The Balancing Act Life can push you beyond your own limits, but be careful that it doesn’t push you over the edge.

E nough S tress for P rofessionals in N on-profits Top Ten Count-down Towards Reaching Balance and Avoiding Burnout

#10: Know yourself and what makes you tick.  Are you a Workaholic? Perfectionist? Pleaser? Procrastinator? Control freak?  What other personal attributes will tend to increase your stress levels?

#9: Don’t take yourself and life too seriously!  Laugh often.  Find humor in most situations.  Learn to laugh at yourself.  Pursue those things that bring joy to your life.  What makes you laugh? What brings you joy?

#8: Commit to the job as part of you, not as you.  Your work must be a passion.  Find spiritual purpose in your work.  Look for ways to brighten your work environment. Whatever controls and dominates you, that is your God. Ana Mims Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. Theodore Roosevelt

#7: Set your priorities.  You know what you need to juggle.  Decide what’s important.  Learn to say ‘No’! There’s enough time today to do everything God Expects. If you simply can’t get it done, maybe its not yours to do. Penelope Stokes  Do you have a plan for each day?

#6: Make time for yourself.  Hobbies  Recreation  Vacations  Short Breaks  Do you make time for yourself? What do you do with your free time?

#5: Make time for your family, your friends, and your community.  They need you and you need them.  Work should never take priority.  They will make you stronger! A true friend freely, advises justly, assists readi ly, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably. William Penn

#4: You can’t ignore your physical self.  Exercise regularly.  Eat wisely.  Get enough sleep.  Avoid excessive stimulants and/or depressants.  What steps do you need to take to get closer to physical wellness?

#3: Stimulate your brain!  Be a life-long learner.  Challenge yourself with new skills.  Look for creative opportunities.  Read a good book.  Teach others.  What stimulates you?

#2: Grow spiritually.  Make room for daily quiet time.  Spend time with God.  Be a part of a faith community.  Give of yourself to others. As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7  What steps do you take to ‘right thinking’?

#1: The grass isn’t always greener.  Look for beauty daily.  Give thanks every day.  Enjoy the people you work with, even the difficult ones! Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Buddha The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Chinese Proverb

In a nutshell…

The Balancing Act