Creating Balance in Life
Hi 7 Cups Online Therapy Community!
I hope you are all well. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to throw yourself into big changes when life feels heavy? New hobbies, new routines, even major life decisions can sometimes feel like the only way to find relief. But then the excitement fades, and we are left craving something deeper which is mostly often stability.
For many of us, having a bigger vision or sense of purpose helps give meaning to the small daily steps we take. But what happens when that vision gets blurry, or disappears altogether? It can feel discouraging, and sometimes it leads to long stretches where we lose the motivation to keep up with practices that normally help.
I’d really enjoy hearing from you:
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What helps you stay consistent with your mental health routines when motivation runs low?
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Do you find stability in small, daily practices, or do you need a bigger goal to keep you going?
Let’s share what works for us, and maybe give each other some new ideas to try! 🌻
Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
Throwing yourself into big changes when life feels heavy or directionless seems to be how we try to regain control. But as you say, it's usually only a temporary excitement or feeling of power which fades and leaves us right back to where we started: craving stability and direction (though perhaps now with a cool new hobby!)
Having a sense of purpose is so important in deciding how you'll go about life. This discussion reminds me of some of the concepts covered in the Time Management course here on 7 Cups. For example the compass vs clock analogy: two very important but different tools. The compass is your overall direction, purpose and vision in life and the clock measures the expenditure of time in your everyday tasks. The compass determines the effectiveness (doing the right tasks) while the clock determines the efficiency (how long it takes to do a task). Both are important. However, the compass must be 'set first'. We need to determine our direction before deciding how we will use our time (to ultimately achieve our vision set out by the compass). Often there's dissatisfaction when the two aren't aligned.
There's also the similar idea of finding your North Star principles that's meant to help guide you and the decisions you make throughout your life. I.e. like a compass.
And finally (before I get too carried away) there's the concept of deciding on a personal mission statement (what's most important, what gives your life meaning, what do you want to be and do in your life). More on that was available here.
In fact, as I scroll through the notes I took from the Time Management course here on 7 Cups, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who's feeling a bit lost or purposeless. As it not only gives practical ways to manage your time but it continuously links those in with how to be clear about your purpose, values and desired direction in life.
Long tangent aside (my apologies)... these are my answers to the questions:
What helps you stay consistent with your mental health routines when motivation runs low?
- When motivation runs low I like to fall back on the idea of discipline. I.e. doing things I know are good for me and my mental health even when I don't feel like it (within reason of course). For example, I'll do a lighter version of my workout routine. But I will do it because I know from experience it makes me feel better.
Do you find stability in small, daily practices, or do you need a bigger goal to keep you going?
- Both! I personally need the big picture to even start setting up my daily practices and feel satisfaction from completing them. Though not all daily practices requires this. For example, your daily health routine/ habits (a good breakfast, some sort of exercise/ body movement, gratitude journaling etc etc)
- You need 'foundation' daily practices to help give you stability in order to come up with your bigger picture and what daily practices will ultimately help you achieve it.
@awesomeForever34
What a great, reflective and thorough answer that I think is so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing.
I really like the way you’ve linked this to the compass and clock analogy. It makes so much sense that effectiveness needs to come before efficiency, otherwise we risk working hard on things that don’t actually move us towards what we truly value. The idea of having a North Star or personal mission statement feels like a strong way to anchor that as well.
I also agree with your point on discipline. Motivation is often fleeting, but having those non-negotiable habits in place creates a steady foundation. I find that even on days when I don’t feel like doing much whether that is because I am tired, sticking to the basics helps me feel more grounded.
Like you, I think there’s a balance between daily practices and bigger goals. Small habits such as moving my body, eating well and checking in with my thoughts give me stability. But without a wider sense of purpose, it can sometimes feel like going through the motions. Having both creates a rhythm that feels sustainable.
Your reflections from the Time Management course sound really valuable. It’s encouraging to see how those concepts can be applied beyond productivity and into personal wellbeing. I am so glad you enjoyed it :) It sounds so helpful!
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
It's completely small and regular steps for me, less pressure, less overwhelming!
More realistic and manageable!
🥰
