KALYANI ADUSUMILLI shares some tips on leading a balanced life so that our time with others is also more harmonious.
The key to living harmoniously is balance. I’m sure you’ve heard the old proverb, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” as it’s stood the test of time. Less known, perhaps, is its counterpart, “All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy.” We need to maintain an equilibrium between the different aspects of our life to be balanced. But for many of us, that’s easier said than done!
I have a notoriously sweet tooth. Sometimes, the one thing that keeps me from overindulging is my mother’s voice, repeating in my head like a broken record, “Do everything in moderation, Kalyani!” Whether I’m limiting screen time or junk food with my children, I often spout the same sentiment if not the same words, having recognized the wisdom in them. My youngest always laughs in amazement when I tell him that he could go overboard with eating healthy food as well! Like eating too many carrots and turning orange!
How to go about leading a balanced lifestyle?
The best place to start is by making a list! Prioritizing can prove challenging. So if everything is laid out right in front of you, it’s easier to see how the different pieces of the puzzle fit. Write down what you value and determine whether you’re giving it enough attention.
Whether it’s your mind
or your body,
they are deeply connected:
the other will thrive if you take care of one.
Since our existence relies on health, I’d say it’s critical, if not the most important! Yet, it’s often something people most neglect. It could be because we’re burning the midnight oil, taking care of everyone else and finding no time for ourselves, or because self-destructive behavior has become natural to us. Our mental health inevitably suffers when we neglect our physical health, whether through lack of proper nutrition, exercise, or sleep. It can be the reverse, too, making it a vicious cycle. Whether it’s your mind or your body, they are deeply connected: the other will thrive if you take care of one.
Living optimally has to do with fulfillment and satisfaction, not perfection. Look at your list and set goals that align your desire with how you live your life. What are your physical, mental, and emotional needs? Only when you incorporate those will you have actual control and ownership of your life.
Part of the balancing act is also learning to compromise. If you have a family, how will you and your partner prioritize so that responsibilities are symmetric? An unequal relationship becomes a breeding ground for resentment.
Finally, finding enough time to achieve your goals often means simplifying your life. It’s impossible to devote yourself fully to anything if you have too much on your plate. If you want your family to spend more time together, try cutting out two hours of everyone’s screen time.
We’re all tightrope walkers in life. When you find your balance, the steadiness within will keep you upright.
Illustrations by EMI TSE
Kalyani Adusumilli
Kalyani is a health law attorney and writer who lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and two sons. She is a mental health and mindfulness advocate who went on a journey to find happiness, discovered how to help others be happy, and ... Read More
