Tag: balance

Living life in portions

Hannah TelluselleLeave a comment

I’ve realised again, that when I have several things to do the same day, they all tend to flow better, whereas when I have one thing to focus on, I tend to procrastinate more and become more exhausted. Perhaps it’s a matter of not having to concentrate so much on one thing, or the variation of doing different things, makes it more stimulating and inspiring.

When we can decide over our own time, we can choose what to do and when, as well as be flexible about which day, we can do what. This isn’t as possible with commitments to others of course, unless we take charge of when, in those instances too. Taking deliberate breaks and doing something else helps, where scrolling on social media can be a break if it’s time constrained and not too engaging. We all need down-time and that isn’t possible when others crave our attention all the time, whether online or in life. Watching TV instead for an hour and a half, suddenly feels like the best luxury. Imagine that, when it used to be what we “doom-scrolled” on.

Another way to create portions of each project, is to set a limit for how much we’re doing every day. When I wrote on my thesis, for example, I made sure to not write more than a part of a chapter, or one chapter, my planned days to work on it, to ensure my quality wouldn’t become lower with the pure extent of it all. Likewise, I made sure to finish what I intended, regardless of at which time of day I did it. Dealing with constant interferences made it tougher, but nonetheless with perseverance, I pulled it through. And because of these outer interferences, I haven’t been able to stick to a pre-set schedule for many years, so to me, it’s been a matter of waiting for a time with less, to do more then. Often, our stress becomes less, when we do what we set out to do, and have our own little rituals before the end of the day, even if this takes a little longer. Eliminating stress before bedtime, obviously makes it easier and faster to fall asleep too.

Deciding to divide our activities into portions, enable us to economise our energy, which makes it more fun and rewarding when we continue our undertakings. How does your days or weeks look like?

Ensuring balance

Hannah Telluselle1 Comment

As we approach the fall equinox tomorrow here in the northern hemisphere, I feel inspired to write about balance. The fall equinox (and spring) is the time of year, when day and night are equally long, where there is perfect balance between light and dark, of yang and yin. What better opportunity then, to bring in some more balance to our lives?

To create more balance in your own life, think of how much time you spend doing certain things and see if you can compensate with the same amount for rest and sleep. While scrolling too much is never good, it can still be a way to relax and unwind after hours of intense study or writing, for example. Then there is of course tending to all our needs. Balancing alone time with time in good company with others is important, just like what you put on your plate and hydration. Having balance between giving and receiving, is the foundation for all health and relationships.

What if, this balance is the pre-cursor to creating more balance in your family and community too? In our cities and countries? Can we help each other to create more balance? To me, balance is fairness. When we treat others with fairness, we can see that justice becomes served and that everyone can receive equal opportunities, especially when it comes to take care of and meet their own needs. To not only be allowed to work, but be able to pursue the path we choose based on our actual ability and competence. And with this notion, comes the brutal truth of putting limits on immigration. Movement across borders becomes the precursor to more movement. Do all immigrants really need to migrate? Can we who do, be discerned among the masses? Or should we open all our borders to anyone and everyone? Would I have to migrate if I had a good job, made my own living, had my own home and family? If I could feel safe from authorities’ imposed suspicions of both my ability to work and my mental health, and yet assumed cheating? With little respect of both my physical safety and health, and emotional health? And if I can’t find that here in Sweden, who loses on me finding it elsewhere?

Balance is fairness. Fairness is justice. How about we all try to make life more fair?