by Kimberly A. Smith

Created on: April 10, 2009   Last Updated: February 11, 2010

Modern society breeds stress and tension for many people. However, you do not have to live at this hectic pace. A few minutes a day can begin to put your life in balance and give you a more positive existence. Mindful activity can completely change your outlook. Try these five simple ideas to help keep your life in balance.

Five Minutes of Quiet

Set aside five minutes of your day to have peace and quiet for yourself. This is a good time to meditate or reflect. Taking five minutes to meditate or enjoy the silence in the morning can help start a day off on a good foot. Evening meditation can be a way to relax before heading to bed. If time allows, try for ten or fifteen minutes.

Keep Your Home Tidy

Have you ever noticed that the messier your home becomes, the more stress you seem to have? Your home, and in particular your bedroom, should be a sanctuary. Take the extra moment to shred your junk mail instead of leaving it on the kitchen table. Rinse the dish and put it in the dishwasher as soon as you are done. Committing just ten minutes a day towards keeping your home tidy can have a huge impact. A house that is organized and clutter free can bring an instant sense of balance to anyone's life.

Gratitude Journaling

Before you go to sleep, take a few minutes to write down five things that you are grateful for from the day. Even on the worst days there are going to be small moments of good. It could be something as simple as a stranger that smiled at you, a compliment at work, or your significant other doing something kind. By focusing on the positive parts of your day, you will create an optimistic outcome and feel more balanced.

Turn Off the Cell Phone

For one hour a day, turn off your cell phone or email. Taking work calls and emails on your off hours may be necessary in your line of work, but that does not mean you should be chained to technology at all times. At the very minimum, shut down the phone while you have family dinner. You have the right to dedicate that time to yourself and your loved ones.

Eliminate one Activity

Do you have so many things on your list that you feel like you never have time for yourself? Living a balanced life means learning to say no to unnecessary commitments. It can be difficult at first, but giving up just one activity that is not important in your life will give you more balance. People may react negatively at first, but you must live your own priorities.

Any one of these steps can help you bring yourself to a more balanced place, without spending much time. Be mindful of the choices you make and the pace of life will slow down before your eyes.

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