TL;DR
A more balanced life comes from small daily habits, not a bigger schedule. This list, from Kathi’s notes on a talk by Lorin Beller of Change Maker Nation, includes creating moments, acknowledging others, saying a clear yes or no, single-tasking, breathing deeply, decluttering, slowing down and practicing gratitude. Pick two or three and try them for seven days.
It is so important for everyone to remain as calm and balanced as possible. This list is taken from notes I took during an amazing presentation I had the good fortune to hear, by Lorin Beller of Change Maker Nation.
Check out Lorin’s tips below and choose maybe 2 or 3 that you think you can commit to this coming week. Go ahead – take this challenge and watch more happiness blossom in your mind and heart.
What are 13 ways to create a more balanced life?
Be in the Moment
Moments matter. In work-life balance it is the moments that matter. Create moments! This creates work-life balance. Creating moments does not take away from the time in your day and does not take any planning at all. It only takes thoughtfulness and care for humans in your world, and nothing more really matters. One more thing about moments: Don’t only create them only when you feel good – create moments when you don’t! You’ll be surprised how it gets you out of your “funky mood.”
Acknowledge Each Other
Acknowledgement is not just something to do; it is a way of being. When we get out of our own way enough to be able to see how others are being and what they are doing, we can acknowledge them. This actually starts with a way of being in order to do it well and consistently.
Be Clear
Is your answer yes or no? Be clear, conscious, and aware of “choice” in every single thing you are saying “yes” and “no” to. This guarantees that you will enjoy life more. It is when we fill our lives with “shoulds” that we begin to resent the world and, more importantly, ourselves.
Stop Multi-tasking
Yes. Stop! We think that this allows us to get more done. But really, it makes us crazy! Do one thing a time and do it well. Let’s get more mindful about whatever the task is at hand. Love the task at hand. When we multi-task, we do not fully enjoy anything we are doing.
Breathe
Really breathe, deep down to your toes. Fill your entire chest cavity. If you actually put one hand on your chest and one on your belly, both hands should move if you are truly breathing. If you want to go deeper check out the Wim Hof breath technique. It is my personal favorite!
Simplify
Throw things away. Be clutter free. Messiness and accumulating “stuff” creates negative energy that truly leaves us feeling more heavy, more unbalanced, and adds to our “to do” list. I am a huge believer in creating clutter-free space! Ditto that, Lorin!
Slow Down
I find this one challenging, but when I get conscious enough to be aware of the silly speed at which I am moving, I breathe, slow down, and life magically changes!
Be Silent
Among the noisy world find silence. I notice silence at a red light. I notice silence after asking a question. I notice silence in a gaze. I notice silence while waiting in a line. The world is a very, very noisy place. But if we actually look for the silence, it is everywhere. And in that silence, work-life balance is found. “Go quietly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence…” ~ From Desiderata
Be Joyful About the Little Things
We tend to skip over them but stop and be joyful about things that you are truly joyful about. Celebrate in that moment. This is much like gratitude but slightly different. It is about bringing joy back into your life consistently. Live out loud and laugh out loud even if it can only be from your balcony!
Stay Healthy
Increase your heart rate only 60 minutes per week! We need this for peace of mind anyway. That can translate to taking three (3) 20-minute power walks a week. Take the break to do this during work hours if you can. You need it!
Take Bold Action
Take a bold action every day toward a big goal. Progress makes us feel productive. It makes us feel that we are in a state of action and makes us feel in charge of our world. Bold actions are key to balance. Take a bold action in each area of your life on a regular basis.
Reflect
Notice your life. Notice your body. Notice. Notice. Notice. Be curious. It is amazing how much of life we miss and how much you’ll see by just reflecting. It is the only way we see our progress, others’ progress, and the world’s progress. Reflect. Notice. Be curious. Now is the perfect time to do this.
Be Grateful
As they say, create an attitude of gratitude. Be grateful for the experiences we create, the things we have, for others in our life, for love. Tell your friends and loved ones in conversation that you are grateful for them rather than finding something to complain about. It is amazing how it quickly changes the tone of your life!
How do you put these habits into practice?
Pick 2-3 of these habits and practice them every day for 7 days. Watch what happens. Be mindful of small shifts in your life. If you commit and practice for only 7 days, it will show results. I know you will find more peace and happiness and will probably be inspired to keep going!
Organizing your business, too? A Business Logjam Session with Kathi finds what is slowing you down and clears it.
Keep reading
- 10 Things We Can Do To Achieve BalanceKathi’s shorter list of balance habits.
- Steps Towards Achieving Work Life BalancePractical steps toward a calmer workweek.
- Creating Work-Life Balance as a MompreneurBalance tips for moms who run a business.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create more balance in my life?
+
Start small. Kathi suggests choosing two or three habits from this list, such as creating meaningful moments, stopping multitasking or simplifying your space, and practicing them every day for seven days. Committing to just a week is enough to notice shifts and usually inspires you to keep going.
Why is multitasking bad for work-life balance?
+
We think multitasking gets more done, but it mostly makes us crazy, and we never fully enjoy anything we are doing. The list recommends doing one thing at a time and doing it well, staying mindful of the task at hand and even learning to love it.
Does clutter affect how balanced you feel?
+
Yes. Messiness and accumulating stuff create negative energy that leaves us feeling heavier and more unbalanced, and it adds to our to-do list. Simplifying by throwing things away and keeping a clutter-free space is one of the 13 habits, and Kathi is a huge believer in it.
How much exercise helps with balance?
+
Raising your heart rate for 60 minutes a week, for example three 20-minute power walks, supports peace of mind. Take the break during work hours if you can. Pair it with deep breathing, filling your chest until both a hand on your chest and one on your belly move.
What does being clear mean for work-life balance?
+
Be conscious that every yes and every no is a choice. When you are clear about what you are saying yes and no to, you enjoy life more. Filling your days with things you think you should do is what builds resentment toward the world and yourself.
Originally published on Organized and Energized on October 31, 2021. Moved to addSpace and updated November 7, 2026.
