Achieving balance in a time of crisis

By: Rachel Snyder LPC, NCC, CAADC; Clinical supervisor at Mirmont Treatment Center, part of Main Line Health

Right now, the idea of balance seems laughable. While we all know that it’s important to live a balanced lifestyle—one that incorporates healthy eating, regular exercise and continued connections with loved ones—how can we accomplish all of that while many of us are just struggling to get through the day? After a long day spent dealing with professional and personal obligations, it’s much easier to kick back and relax with a frozen meal and your favorite show than to make phone calls to loved ones to catch up and fit in a workout and manage a home-cooked meal.  

By no means do you need to be balanced or perfect or perfectly balanced. But a daily self-evaluation might help you make healthy choices and achieve balance in some areas of your life. If you’re feeling stressed or ‘unbalanced’ try using the below evaluation tool to find areas of your life where you might be able to achieve better balance or make meaningful changes.

Self-evaluation: How balanced are you?

For the below categories, rate yourself on a scale of 1-5; 1 represents feeling little balance, 5 represents feeling very balanced. Based on your results, look for opportunities to achieve better balance in your everyday life or make meaningful changes to where and how you allot your times and energy.

Emotional balance: I find time to cope with difficult feelings, celebrate successes, and create satisfying relationships with others. 
Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5

Environmental balance: I work, live and play in a pleasant, stimulating environment that supports my well-being. 
Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5

Financial balance: I understand am satisfied with my current financial situation, and am prepared for changes to my financial situation in the future. 
Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5

Intellectual balance: I recognize my talents and creative abilities and look for ways to apply them. I look for new ways to build my knowledge and skills. 
Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5

Occupational balance: I feel personally satisfied and enriched by the work that I do every day. I believe my work makes a difference. 
Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5

Physical balance: I recognize the need to treat my body well. I make time for regular exercise, sleep and eat a balanced diet. I do not take part in destructive habits that put my health in jeopardy.
Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5

Social balance: I have a sense of connection and belonging within my community. I have a support system available for when I need it.
Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5

Spiritual balance: I have a sense of purpose and meaning in my life.
Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5

Once you’ve completed this evaluation, take some time to review your answers and reflect on the following questions: 

• Am I living a balanced life?
• Has the current pandemic changed how balanced I am in certain areas of my life? Will this change when it is over?
• Are my personal values and priorities reflected here?
• When I look back on my life, will I be satisfied with how I spent my time?
• Am I involved in too many activities? Not enough?
• How much of my time is spent caring for others? Myself?
• What areas of my life need more attention?
• What changes do I need to make? What are some things I can do—starting today—to achieve a more balanced lifestyle?

Remember: none of us can achieve a perfect balance in every aspect of our life. But by making sure your priorities align with your values, morals and goals, you can ensure that your emotional and physical needs are met—regardless of what’s happening around you.

The Mirmont Treatment Center team is here to help. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, lonely or otherwise looking for someone to talk to, we encourage you to reach out. Call us at 1.888.CARE.898 (227.3898) to schedule a confidential appointment and ask any questions. Or, use our secure online form to email us.