September 12th, 2020
As lots of us jump back into the academic school year, I’ve been thinking a lot about maintaining balance. Especially through these strange times, we need to be aware of where we are spending our time and energy to avoid burnout. If this global pandemic has taught us one thing it’s that we need to learn to slow down sometimes.
When life came to a sudden halt in March, I think people were so shocked because they had to find what they wanted to do again. The current that was sweeping us all under suddenly came to a clearing where we could take a chance to look around at our surroundings. When we were all used to being so rushed and frantic all the time, this sense of calm really scared some people. What we really need to realize though is that sense of calm is where you live your life. Outside the commutes and running from one activity to the next, life needs to be lived in the small moments.
It’s this sense of calm and balance that I am aiming to carry with me throughout this school year. So that even when life gets hectic and schedules get tight, I am still able to take time to do the things that sustain me. Like everyone, I would often get caught up in the rush, going from class to work to study and then to sleep and having no time in between to listen to myself or my body. Now is the time to be quiet and listen. So that when you start hitting that time crunch, you can take a step back and still see what is important. Outside of work, outside of school, life needs to be lived. Because taking the time to eat healthy or go for a slow walk, those moments and that energy will sustain you further than completing another item on your checklist.
I watched this awesome video by Rowena Tsai lately where she explained the difference between managing your time and managing your energy levels. This really stuck with me because it means listening to what your body and your soul want to do in every moment. It requires staying present enough to listen and respond instead of jumping onto the next thing by impulse.
Through whatever you are up to in this season, I hope you are able to carry this sense of calm and balance with you. And know that it’s okey to take a step back every once and a while. Remember to enjoy, remember to live.
Take care till next time,
Hanna