by carol evenson, guest contributor

Life can get crazy sometimes. Chances are you understand that all too well. These six tips will help you take charge of your life and restore balance to it.

1. Establish Your Priorities

You may think that your priorities are the things you currently focus on, but that isn't always the case. All too often people do things out of habit or because they think it is expected of them. 

One surefire way to bring balance back into your life is to establish what is most important to you. This allows you to devote more time to the things that matter, while making sure less important ones still get done. Ask yourself what drives you and record your first thoughts. Use this as a starting point in naming your priorities. 

2. Disconnect for a while 

The world is increasingly connected, to the point that you may not be allowing yourself downtime to regroup and recharge. That is where a break from constantly being in touch with others can help. Many people find that disconnecting for a while is a great way to clear their minds. 

What that means to you will be unique to your situation and daily activities. Maybe you want to shut off social media accounts for a part of each day or turn off your work phone when you leave the office. Others may find the idea of a Panama Canal cruise to really get away more refreshing. Do what works for your lifestyle and budget; how you disconnect isn't as important as taking the time to reflect and enjoy the people you care about. 

3. Learn a New Stress Relief Technique

Despite being a very natural and normal part of life, stress can become overwhelming. When that happens, it can wreak havoc with your intentions to find balance. Luckily, you have the power to implement strategies that reduce its impact on your mental and physical health. 

Stress relief is big business, but you don't have to spend a fortune to unwind. In fact, that can actually cause more stress if your budget is constantly strained. Instead of investing money, invest time and effort in finding what works for you. Try using guided meditation or institute a daily yoga routine to decompress. 

4. Schedule Self Care Activities

When you feel good physically and emotionally, it is easier to find and maintain balance. That is where self-care enters the picture. The benefits to practicing it are numerous and most people are aware of them. However, knowing that self-care is important doesn't negate the fact that it is really hard to practice in real life.

One of the most common barriers to self-care is failing to plan. Try adding it to your schedule instead of trying to fit it in when you have extra time. You'll get used to seeing a reminder pop up to go read a book, no matter how silly it seems at first. Chances are, you'll even look forward to it once you start to see the benefits of regular practice.

5. Declutter Your Home

Constantly facing piles of paperwork or shelves of trinkets gets old really fast. Instead of letting clutter sap your energy, sanity, and productivity, commit to getting rid of it. It can be helpful to enlist a friend to help if you struggle letting things go. You might also find that donating or repurposing certain items eases the process since you know it is going on to a new life. If you are still having trouble, consider hiring a professional organizer to help. 

6. Practice Gratitude

Turn ordinary gratitude into a way of life by actively practicing it. Find a strategy that works for you and stick with it. The benefits go way beyond helping you find balance; they can include a stronger immune system, better mental health and stronger relationships. 

You have the power to bring balance into your life. Work to establish your priorities, find stress relief and self-care activities that work for you, and clean out your home and workspaces for the best results. 

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