During this time of COVID – 19 sequester, humanity is divided and many of us are experiencing completely opposite day to day lives from our neighbors.

Some of us are doing our part and staying home while many others are working overtime either as front line workers, food providers or teachers working twice as hard to teach virtually.

It’s funny that we have such a huge dichotomy and now feel such a unity because we are learning quickly that we are all in this together.

During a time of crisis it is so important for everyone to remain as calm and balanced as possible. With this in mind, I wanted to bring this slightly revised list back into the light. This list is taken from notes I took during an amazing presentation, I had the good fortune to hear, by Lorin Beller of Change Maker Nation.

Check out Lorin’s tips below and choose maybe 2 or 3 that you think you can commit to this coming week. Go ahead – take this challenge and watch more happiness blossom in your mind and heart.

Be in the Moment

Moments matter. In work-life balance it is the moments that matter. Create moments! This creates work-life balance. Creating moments does not take away from the time in your day and does not take any planning at all. It only takes thoughtfulness and care for humans in your world, and nothing more really matters. One more thing about moments: Don’t only create them only when you feel good – create moments when you don’t! You’ll be surprised how it gets you out of your “funky mood.”

Acknowledge Each Other

Acknowledgement is not just something to do; it is a way of being.  When we get out of our own way enough to be able to see how others are being and what they are doing, we can acknowledge them. This actually starts with a way of being in order to do it well and consistently.  

Be Clear

Is your answer yes or no?  Be clear, conscious, and aware of “choice” in every single thing you are saying “yes” and “no” to. This guarantees that you will enjoy life more. It is when we fill our lives with “shoulds” that we begin to resent the world and, more importantly, ourselves.

Stop Multi-tasking

Yes. Stop! We think that this allows us to get more done.  But really, it makes us crazy!  Do one thing a time and do it well.  Let’s get more mindful about whatever the task is at hand. Love the task at hand.  When we multi-task, we do not fully enjoy anything we are doing.

Breathe

Really breathe, deep down to your toes. Fill your entire chest cavity. If you actually put one hand on your chest and one on your belly, both hands should move if you are truly breathing. If you want to go deeper check out the Wim Hof breath technique. It is my personal favorite!

Simplify

Throw things away. Be clutter free. Messiness and accumulating “stuff” creates negative energy that truly leaves us feeling more heavy, more unbalanced, and adds to our “to do” list. I am a huge believer in creating clutter free space! *Ditto that Lorin!if you can. You need it!

Slow Down

I find this one challenging, but when I get conscious enough to be aware of the silly speed at which I am moving, I breathe, slow down, and life magically changes!

Be Silent

Among the noisy world find silence. I notice silence at a red light. I notice silence after asking a question. I notice silence in a gaze. I notice silence while waiting in a line. The world is a very, very noisy place. But if we actually look for the silence, it is everywhere. And in that silence, work-life balance is found.  “Go quietly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence…”  ~ From Desiderata

Be Joyful About the Little Things

We tend to skip over them but stop and be joyful about things that you are truly joyful about. Celebrate in that moment.  This is much like gratitude but slightly different. It is about bringing joy back into your life consistently. Live out loud and laugh out loud even if it can only be from your balcony!

Stay Healthy

Increase your heart rate only 60 minutes per week! We need this for peace of mind anyway. That can translate to taking three (3) 20-minute power walks a week. Take the break to do this during work hours if you can. You need it!

Take Bold Action

Take a bold action every day toward a big goal. Progress makes us feel productive. It makes us feel that we are in a state of action and makes us feel in charge of our world. Bold actions are key to balance. Take a bold action in each area of your life on a regular basis.

Reflect

Notice your life. Notice your body. Notice. Notice. Notice. Be curious. It is amazing how much of life we miss and how much you’ll see by just reflecting. It is the only way we see our progress, others’ progress, and the world’s progress. Reflect. Notice. Be curious. Now is the perfect time to do this.

Be Grateful

As they say, create an attitude of gratitude.  Be grateful for the experiences we create, the things we have, for others in our life, for love. Tell your friends and loved ones in conversation that you are grateful for them rather than finding something to complain about. It is amazing how it quickly changes the tone of your life!

Take This 7 Day Challenge

Pick 2-3 of these habits and practice them every day for 7 days. Watch what  happens. BE mindful od small shifts in your life. If you commit and practice only for 7 days of your life, it will absolutely show results. I know you will find more peace and happiness and will probably be inspired to keep going!