Harper College is closed on Friday, April 18, for Reading Day.
Low energy, headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure... These are all common symptoms of stress that can significantly impact your health. So, how can you handle life’s demands without facing the consequences of stress or, worse yet, burnout? The key is achieving balance. Here are five ways to find balance while still making time for the people and things that matter most to you.
Set aside time each day to disconnect from your devices. This could mean storing them in another room while cooking dinner with your family or turning them off completely after 7 p.m. Regardless of the approach you take, establishing this space is crucial for preventing burnout, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a healthy balance between you and the activities that fill your busy life.
While unplugging is important, so is making time to connect with friends and family. It can be all too easy to shut yourself out from the world and disappear into a favorite TV show or social media site after a long day, but taking small steps to build and maintain relationships that matter to you will fuel you up for the road ahead. Something as simple as calling up an old friend or visiting a loved one is often just the break you need from the chaos of the day-to-day.
Between work, childcare, and other demands on your time, it’s easy to lose track of yourself and your needs. Remember that you’re not being selfish when you do things just for yourself. Whether it’s cranking up your favorite music during your commute, reading a new book, or simply allowing yourself the rare pleasure of doing nothing, whatever is most energizing or restorative to you will be your best tool for self-care.
There will always be work to do, so there’s no use wasting all that useful energy dwelling on it. Make time after work or during your lunch break to get out and take a walk around new or unfamiliar surroundings. Walk slowly and pay attention to the sights and sounds around you. Let them humble and amaze you. Allow your mind to wander while your body gets the movement it needs to function at its best.
Often, we can find ourselves trapped in the same cycle of thoughts and behaviors. Challenge your routine and engage your imagination by enrolling in a for-credit or Continuing Education course. Learning to paint, speak a new language, or play an instrument not only enhances your skills and stretches your mind but also provides a fresh perspective on your everyday life that may inspire positive change.
Finding balance is essential for shaping your life into what you desire, rather than settling for what you feel trapped in. Engaging in any of these activities benefits your mind, body, and soul—both now and in the future. We offer a range of wellness resources at Harper College and are here whenever you’re ready to get started.
Originally Published Sep 16, 2019
