.png){kind=logo}
By Karen Rae, Founder of Balanced Life by Karen Rae® and Creator of The Signature Balanced Life Planner®
We’ve all been there—the sudden moment of self-reflection and the creeping feeling that there has to be more. As we get older and grow in our careers and personal lives, our daily routines gradually become more chaotic. We get caught up in what needs to be done rather than what we need to do for ourselves.
At moments like these, it’s crucial to hit pause and reevaluate. Ask yourself…how am I spending my time? What daily actions bring me joy? How can I add more happiness to my life?
If life has lost its spark, here are some ways to add more meaning, each centered on the Five Fundamental Areas of Life.
Faith
Develop the habit of expecting God’s goodness in your life, and you will find joy!
We have a God who is more powerful and loves us more than can we imagine. Putting our trust in God invites a transcendent peace into our lives and allows us to inspire others to do the same.
Enjoying fellowship with others in a place of worship is a great way to incorporate spiritual connections into your life and get in touch with something bigger than yourself. For those who cannot attend a church service in person or anyone interested in incorporating faith into smaller daily tasks, there are plenty of other things we can do in as little as five minutes. These include:
● Praying and giving thanks
● Meditating or performing a breathing exercise
● Reading a devotional or favorite scripture
Finances
Although financial responsibility is essential, wealth accumulation can harm our well-being and consume our lives when it becomes an end in itself. The key here is not to go overboard. Placing too great importance on finances can significantly affect your happiness and distract you from the positive experiences you wanted to create with your money in the first place. It’s essential to maintain your life-money balance. Try taking little steps each week, including:
● Reviewing your previous week’s expenses and set a new goal
● Setting up a weekly auto-transfer from your checking to your savings account
● Tracking your financial progress – what debt can you pay down? What expenses can you cut back on? What is something life-changing you want to save for?
Fitness
Science shows that regular exercise makes you a more joyful person and boosts your mood. During an intense workout, physiological changes in your body increase feelings of joy. Unfortunately, many people put off exercise and wellness or skip them altogether.
Although any exercise is better than nothing, if you want to feel happier, integrate activities that help increase your heart rate. The chemical changes that lead to greater happiness will occur if you engage in heavy weightlifting, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, etc. Fitness doesn’t always have to incorporate running or hitting the gym; you can also:
● Stretch for five minutes in the morning.
● Gradually increase your water intake to become fully hydrated.
● Eat healthy for one meal a week! Even eating one fruit a week is an excellent start for many people looking to get healthier.
Family and Friends
Our relationships with family members and friends are some of the most extraordinary and precious parts of our lives. The great thing is that you don’t necessarily need therapy sessions to connect with your family. The best connections are usually made through enjoyment and laughter and finding and enjoying happiness together.
Nothing is more satisfying than showing your loved ones how much you care by giving them your love, time and support. When you make someone else’s day, it makes you feel better, too. Kisses, hugs, smiles, thank-yous and compliments are all great ways to make those close to you feel supported, valued and loved. Just like you, all your friends and family members have some insecurities beneath the surface, and they need your love, support and belief to help them become the best person they can be.
There is nothing better than helping our loved ones to see their inner beauty, strength and uniqueness. The more you practice forgiving, accepting and opening your heart to others, the more they will do the same for you. Here are a few small intentional acts that will help you bring joy to those you love:
● Reconnect with a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while—just a short text can make a world of difference.
● Organize a family dinner and talk about everyone’s day (no phones allowed).
● Ask your partner or spouse to spend some time showing you their favorite hobby, television show or book.
What’s a purpose without a plan, and vice versa? Use our Signature Balanced Life Planner® to help your planning and purpose come together!
Karen Rae is a lifestyle expert, personal development coach, and Mompreneur based out of St. Petersburg, FL. She’s been featured in Authority Magazine, The Hollywood Times, ABC Live Action News, and on BLOOM, Tampa Bay’s only daily 1-hour TV show focusing on health & lifestyle.
If you’re interested (curious) about how COVID 19 led Karen to take her life back and start inspiring hope and change worldwide read our story at BalancedLifePlanner.com and subscribe to our newsletter to receive Karen's FREE TIPS on how to have work-life balance, renew your faith, get and stay fit, improve your relationships, and MORE.
JOIN the Balanced Life Challenge Group on Facebook for connection, personal growth, and empowerment!
SHARE YOUR Balanced Life STORY USING #BalancedLifeKR
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Comments