see number 1). Get involved in something your passionate about. If you’re lucky, you’ll get paid to do it at work (see number 3). Taking an hour a week for yourself to do something you love will bring instant happiness!
Summary – ways to find balance and happiness
There you have it, 6 ways to find balance and happiness in your life right now. If you’re feeling like all six are too many at once try tackling a few at a time, then you’ll consistently bring more happiness and balance over time.
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This article was originally published 6/4/2018 and has been updated to include new information and links.
