Written by: Dr. Selena Myers, DCC, LPC/S - Doctor of Christian Counseling, South Carolina District

Licensed Professional Counselor/ Supervisor Program Director-Clarendon County MHC

Sometimes, we find ourselves overwhelmed because we’re trying to do too much in too little time. There is only 24 hours in a day and it’s important to know how to balance those hours to help avoid negative symptoms associated with stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems.

“When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2)”.

Within our lives, we’re working full-time jobs, fulfilling duties and responsibilities within the church, attending college, have a full-time spouse, we’re full-time parents, we have to care for our homes, we’re attending PTA meetings, trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and the list could go on and on. When we find ourselves devoting too much time to one area and ignoring or procrastinating in other areas, life will become off-balanced!

One way  that we can strive to have balance in our lives is to prioritize and decide what is important and what matters; what we can control and what is not within our capabilities. Often times when counseling patients, I share three words with them, ‘Let It Go.’ Sometimes you have to step back and re-group, set new goals, develop a new plan in order to find balance in your life. According to the word of God we should, “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established (Proverbs 16:3)”.

Before meeting my husband, I had issues with trying to get everything done in one day. There were times that I would literally stay up all night long researching or completing assignments. My husband has taught me the true meaning of taking time to do nothing, being content, and understanding the importance of balancing all areas of my life. You have to take time for yourself, realize that if it doesn’t get done today and God blesses you to see another day, start fresh the next day.

You are not a Super Hero! Sometimes, expectations that you place on yourself and the expectations that others may have of you, can cause you to feel as if you are lacking or not doing enough. There is a major difference between someone trying to find balance and the individual who is procrastinator, which is a major contributor to not being able to find the balance that they need in their lives.

Another way to help maintain a healthy balance in your daily life is to create a daily to-do-list and follow it! Prioritize the tasks that need to be completed daily followed by the tasks that could possibly be completed the next day.

Also don’t be afraid to ask for HELP! It is okay to reach out to people that you trust; your spouse, pastor, friends, church members, Christian counselor, etc. It may take the direction and guidance from others to help you find the balance that is missing from your life. Most importantly,  you must PRAY and ask GOD to give you Peace, Understanding, Stability, Patience etc… which are all needed to live a healthy BALANCED life.