As the year begins many of you will find your compass spinning wildly in different directions. There are classes to take, jobs or internships to manage, friends to see, clubs to attend . . . not to mention finding time to eat, sleep, do your laundry and take care of the one who is doing all these things.

The task of finding balance is a lifelong discipline. There is no one-size-fits-all road map, since each of us has different needs and different stress points.

Perhaps you think that the idea of living in balance is boring. You may equate balance with being cautious and safe. But nothing about this idea should prevent you from you from challenging yourself and doing amazing things if you want. In fact, seeking too much comfort can be another way of living out of balance, cutting oneself off from the stream of life and opportunities for challenge and growth.

Moreover, sometimes we have to go a little out of balance to know where our balance point is. Listening to ourselves during those moments is key to creating a balanced life. What balance looks like for you and for the person across the hall may be very different. Some people need action and engagement to feel fully alive. Others flourish by having lots of down time to reflect. Many people require a combination of activity and quietude. Figuring out what sort of person you are is a key part of the journey.

Navigating life in balance calls upon you to tune into yourself and make minor or larger adjustments in light of what you discover. Are you yawning through your classes? Are you tuning out your friends even when you are with them? Do you get bored a lot and feel like the world is passing you by? Are you drinking or smoking to cope with stress? Each of these may be a signal that balance needs to be restored.

Here are some further tips on finding balance:

• Exercise helps us burn off stress and releases hormones that increase one’s sense of well-being. For those with ADD, it helps them focus too.
• Getting enough sleep can be essential to staying healthy and being able to focus well in school.
• If your life feels stale, seize the opportunity to try something new. Consider joining a UO club, attending an Outdoor Program event, or taking a class at the Craft Center. You may thank yourself later for stretching yourself in this way.
• Spend a few minutes toward the end of each day reflecting on what you feel good about from the day. This is particularly helpful for those who are overly self-critical.

If you need outside help in creating balance in your life, consider attending weekly workshops on stress and other topics at the DuckNest. You can also explore other resources at the Health Center and the Counseling Center.

Mark Evans, Ph.D.

Senior Staff Psychologist