4 Strategies to Balance for Wellness

Posted on November 04, 2012 by Barry Douglas, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

We live in a faced-pace, hectic time were distractions are plentiful and the pressures enormous. We’re stressed, tired, and our plates are full yet we continue to take on additional responsibility whether it be forced upon us or out of a desire to succeed. And somehow, we manage to fit it in. We push ourselves to the brink in our effort to make it all work. But were does it take us? Are we headed down a path of early deterioration and misery? Are we allowing sufficient time to refocus and reenergize – to be well? Studies suggest that most of us struggle.

Only 5% of adults engage in healthy behaviors such as exercise, maintaining healthy weight, eating healthy, moderate drinking, and not smoking. When considering mental and emotional health, only 20% of adults are thriving and on top of their game. Most adults are out of balance and it’s time for a new way of thinking.

Balance for Wellness is not about parceling time; it’s about conscious living and choices. When we chose to focus our energies where it really counts we find equilibrium for a more fulfilling and healthy lifestyle – we design a balanced lifestyle that enables lasting success and happiness.

To establish – or regain – balance, try these 4 strategies:

1. Clarify values and priorities. People often think of life balance as finding time to do all the things they want or need to do – work, family, health, community, leisure, TV, socializing, volunteering, shopping, and much more. There is more to do than time allows, and by trying to do more we become consumed and nonproductive over time. Instead, zero in on your priorities and manage them. What’s most important? What do you value most? What is the big picture? Where is your health positioned on your list of priorities?

2. Remove time from your productivity equation. Faced with a large to-do list or significant challenge, we tend to push ourselves to work hard and longer hours. We zero-in on the tasks at hand, regardless if we’re sacrificing something more important such as our overall Wellness. Instead, work smarter by slowing down, pulling back a bit, and refocusing. This approach may feel counterintuitive, but it’s the right and healthier alternative. For example, if your initial plan was to work 12 hours, rethink it. Close down your personal office a bit earlier and use the time to focus on something higher on your list of priorities. How? Delegate, reschedule, regroup, and reset expectations.

3. Focus your time and energies. Considering your priorities, focus on what’s truly important by using not only typical time management strategies, such as limiting time on your personal computer, phone and TV, but also by doing the following:

—Instead of multitasking, which is draining and overwhelming, break your tasks into small, mini-projects. Focus on your project from start to finish, moving tactically from one project to the next. This approach is more efficient and effective. And, doing one thing at a time is more satisfying.

—Reduce tasks clutter, which allows more time to focus on priorities. Look at all the tasks you have planned for the week, and for the day, and then remove those that can be removed. Can that weekly one-hour meeting be handled in thirty minutes? What tasks can you delegate or postpone? Can you record that two-hour TV show and then watch it later in one-hour, fast-forwarding through commercials? Where can you block an hour for strategic thinking?

—Truly invest in your health. As we all know by now, diet, exercise, and sleep improve performance and effectiveness. Find ways to reduce stress and increase healthy behaviors. Make finding balance for Wellness your number one priority. Health-Before-All-Else – keep this in the forefront of your mind for if you lose your health you lose most things that you value.

4. Finally, develop a new life-skill: design a personal well-being strategy and implement it for lifetime change. Work with a professional coach to make these lasting improvements in health and Wellness. A new breed of Wellness coaches help clients move away from quick fixes, overcome challenges, and master well-being for a balanced, fulfilled life.

Written by Barry Douglas – Wellness Coach