The Key to Finding Balance and Getting Organized

By Carmen Coker

When you are responsible for taking care of others – whether it is at work, at home, or both – then taking care of YOU can become a low, maybe even non-existent, priority.

Women, in particular, feel incredibly off-kilter when this occurs, but men are also not immune to self-neglect and its repercussions.

Here’s what I mean …

• You’re working more hours, so that’s less time for exercise. You gain a few pounds, and your pants are fitting tightly … and you feel blah.
• You’re juggling lots of responsibilities, so that’s less time for planning. You’ve put off your hair appointment three times, and your roots are scary-looking at best … and you feel blah.
• You’re on-the-go from morning to night, so that’s less time for your mind to rest. You keep forgetting things, most recently your best friend’s birthday … and you feel blah.

I could go on with examples, but the “blah” feeling is your gut telling you that you’re off-balance. In other words, something in your life is not quite right.

Avoiding self-care, for whatever reason, takes a huge toll on your mind, body, and soul. As Jack Kornfield once explained, “When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with … ourselves.” And that’s never a good thing!

It’s time to stop the self-neglect. This week, begin your journey back to balance by making an appointment that you really need. Whether it’s to see your health care provider or to see your hairdresser, masseuse, manicurist, or chiropractor – do whatever you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make you feel good, inside and out.

The bottom line is: The most important thing you can do to find balance and get organized is to take care of yourself.

Great advice as always Carmen!