You made your resolutions and you're already declaring them a #fail? Life gets pretty busy and new routines can be hard to fit in. Don't worry, we'll help you achieve that perfect (and maintainable) middle with these 5 tricks to finding balance.
1. No, But Thanks. No is not a bad word. You need to make friends with No. All too often we agree to things we don't have time for, aren't interested in or can't afford because we're not good at saying no. So, here's the trick. Add 'but thanks' + a compliment to the end of your 'no' and you'll find it much more polite and easier to say. Let's practice. tuja: Can you babysit my sick cat and 3 parakeets for 5 weeks? You: No, but thanks for thinking of me, you know I adore them.
2. See Failure as a Lesson. The most successful people in the world have all failed. The difference between them and those who aren't successful is they see failure as a lesson. If you're the kind of person to try, fail and give up, it's time to flip that fail. Not sure how to do that? Check out these tips on succeeding at your new years goals.                                          Â
3. Sleepy Time. If your answer for fitting it all in is to sleep less, we've got news for you - it ain't going to work! Sleep is one of the most important health habits you can have and short-changing it will catch up with you. If you really want to change your sleep patterns, adopt farmer's hours - go to bed early (especially if you're a zoned out TV/Facebook zombie at night) and get up early. You may just discover that the early hours are your most productive (and likely your best time for me-time).
4. Dial it Back When things are getting to be too much we tend to think that we need to drop something to find our balance. Before you boot a good habit to the curb, try minimizing it to fit it into your life. Can't get to the gym? Try 10-minute mini-workouts at your desk or at home. Finding morning meditations too hard to wake up for? Find ways to fit it into your daily routine - like during cooking or commuting. Can't seem to give up your favourite foods? Try tweaking them to be healthier. Getting a little bit is better than none at all.
5. Attitude of Gratitude Here's a trick you can definitely find time for and its guaranteed to help your life-equilibrium. Making an intentional effort to be grateful for the things you do have and the things you have succeeded at will make those few failures feel less significant and keep you positive about keeping at it. Studies have found that practicing gratitude leads to a more positive outlook, regular exercise, better relationships and a greater sense of happiness. Whether you keep a gratitude journal or mentally list what you're grateful for as you commute to work or change diapers, you'll feel more balanced in life.
If you're primed to slay some big, audacious goals for 2014, we say go for it. But, if you find yourself cowering in the audacity of them, use these tricks to tame them.Â
