I used to boast that I was “productive” for getting by on four hours of sleep. As a result, I became irritable, forgetful, and terrible at responding to texts. Sleep is a must. Do it, even if it means shutting your eyes before midnight and placing your phone across the room. Your brain will appreciate it. But your addiction to coffee might not.
Even if you detest it, move.
You are not required to lift weights or run marathons. Simply move. Stretch during Netflix ads, take a stroll to the shop, or do a horrible dance while cooking. I once attempted a 10-minute yoga video and slept off in the middle, yet I still felt… renewed? More important than perfection is movement.
Consume Things That Don’t Hate You Back
Perfectly portioned meals and kale smoothies aren’t the focus of balanced eating. It’s all about diversity and avoiding misery. I once had salad for dinner and pizza for lunch—balance? Sort of. Most of the time, the goal is to incorporate vegetables and proteins, although chocolate is not inherently bad.
Take Short Digital Vacations
Up until it causes anxiety, social media is enjoyable. I make an effort not to browse first thing in the morning. The day can feel less frantic if you put your phone away for even fifteen minutes. Even if you disagree, your brain needs a few brief getaways.
Take Care of Yourself
Five minutes is all that matters. Plan your hypothetical trip while reading a book, drinking tea, drawing, or just gazing at the ceiling. Usually, I prepare tea, sit by the window, and imagine that my life is a comfortable scene from a movie. Little moments of “me time” are more important than you may imagine.
Engage People, Even in Odd Ways
People are social beings. Talk to your neighbor about their strange pet, text your sister, or give a buddy a call. One unexpected two-minute phone conversation with a friend totally lifted my spirits. Small conversations matter, even if they are uncomfortable.
Develop Your Ability to Refuse
This one is challenging. I used to agree to everything, but by Friday, I would psychologically collapse. Sometimes saying no isn’t disrespectful; it’s a necessary survival tactic. If your calendar is a horror film, you will never be able to balance your life.
Combine Work and Play
Add little pleasures to life, even if it seems like there are always things to do. Play an incomprehensible game, watch horrible reality TV, or bake cookies (even if you burn half of them). Stress is kept at bay by little pleasures.
Don’t worry about being perfect.
Living a balanced lifestyle isn’t about being perfect. On certain days, you might eat pizza for breakfast, get too little sleep, or spend three hours on Instagram. It’s okay. Finding balance is complex, individualized, and primarily about feeling good at the end of the day rather than crossing things off a hypothetical checklist.