It’s easy to hang up a sign that says “good vibes only.” It’s much harder to balance those vibes with the responsibilities of work, parenting, household chores and adulting.
But what happens if we keep putting off the battle for balance? Those who watched Disney’s Encanto can identify with Luisa’s heartbreaking confession in the song Surface Pressure where she talks about appearing strong while crumbling further and faster under the weight of endless responsibilities. Go ahead and give it a listen. You need something to break the We Don’t Talk About Bruno earworm anyways.
Out of balance
In the movie, Luisa’s visual representation of a strong women slowly succumbing to the crushing weight of expectations is spot on. Perhaps you find yourself in the same situation when:
- You can’t focus on your mental health because your partner, child or friend needs you to support theirs.
- The house is a mess because between work and childcare there isn’t time to dust and mop.
- The car cry is real because of work stress. Cry on the way there. Cry on the way home. Maybe a little cry in the bathroom stall as well.
- Your gym membership is covered in cobwebs because who has time for the benefits of exercise?
- You are still reeling from the impacts of COVID; the stress, the politics, the family divisions.
- You are burnt out on all fronts.
The damage
A life out of balance leads to a host of poor outcomes including:
- Declining mental health
- Increased cortisol in the body (can lead to strokes, heart disease, gastric issues, etc.)
- Sleep deprivation
- Lowered life satisfaction
- Harm to relationships
- Excessive anger and irritability
Small steps forward
To help release some pressure, think “small steps” not “life changing leaps and bounds.” A few small things now can build to a big impact later. Here are some things to try.
- Meal kits can be more affordable, and are far healthier, than eating out. If takeout is the dinner plan most days, look into meal kits or even a healthy meal delivery service.
- The gym is great but even 10 minutes of exercise at a time during the day is beneficial. Walk around the block after work. Go for a stroll on a lunch break. Have the family trek to the park a few evenings a week.
- Burnout, depression and anxiety are dangerous if not treated. Virtual therapy is convenient, affordable and effective.
- Time to yourself does not have to be a full spa day (although there is nothing wrong with that!). Don’t overlook the power of a 30-minute coffee by yourself, going to a movie alone or with a friend, telling your family you are in a 15 minute time out, sitting on a park bench for a few minutes in the sun.
Finding the balance
Life is busy and very stressful. We cannot just say “no” to work or responsibilities. We can, however, take small steps to do the little things that make us feel good and that take off some pressure. The more little steps we can take now, the better we feel in the long run. You are worth the time and effort, so strive for the balance.
This story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you Didsbury Dental for helping to expand local news coverage in Alberta. Learn more.
