Yeah, I’ve got it.
Life’s an ongoing rollercoaster in discovering balance, right?
For several years, I balanced a big volunteer commitment, writing this blog, training for races, having a social life and the occasional dating on top of a full-time job. That volunteer commitment ended in July, I decided to stop training for a big race in August, I did some pulling back from the blog and I had ALL THIS FREE TIME.
Not one to let grass grow under my feet, I threw myself into dating and my social life this summer. Which resulted in one of the most fun summers of my life.
With a total lack of balance. Which was fine at the time, but I’m trying to get back to that place where I wake up feeling recharged instead of already behind the eight-ball from staying up too late. I felt bloated from too much wine and food out, fun as it was. I’m spending some time trying to actively say no to things.
And it feels good, taking a little more time for myself. Time to write and think. To be more intentional. For now.
BRB, bubble bath time.
How do you slow down?
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I try to disconnect from technology, like my phone and computer and relax with a good show or book with my puppy!
I love to just lay down and meditate or put on a childhood favorite, like Friends! It always makes me feel relaxed and happy!
Balance definitely ebbs and flows- I use the slow times to catch up on life, and when things get crazy build in pockets of time for myself to decompress. I'm a bubble bath girl too, which reminds me... must.shut.down.
Lately, I've been taking evening restorative yoga classes. It's an amazing way to unwind. Also, I just got into Orange is the New Black. I've been shutting off my phone and watching an hour before bed. I look forward to this down time all day!
balancing everything (esp in NYC, where there's SO MUCH of everything and so many options for those of us who love it all!) is definitely an art, and something to continually work at, i've found. i think i keep a lot on my plate as well, but i'm trying to be intentional about taking down time/me time as much as i possibly can. for me, this includes my workouts/running, at least one night at home each week vegging/doing nothing, and scattered weekends upstate with my fam/friends where i can just relax.
I try to find time with friends where we know we're going to hang out, but we don't get into the particulars. It allows us to have catch up time, but without the stress of a schedule.
When I figure out how I slow down I will certainly let you know :)
I was just in yoga yesterday, and the instructor was talking about balance and the equinox. She named several things for us to think about - like work vs play, active and noisy vs. still and silent (and some others that I can't remember). She said that one probably stuck out to us as being unbalanced. Well, the latter definitely did! I am always on the go and surrounded by people. Yoga helps me to stay grounded and not frantic - and more mindful of the necessity for quiet/still time. (and that was the first yoga class I had been to in 2 months). So I am totally with you on the slowing down. I desperately need to as well.
I try to spend less time on facebook and other distracting media. When I really need to relax and recharge my batteries, there's nothing better than taking a walk by the sea.
I'm like Jenn in the comment above. I've just given up Facebook (deleted my account) and it feels great! I've spent the time I was usually on there checking out what distant friends were doing, and now I'm actually getting stuff done myself! Next, I plan to get up 30 minutes earlier every weekday morning so I have a little bit more time as well. Fingers crossed.