How I Found Balance (And How You Can Too)

I’ll admit it: I used to be that person—always running on empty, juggling a million things, and barely keeping it all together. Whether it was work deadlines, family commitments, or trying to maintain some sort of social life, I felt like I was constantly behind. The worst part? I could never find time for myself.

It wasn’t until one Sunday afternoon, exhausted and scrolling mindlessly through my phone, that I realized something had to change.

Maybe you’ve felt this way too? Overwhelmed, disconnected, or just burned out? If you’re nodding along, then this post is for you. I want to share how I turned things around and found a little more balance in my life—without completely overhauling everything. If you’re ready to make small, sustainable changes, here’s how I did it, and how you can too.

Step 1: Start Small—But Start

The idea of making drastic changes was intimidating. I didn’t want to commit to some major lifestyle overhaul that would only last a week. Instead, I decided to start with one small, realistic change. I committed to taking a 10-minute walk each morning before work.

Sounds simple, right? But it was a game-changer. The fresh air, the movement, the space to clear my mind—it made such a difference. I didn’t have to go on a 5-mile run or hit the gym every day. I just needed to move my body a little, and it was enough to feel more energized, less stressed, and more centered.

Step 2: Prioritize Mental Health

I always heard people talking about mental health, but I never really took it seriously until I was completely burned out. It wasn’t just about feeling physically tired; my mind was cluttered, my anxiety was through the roof, and I was losing the ability to enjoy anything.

So, I started incorporating little habits to help me manage stress and reset my mind. Every evening before bed, I’d spend 5 minutes journaling. No pressure—just writing down what went well that day or something I was grateful for.

I also downloaded a meditation app (I started with Headspace) and began practicing just 5 minutes of deep breathing or guided meditation. At first, it felt awkward, but over time, I began to feel calmer and more present. It was amazing how those few minutes of quiet could really set the tone for my day or help me unwind at night.

Step 3: Make Time for Self-Care (And No, It’s Not Selfish)

I’ll be honest—I used to think self-care was a luxury I didn’t have time for. Bubble baths, face masks, and “me time” felt like something only other people had the luxury of enjoying. But I quickly learned that self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself; it’s about maintaining your health—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

For me, that meant scheduling time for things that made me feel good—even if it was just a 30-minute yoga class or reading a book instead of watching TV. These moments of self-care didn’t take up a lot of time, but they allowed me to recharge and show up better for everything else.

Step 4: Set Realistic Goals (And Celebrate Your Wins)

I used to think that productivity meant doing everything at once. My to-do list was always a mile long, and I’d try to knock off tasks as fast as I could. But guess what? That led to burnout and a lack of satisfaction.

So, I decided to change my approach. Instead of feeling pressure to get everything done at once, I started setting smaller, more achievable goals each day. I’d break my tasks into chunks and celebrate the small wins—whether that was finishing a work project, taking a walk, or just having a calm dinner with my family.

This shift made a huge difference. I stopped feeling overwhelmed by everything I “should” be doing, and instead started feeling accomplished by the things I could do.

Step 5: Build Healthy Relationships (And Let Go of Toxic Ones)

Another realization I had was that my relationships (or lack of quality ones) were a big part of my stress. Whether it was people who drained my energy or not making enough time to connect with the people who truly mattered, I knew I had to make a change.

I started carving out time for the people who truly lifted me up. I called a friend I hadn’t talked to in ages, scheduled regular catch-ups with family, and made sure to be more present when spending time with my partner. It was surprising how just a little quality time could make such a huge impact on my mood and overall outlook.

Step 6: Embrace Imperfection

One of the biggest lessons I learned on this journey was that balance doesn’t mean perfection. There will be days when you feel stressed, when things don’t go according to plan, and when you fall off track. And that’s okay.

The goal isn’t to create a perfectly balanced life, but to create a life where you feel balanced more often. It’s about adjusting as you go, being kind to yourself when you slip, and remembering that small changes add up over time.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey to Balance Starts Today

Finding balance doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t require perfection. It’s a journey of small, intentional steps toward a healthier, happier version of yourself.

Start with one small change. Maybe it’s a walk, 10 minutes of meditation, or saying “no” to something that drains you. Whatever it is, know that every step forward is progress. And as you keep moving, you’ll find that balance isn’t a destination—it’s a way of living.

Remember: You’ve got this. 🌿