Written by: Ghesi Stojanov, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Finding balance in 2022 is something we can all achieve. Still, it's also something that is not easily maintained because it can not be left on autopilot once achieved -Making finding and maintaining balance tricky without an intentional plan.
Without a proper plan, when the auto-pilot stops working, and we start feeling flat, empty, or lost, we have to make sure we've created a safety net to support ourselves. So we can keep our state of flow long enough to enjoy it instead of constantly feeling like we are playing catch up.
In my coaching practice, I've created a visual aid to help my clients do a self-assessment so they can see areas of strength as well as areas that need attention. I've added it so you can do a self-check and use it in accompaniment to this article.
So without further ado, let's talk about some of the ways that you can not only find balance but maintain it too!
1. Understand the Four parts of your Wellness:
To find and maintain balance, we first have to understand that there are four different parts that make up our total wellness (Emotional, Mental, Physical, and Spiritual).
Emotional Wellness involves Self-Acceptance, Attitude, and Self-Awareness.
Mental Wellness involves our Core Values, Relationships, and Personal Growth.
Physical Wellness involves Sleep, Physical Activity, and Nutrition.
And Spiritual Wellness involves Meditation, Relaxation, and Purpose.
Each of these four areas, while very different, interlocks with its counterparts to create a whole. So if one part is suffering, the chances of it impacting another area in our lives in some way or another are very high.
2. Find Focus
After you've got a visual representation of your overall wellness, you'll have an easier time seeing areas in your life that you are crushing, as well as the areas you need to give more attention to. Which will then allow you to develop a plan of attack and find the areas you should focus on first.
Remember what I said before that each part of your wellness plays into each other? This is where the Wellness Wheel helps to give a visual representation of how a struggle in one area can negatively impact another area in your overall wellness. For example, someone struggling with, let's say, Self-Acceptance in Emotional Wellness might also see a negative impact in their Physical Wellness with nutrition. Or in their Mental and Spiritual Wellness with relationships and purpose. That's why it's crucial to consider how all four of these areas tie into one another so you can address the root cause.
3. Create a game plan
Once you've pinpointed the areas that need to be addressed, you want to find different ways to help you strengthen that area in your life. You want to be honest with yourself when deciding the technique you will use because you don’t want to set yourself up for failure! You want to pick a method that will challenge you but not overwhelm you and is realistic.
4. Remember You have control:
You have to remember that you're in control! Which means you get to decide how you're going to show up in your life. So, the next question you want to ask yourself is; how much of a conscious and intentional effort am I willing to put into meeting my needs, and what does that look like.
5. Setting the tone & Vibe:
You decide the tone & vibe you live your life by & no one or thing should get to determine that for you. So be intentional with how you choose to show up in your life.
So, it's essential to learn to start your day with intention by feeding your mind and soul as soon as you open those big beautiful eyes in the morning! So next time you wake up, instead of just popping out of bed, stay still and tell yourself five things you are grateful for and how you will represent yourself that day.
6. Equip Yourself
Finding balance takes work. It's something that is strengthened over time and becomes easier to maintain once we've created the skills and habits that we can build upon. Equipping yourself with the tools you need to help you master different areas in your life is vital. Because without the proper knowledge, you will never develop the skills we all need to help us find and maintain balance while running around and trying to keep up with our everyday demands.
7. Take Ownership
You are accountable for all your actions. Regardless of your past, current, and future circumstances, we are in control of the role we play in our lives. No one can force you to do anything. We either choose to give our power away by doing nothing and feeding into the thought there is nothing we can do, or we utilize our power by looking inward and taking ownership of the growth and learning process.
8. Be Patient
Whether you are trying to create new habits, gain new skills, or recover from some unforeseen circumstance, you have to be patient with the process and with yourself. You have to learn to sit up before even learning to crawl, let alone walk or run. So be patient with yourself and focus on your forward momentum instead of your speed.
9. Have Fun
Life is too short and already comes with its daily challenges, so have fun! Find activities, support, tools, and exercises that speak to Your Mind and soul. Remember, just because something is the current trend your friend, partner, or family member is doing it does not automatically make it a fit for you.
But also, don't be afraid to try new things. Our ability to step into the unknown and challenge ourselves is what keeps life exciting.
10 Check-in Regularly
Finding Balancing and maintaining it is a lifelong process because life is always throwing us curveballs, and our circumstances constantly change. So, for us to stay on top of the momentum we've created, we need to make sure we are checking into how we are doing emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally regularly.
Remember, your life is your greatest masterpiece. Be the Color!
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Ghesi Stojanov, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ghesi Stojanov is a transformational coach with a mission to help others find balance, own their journey, and tune in to their power. After the loss of her first child in 2004, welcoming her youngest son with a genetic disorder NF1 in 2011, and a triple-positive breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, Ghesi created techniques that helped her navigate through these challenging moments with power, purpose, and light. She helps her clients on their journey to "Be the Color" in their greatest masterpiece that is their life.
