How to Create Balance in Your Daily Life

Between running an interior design firm and taking care of my children, my schedule is always jam-packed. I feel so grateful for my business and my family, but sometimes it can be challenging to balance it all. In the past, I would find myself overwhelmed, sometimes losing sleep or getting headaches from the stress. That is until I found the tools to help me manage everything on my plate. People often talk about finding balance, but we don't just stumble upon it in my experience. Rather, we need to create balance for ourselves. Everyone's situation and schedules are different, but I'll share with you the 6 tips that I always try to apply to my daily life to achieve a sense of balance.

#1. Set Realistic Expectations

While it might feel great to "check everything off" your professional to-do list, it may come at the cost of being absolutely exhausted by each evening -- or giving up time spent with your family and friends. Understand that you can only do so much in one day.

Create a daily list of priorities, and if you don't accomplish everything on it, don't beat yourself up. Over time, you may find you get to know yourself better -- and have a clearer understanding of how much you can realistically expect to take on.

#2 Build Healthy Boundaries

For many of us, saying "yes" when asked to do something comes as our natural response. But when we do this, we often find ourselves inundated, with not enough minutes in the day to get it all done. Next time you are asked to take on the extra carpool day or participate in the school bake sale -- take a second and think about whether you truly have the time. Learn how to say "no" when you know it is something you can't accomplish or if it takes away from your family. At first, saying "no" may be uncomfortable, but others around you will actually respect the fact that you've set healthy boundaries.

#3 Reach Out for Help

Time is money. There is no shame in hiring someone to do the tasks you are not talented at or difficult to accomplish given time constraints. Maybe that means adjusting your monthly budget on things like dining out to budget for someone to clean your home or take care of your lawn. In the long run, getting time back in the day will bring you a sense of inner peace that you can't put a price on.

#4 Schedule Self-Care

Maybe it's yoga or going for a walk. It could be time spent by the pool with family or cooking a delicious meal. Self-care comes in all different forms, and while we always hear about how important it is, many times, weeks can fly by without taking a moment for ourselves.

For that reason, schedule self-care in your calendar. It can even be a 15-minute break in the day to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea or listen to some soothing music. You'll emerge refreshed and with a new perspective. As an interior designer, I aim to create spaces that inspire calm. With the right spacing and accessories, a designated room or even a corner of your home can become a place that invites you to be still for a few minutes each day.

#5 Minimalism as a Daily Practice

You may know from reading my blog that I love minimalism as it relates to home design. This approach can also apply to things like your clothing, toiletries, and other household items. The less you have, the less you need to maintain. Find your favorite products and replenish only those items.

De-clutter to finally say goodbye to things you don't use. Donate or recycle things that no longer serve you. Make time to organize and find a place for everything. When you have minimal things to organize and care for, you will find more time to focus on what's important to you.

#6 Learn to Compartmentalize

When you're in the moment, rushing around - it can feel like you are being pulled in a million directions. There are work responsibilities, family duties, meals to cook, and pets to take care of. Who can relate?! Try to take a step back and find ways to make time for each activity required.

Think about each task separately and with clarity, vs. trying to wrap your mind around everything all at once. This helps me prioritize and decide what I absolutely need to do today vs. what can potentially wait until tomorrow.

I hope that some of these tips resonate with you and help bring you peace of mind. If you have any tips you'd like to share, please leave them in the comments. Our team at KMID would love to help you with your own minimalistic design. If you're interested, do not hesitate to contact us at kelly@kellymarieinteriordesign.com.

Thank you for reading!