What Does Having a Balanced Life Mean? | Episode 25

In this episode, Joanne explores the concept of balance and how it applies to our lives. She discusses the various areas of our lives that require attention and how to prioritise them effectively.

Joanne shares her personal experiences as a busy female entrepreneur, business owner, and professional and the struggles she faces in achieving balance. She discusses the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and building a support system, especially for women in male-dominated fields.

She also shares practical tips and strategies for maintaining balance, such as identifying priorities, practising self-care, and being flexible and adaptable. Finally, she emphasises the importance of recognising that achieving balance is an ongoing process and requires patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to make changes. 

Whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a student juggling multiple responsibilities, this episode offers valuable insights and advice for achieving balance in your life. Join Joanne as she explores what it means to have a balanced life and how we can all work towards creating fulfilling, meaningful lives both personally and professionally.

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*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and its contents are intended for informational purposes only.

Transcript

Welcome to Episode Twenty five of our Full Spectrum Wellness Podcast. I'm so happy and excited to be back here with you for our twenty-fifth episode.

Today I want to share my thoughts and experiences with you on how to achieve a balanced life.

We all have different priorities and responsibilities in our lives, such as work, family,
relationships, hobbies, and personal goals. Balancing all these areas can be
challenging, but it is essential for our overall well-being.

To me, a balanced life means having enough time and energy to devote to each area of my life, without neglecting any of them. It means being able to manage stress,
maintain good health, and enjoy life's little moments.

One of the most important things I've learned on my journey towards balance is the importance of setting priorities. By identifying what matters most to me, I can allocate my time and energy accordingly. For example, if my dogs Rosie and Daisy are my top priority, then I will make sure to spend quality time with them, even if it means saying no to other activities or commitments.

Another key aspect of balance is self-care. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of
daily life and neglect our own needs, but self-care is essential for our physical and mental health. This can include things like exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax and recharge.

Putting your needs first is quite literally the key to a happier and healthier you. It's easy to become consumed by work, family, and daily life demands. The truth is, prioritising your needs is essential for optimal well-being and productivity. Of course, focusing and performing at your best when you're unhealthy or unhappy isn't easy. Prioritising self-care is crucial for maintaining your mental and physical health, ultimately allowing you to be more present and engaged in all aspects of your life.

 As life gets busier, forgetting about your own needs and focusing solely on the needs of others often happens without even realising it. However, prioritising your well-being is essential for maintaining health and happiness. 

 To ensure you are doing your best in this regard, follow these tips: 

•  Schedule Time For Self-Care - One of the best ways to prioritise your needs is by scheduling time for self-care. Treat self-care as a non-negotiable appointment by scheduling time (and sticking to it) for activities that promote your well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, or meditation, ensuring that you're making time for yourself, even when your schedule is busy.
• Set Boundaries - Establishing clear boundaries for yourself and others is crucial for ensuring you have dedicated time. Communicate your boundaries to your friends, family, and colleagues to ensure they are respected. Plus, don’t forget to take breaks throughout the day, designate specific times for work and leisure, and turn off your phone while focusing on self-care.
• Listen To Your Body - Pay attention to and respond to your body’s cues. The signals your body sends you, whether fatigue, hunger, or stress, are important. Your body is telling you what it needs if you just listen. Once you hear what your body is saying, take the necessary steps to address your needs. Whether that means taking a break from work, practising relaxation techniques, or seeking support from a therapist or other healthcare provider, you must listen and act accordingly. 
• Practice Saying No - Recognise that it's okay to decline invitations or requests when you need to focus on your well-being. Practising saying "no" can help you set boundaries and prioritise your own needs without feeling guilty or obligated.

Remember, practising self-care is essential for showing up as your best self for others plus, you’ll experience numerous benefits in the process: 

• Improved mental health.
• Greater self-awareness
• Increased self-esteem
• Better physical health
• Increased productivity.
• Improved relationships
• A greater sense of purpose
• More energy
• Reduced guilt.
• Increased happiness

 Putting your needs first is not selfish – especially if you're not neglecting your responsibilities, disregarding others' needs, or using self-care to engage in unhealthy behaviour. Self-care is a necessary action you must take to maintain a healthy and balanced life. You'll enjoy a more fulfilling existence by prioritising self-care and focusing on your well-being. Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself, set boundaries, and engage in activities that promote your happiness and health.

It's also important to have a support system in place. Whether it's family, friends, or a professional therapist, coach or counsellor, having someone to talk to and lean on during difficult times can make all the difference.

As a busy female entrepreneur, business owner, and professional, achieving balance can be especially challenging. In addition to the responsibilities of work and family, there are often added pressures and expectations placed on women in these roles.

One struggle I face is finding time for myself. As an entrepreneur and business owner, there is always something that needs to be done, and it can be hard to step away from
work. I often find myself working long hours, sacrificing sleep and exercise,
and neglecting my own needs in the process.

Another challenge is juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. As a business owner,
I wear many hats and am responsible for everything from sales and marketing to
operations and finances. This can be overwhelming at times, and it can be difficult to prioritise and manage my time effectively.

Despite these challenges, I've learned that it's important to prioritise self-care and to set boundaries. Whether scheduling time for exercise or meditation, delegating tasks to others, or saying no to additional responsibilities, these small steps can help me maintain balance and prevent burnout.

I've also found that having a supportive network of other women entrepreneurs and
professionals can make a big difference. Being able to share experiences, advice, and encouragement with others who understand the unique challenges we face can be incredibly empowering.

If you have a balanced life you prioritise self-care. You make time for activities that promote your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, such as exercising, meditating, and getting enough sleep. Going for a daily walk or jog, practising yoga, taking a relaxing bath, or reading a book before bed are awesome examples of taking care of yourself. 

If you have a balanced life you have fulfilling relationships. You invest time and effort in building healthy and positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues by regularly catching up, organising gatherings, or actively participating in clubs or groups.

If you have a balanced life you have a healthy work-life balance. You manage your work commitments and personal responsibilities in a way that allows you to enjoy your free time and pursue your hobbies. This might look like setting boundaries and sticking to a schedule that enables you to focus on work during work hours and dedicate time to personal activities after work.

If you have a balanced life you practice mindfulness. You’re present in the moment and can focus on what you’re doing right now without being distracted by external factors or worrying about stuff you can’t control. Plus, you find yourself practising deep breathing exercises, meditation, or mindful walking in your daily routine because it’s a habit now.

If you have a balanced life you have a sense of purpose. You understand your values, goals, and aspirations and are working to achieve them. You habitually set clear goals and actively work towards achieving them. When you can, you volunteer for causes you are passionate about, and you never hesitate to pursue a hobby that brings you joy.

If you have a balanced life you manage stress effectively. You have developed healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and avoid burnout by taking daily breaks, practising relaxation techniques, or seeking professional help.

If you have a balanced life you have a positive attitude. You approach challenges with a positive mindset and always look for opportunities for growth and learning in difficult situations. As a result, you’ve become adept at reframing negative thoughts into positive ones, practising gratitude, and seeking opportunities for personal growth and development.

If you have a balanced life you are financially stable. You have a balanced approach to money and carefully manage your finances to support your goals and values. Because of this, you have no issues budgeting, saving money, seeking financial advice, and investing in education or career development.

If you have a balanced life you have a healthy lifestyle. Your diet is healthy. You exercise regularly and avoid harmful habits such as smoking or excessive drinking. You know the importance of eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, practising good sleep hygiene, and avoiding destructive habits, and don’t struggle with doing the right thing for yourself. 

If you have a balanced life you have a fulfilling social life. You enjoy spending time with loved ones and participating in social activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. You’ve joined a sports team or club, volunteered for a community organisation, and participated in social events with friends and family without feeling put out or stressed. 

It's important to ask yourself honestly: How many of these signs of a balanced life apply to me? For example, am I prioritising self-care, managing my stress effectively, and pursuing activities that bring me joy and meaning? Or am I stuck in a cycle of work, anxiety, and exhaustion, neglecting the other areas of my life that matter?

I believe that a balanced life requires a willingness to be flexible and adapt to changes. Life is unpredictable, and we may need to adjust our priorities or routines from time to time. By staying open-minded and adaptable, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively.

Achieving balance as a busy female entrepreneur, business owner, and professional is not easy, but it is possible. By prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, and building a supportive network, we can navigate these challenges and create fulfilling, meaningful lives both personally and professionally.

Achieving a balanced life is an ongoing journey that requires patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to make changes. By setting priorities, practising self-care, building a support system, and staying flexible, we can create a life that feels fulfilling, meaningful, and balanced. 

Thank you for listening, and I hope you found this episode helpful.