Finding Balance In A Crazy Life

Getting caught up in work or to-do lists is so easy. You want to check everything off your list before you can take a break or get some rest…

But the rest doesn’t come soon enough or last long enough. We don’t notice how much we need it until we get burned out…

Resting, doing what you enjoy, or something non-work related is vital to our well-being. We often don’t realize until it happens, but if we don’t have a balance we get burned out. 

I’ve learned one of the things that makes people burn out the most is going through a difficult or challenging time. 

We all have them right?! Those times where you just don’t know what to do and feel like you might not make it through… 

Some lessons are harder than others to learn from. But the mistakes and hard times lead to lessons learned. 

When I started grad school, I had tons of energy, a positive attitude always, and an easy-going personality. I knew grad school would be hard, but I didn’t expect what a toll it would take on me. 

I didn’t notice it as it was happening, but gradually I started to lose who I was and what I want to be. My easy-going personality became more uptight and stressed (stress is normal but only to a certain point). 

Between working full time and going to school full time (and planning a wedding!!!) I started focusing solely on “getting through.” 

My goal was to get through and get done, then I could find relief, relax a little, and do what I want to do. 

But what happens when you just try to “get through??” 

You burn out. 

And oh boy did I burn out. 

I didn’t see it coming. But I also didn’t prevent it. 

I didn’t take care of myself like I should have. I didn’t give myself breaks or rest. I continuously felt like I needed to be doing something. 

The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn is to take care of myself by giving myself rest. Everything will get done in time. 

Once I started allowing myself to rest, I started enjoying life again!

I noticed I was happier and had more energy. I enjoyed being at work and am more present with my coworkers. And I am more productive!

If you are just trying to “get by,” don’t neglect yourself in the process! Having somewhere to take a break or disconnect is so important. 

Do you have a place where you go to disconnect? Or just find balance? If not here are a few ideas!

  1. Take a walk around a lake
  2. Spend a phone/social media-free night with friends
  3. Go to a movie
  4. Volunteer 
  5. Go explore a city a few hours away with a spouse, friend, sibling, etc. 
  6. Watch your favorite show 
  7. Play a card/board game
  8. Read a book
  9. Play with a pet
  10. Listen to music

Finding balance doesn’t require a ton of time or energy, but it is necessary! The important thing is finding something you love that will refuel you for the craziness of life.

Life will never slow down, but you can!

And in case you’re wondering, I’m doing just fine 😉

 

Share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I’m Ashley

I HELP women heal their mental health through lifestyle habits

I spend my days helping others learn more about themselves and take care of themselves so they can live a life they love. You are capable of living a life feeling good in your body and I love seeing that happen!

search the site

featured posts

post categories

popular posts

Gut Health For Mental Health Guide

Our gut and our brain are directly connected, meaning what we put in our gut directly influences our mental health. In this guide I will show you how to take care of your gut in order to heal your mental health. 

Scroll to Top

Gut Health For Mental Health Webinar

The key to a thriving mental health is a thriving gut health. Get all the tools you need to start your journey in this free webinar.