How to Create & Maintain a Balanced Life

Finding balance in life can bring a sense of fulfillment and meaning, but it can sometimes be hard to figure out where to start. For this article, we interviewed professional life coaches and organizational experts to teach you all the best ways to create and maintain balance in your life. Plus, learn how to take care of your physical health and the benefits of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Easy Ways to Balance Your Life

Create a schedule so you know what you have to do each day. Make time to relax and do things you enjoy, like your favorite hobbies and spending time with friends and family. Know when to compromise and don’t be afraid to say no. Get plenty of rest and exercise, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Section 1 of 4:

Creating a Sense of Balance

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1
Maintain a schedule. Following a schedule can help you balance your time in different areas that are important to you so you can accomplish goals and feel less stressed. Create a schedule based on your priorities each week. Start with the things you have to do, like tasks at work, then pencil in some time to spend with family, friends, and meaningful activities. ^{[1]
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Research source}
- Rank the activities you need and want to do in order of importance. Then, assign an appropriate amount of time to each one.
- Consistency is key for creating a healthy morning routine. Life coach Jennifer Butler says, “If we only do something one or two times, it doesn’t come naturally. Once you do something for 30 days or so, it creates a new habit.” ^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Butler, MSW
  Love & Empowerment Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.}
- Organizational expert Kathi Burns recommends pre-planning your day: “If you find yourself running behind all the time, you haven’t thought about it in advance and you’re in reaction mode as [opposed] to being proactive. Thinking in advance about what you need to do will save you buckets of time later." ^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kathi Burns, CPO®
  Board Certified Professional Organizer
  
  Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}
2
Make compromises. If you have a partner, children, and/or friends, you must also consider their needs alongside your own. Sometimes, you’ll have to make compromises for them, and other times, you’ll have to compromise time with them for other things you have to do. This is a sometimes unfortunate but necessary part of having a balanced life. Learn how and when to say no to avoid overcommitting yourself. ^{[4]
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- For example, spending more time with your family may impact your job opportunities and income. If you spend more time at work, however, you’ll have less time with your loved ones. You must learn to balance these aspects of your life by making compromises.
- Butler says you must dismantle “that belief that you have to be available for everyone at all times and that people are going to fall apart if you’re not. The more you give yourself what you need, the better you show up as a human being, and then the better the people around you can also show up.” ^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Butler, MSW
  Love & Empowerment Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.}
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3
Think positively. Your thinking can shape how you perceive each day and situation. Maintain a positive approach to life and any unexpected changes that come your way. Reduce your negative self-talk, such as “I can’t do that” or “They would never pick me,” and focus on positive things about yourself or the situation you’re in. If you have a tendency to expect the worst, try to focus things that can go well instead. ^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- For example, if you’re worried about failing an exam, say to yourself, “I’ll be disappointed if I do poorly. However, I know that I can take more exams and bring my grade up later.”
- Surround yourself with supportive people to help yourself stay positive. Try to limit your time with people who are negative or critical.
- To avoid negative thoughts , Butler says, “Start listening to them. Bring them to your awareness. You can even write them down and start noticing the pattern. If you think that you’re a failure and you never do anything right, that’s your theme. So flip the script and start writing down every success you’ve had.” ^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Butler, MSW
  Love & Empowerment Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.}

Section 2 of 4:

Keeping a Balanced Lifestyle

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1
Have hobbies. Make regular time for things that you enjoy. Whether you enjoy hiking, stargazing, playing piano, or anything else, set aside some time to engage in fun activities. Having a hobby helps boost your mood by making you feel fulfilled and creating a sense of meaning in your life. Schedule some time for your hobby each day or every week so you have something to look forward to. ^{[8]
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HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source}
- Engaging in a hobby is also a great way to make friends and meet others who have similar interests with you.
- If you don’t have a hobby, think of something that interests you that you’d like to try. Maybe you’d like to pick up ice skating , karate , or knitting .
2
Spend time with family and friends. Even when you are busy or stressed, make time to hang out with your friends and family. Spending time with your loved ones can help lower your stress levels and increase your overall sense of well-being. ^{[9]
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Research source}
- If you have a busy lifestyle, plan to hang out with your friends at least once a month. For example, a once-a-month volleyball game or karaoke night can help you connect with others and have a great time.
- Stay connected with your family. Whether you have children or are near your extended family, make time for the meaningful relationships in your life. Plan activities around holidays such as meals or game nights.
EXPERT TIP

Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
Marriage & Family Therapist
Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
Marriage & Family Therapist

Don't panic if you're struggling to find time for your loved ones. If you're feeling overwhelmed between your family, friends, work, and partner, take a look at how you're allocating your time, and evaluate how your commitments affect your energy.
3
Relax. Practicing relaxation for just 30 minutes each day can help you stabilize your moods and cope with stress more effectively. Relaxing prevents your daily frustrations from building up so you can cope with problems on a regular basis. It also encourages you to feel calm and centered. ^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source}
- Relaxing looks different for everyone. Perhaps you enjoy taking bubble baths, or maybe you like to read. Do whatever works best for you.
- To deal with burnout, Butler says, “We have to stop thinking that self-care and making ourselves a priority is selfish… Give yourself at least half an hour in the morning and at least half an hour at night that are yours. Whether you’re meditating, reading, journaling, listening to music, or dancing in the mirror, just connect deeply with yourself and tune out everything else that’s happening in the world.” ^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Butler, MSW
  Love & Empowerment Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.}
4
Find adequate employment. Make sure your work is fulfilling and meets you and your family’s needs. ^{[12]
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Research source} However, don’t allow your job to take over your whole life. Ensure you’re able to keep work and life separate so you don’t become overwhelmed and feel out of balance. When choosing a job , think of everything you want from the job and rank them in order of importance. Focus on what you really value.
- Career coach Colleen Campbell says the proper work-life balance “depends on the person. It’s something that each person has to think about what their needs are.” ^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Colleen Campbell, PhD
  Career & Life Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 28 March 2019.}
- If your job feels unbalanced in your life, meet with your boss to discuss adjusting your hours, increasing your pay, or transferring to a different department or another job.
- Reader Poll: We asked 206 wikiHow readers what they think is the most important factor in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and 48% of them said setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. [Take Poll]
5
Connect with spirituality. Whether you are religious or not, a meaningful spiritual practice can contribute positively to life. This can include prayer , meditation , spending time outside, or creating and engaging in a spiritual practice of your own. Connect with others who share similar beliefs to build community and practice together. ^{[14]
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- If you’re not sure how you connect with spirituality, explore different paths and find one that you connect with. Check out a church, synagogue, mosque, meditation center, or read spiritually-oriented books. Talk to others who have a spiritual practice and ask them how it contributes to their lives.
6

Develop patience. Remember, things take time, so don’t give up if it feels like you aren’t achieving the balance you desire. Focus on seeing the big picture and know that good things are coming your way rather than getting bogged down in the details. Relax and work patiently on the tasks at hand. Take time to appreciate and analyze the situation and context, and work hard to achieve your goals . ^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Section 3 of 4:

Taking Care of Your Physical Health

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1
Sleep well. Sleep can affect your productivity, irritability, mood, and how sharp your mind feels. Aim to get at least 8 hours of good sleep each night. Create a sleep schedule so you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Have a bedtime ritual that helps you feel calm and relaxed (like reading, meditating, etc.), and make sure your room and bed are comfortable. ^{[16]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If your mind tends to run free at night, calm your thoughts . Tell yourself you’ll address problems in the morning so your mind can disengage from worries and stress.
2
Keep your body fit. Exercise and physical activity are an important part of maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your mental health and mood. ^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} Do some cardio , such as running, biking, or dancing, as well as strength training, like lifting weights or doing push-ups.
- To motivate yourself, try signing up for a fun class or activity or working out with a friend. ^{[18]
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  Trustworthy Source
  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
  Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- If you’re starting a fitness or exercise program, speak with your physician before starting to make sure you are healthy enough to participate. Start slowly and work your way toward more intensity.
3
Eat nutritious foods. Rather than going for convenient, unhealthy foods, make an effort to eat healthy and nourishing meals. Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, and incorporate whole grains into your diet, like brown rice, quinoa, and oats. Eat lean proteins such as peas, nuts, eggs, and beans, and replace sugary drinks like sodas with water. ^{[19]
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Research source}
- If you don’t like drinking plain water, add some cucumbers, fruit, or lime juice for a little natural flavor.
- If you struggle to eat enough veggies, find simple ways to add them to your meals. For example, chop them up and add them to pasta, enchiladas, or dipping sauces. Or, drink a daily smoothie and add ingredients like a handful of spinach or a scoop of pea protein.
- Make time in your weekly schedule for meal planning and grocery shopping.
4

Maintain your hygiene. Maintaining good hygiene is extremely important to your health, as it helps to prevent the spread of germs and contributes to a positive self-image. Remember to take care of yourself by showering daily, combing your hair, and brushing your teeth twice a day. Wash your hands whenever you go to the bathroom, and put on deodorant before leaving your house. ^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
5
Avoid addiction. Addictions such as tobacco, drugs , alcohol, and even things like shopping, social media, and caffeine intake can take a major toll on your overall health and well-being. If you think you have an addiction, seek treatment. See a counselor or therapist or enroll in an addiction program. Remember that you’re not alone, and reach out to loved ones for support and encouragement. ^{[21]
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Research source}
- If you’re addicted to your phone, try putting it somewhere out of reach and disconnect from technology for a while. For example, leave your phone in your room and go for a walk to enjoy nature.

Section 4 of 4:

Benefits of a Balanced Lifestyle

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Having a balanced life has many benefits. It gives you a sense of purpose as you accomplish tasks and allows you to figure out your values. It allows you to think more clearly, stay in the present, and not worry about the past or the future. Having a balanced life also helps prevent stress, which allows you to live a healthy, relaxed lifestyle. ^{[22]
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Research source}

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What are the elements of a balanced life?

Alyson Garrido, PCC
Career Coach
Alyson Garrido is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Facilitator, and Speaker. Using a strengths-based approach, she supports her clients with job search and career advancement. Alyson provides coaching for career direction, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and performance reviews as well as customized communication and leadership strategies. She is a Founding Partner of the Systemic Coach Academy of New Zealand.

Alyson Garrido, PCC

Career Coach

Expert Answer

Set boundaries between your work life and your personal life so you don't get overly stressed.

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How can a student have balanced life?

Dawn Smith-Camacho
Career & Life Coach
Dawn Smith-Camacho is the Owner of Whole Life Solutions, a business in which Dawn provides professional speaking on effective decision-making and navigating major changes for entrepreneurs and employees. She also supports individual coaching clients by identifying their core values, managing time, prioritizing, and honing in on their ideal path. Her clients include Vistage, UNICEF, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA), NACE, and Oracle.

Dawn Smith-Camacho

Career & Life Coach

Expert Answer

Find a practice that you enjoy and stick with it. Try daily yoga, qi gong, tai chi, and meditation. Over time, these can actually help you develop a more positive mindset. Also, if there's something about yourself you want to improve, set positive goals to help yourself accomplish that. For instance, instead of saying, "I'm not motivated enough," you might say, "Tomorrow I'm going to spend 5 minutes clearing off my desk before work so I can get my day off to a good start."

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What does it mean to have work-life balance?

Colleen Campbell, PhD
Career & Life Coach
Dr. Colleen Campbell is the Founder and CEO of The Ignite Your Potential Centers, Career and Life Coaching based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Colleen received her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Sofia University and has been career coaching since 2008.

Colleen Campbell, PhD

Career & Life Coach

Expert Answer

It really depends on the person. Some people have more professional drive, while some people really enjoy doing things outside of work. It’s something that each person has to think about individually and decide for themselves.

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Burns says to do the thing you’re least looking forward to first, “as opposed to doing all the easy stuff and dreading the big one that you hate and then never [actually] doing it.” ^{[23]
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Expert Source

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Board Certified Professional Organizer

Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}

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[1]

[2]

Expert Source

Jennifer Butler, MSW
Love & Empowerment Coach

[3]

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Board Certified Professional Organizer

[4]

[5]

[6]

Go to source

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

Colleen Campbell, PhD
Career & Life Coach

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

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How to Create & Maintain a Balanced Life

Easy Ways to Balance Your Life

Steps

Creating a Sense of Balance

Keeping a Balanced Lifestyle

Taking Care of Your Physical Health

Benefits of a Balanced Lifestyle

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Tips from our Readers

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