How Do I Balance my Emotional Responsibilities?

Dear eNotAlone: My life feels like a circus. Everyone I know expects something from me. They want to be the show stopper. But the truth is, I don't even have time for myself. How can I deal with everyone's requests and still find a sense of balance and peace?

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Do you feel like your life has become a never-ending circus filled with demands and expectations? If so, it's important to remember that maintaining emotional balance is essential to living a healthy and happy life. Thankfully, finding a sense of peace isn't an impossible feat! Here are some tips to help you keep your emotions balanced no matter how overwhelming life may seem.

First, take time for yourself each day. Whether it's a jog around the block or a cup of tea with a friend, carving out time for self-care is important for both mental and physical well-being. When you give yourself the gift of "me time," you'll be able to approach the rest of the day with a calmer state of mind.

Second, examine the areas of your life that are most draining. Take some time to determine which activities, relationships, or obligations might be taking too much of your energy. Once you pinpoint where the drain is coming from, you can decide how to best manage your stress. For example, if you can't seem to say "No" to people, practice saying, "I need to check my schedule" as a way to politely decline.

Set boundaries and stick to them. In order to maintain an emotional balance, it's essential to know how to clearly communicate your needs. Let people know how you feel and tell it like it is. Stick to what makes you feel the most comfortable and don't be afraid to walk away from situations that aren't helpful. This way, you'll be able to focus on keeping your own life in balance without having to worry about others' demands.

Maintaining an emotional balance doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and practice to create the peace that you're looking for. But, by taking time for yourself, examining where you're feeling drained, and setting boundaries, you can find the sense of calm that you've been searching for. In other words, don't let the circus get the better of you. Even the trickiest of acts aren't impossible when you're the one at the wheel.