Since I wrote recently about taking a step back and how I was dealing with overwhelm I thought I would update you and let you know that I have achieved my goal and life is much more balanced and happy for me now.
I honestly feel healthier and happier than I have in a long time. My passion for this blog is as strong as ever and I have been enjoying my life immensely both on and offline.
I wanted to share with you the lessons I have learnt recently and what has made a difference to me personally as it seems that this is an issue that many of us are dealing with at the moment. For example, Matt Chevy over at Life without pants wrote an insightful and very relevant post on this very topic this week and hit on some great points about what many of us seem to have been dealing with recently. So without further ado, these are the things that have personally made a difference to me:
1. Disconnecting
Not reaching for my laptop / Blackberry every spare moment I have has made a huge difference. Previously if I had a spare half an hour I would jump on the computer (usually to check Twitter, stats etc) but I have been making a habit of checking myself when I feel like doing that and seeing if I really needed to. If not, I have been choosing another activity, maybe a leisurely cup of tea or reading a book. This has helped me slow down and enjoy my spare time rather than filling it with computer activities that can usually wait.
2. Prioritising
I have stopped worrying as much about keeping up with reading other blogs. I worried about this initially as I don’t want it to seem that I am not interested in reading other people’s blogs as this just isn’t the case. However, the truth is that it was becoming overwhelming trying to keep up with reading and commenting on a certain amount of sites per day as I had been. I accidently deleted my RSS feeds (about 30) last week. Initially I was really annoyed that I had done that but I realised it was an opportunity to revaluate my reading habits. My new list includes 8 feeds and this has helped me feel much lighter about blogging. I still read other blogs not in my feed regularly and of course, not to be missed posts are always shared on Twitter. A consequence of taking the pressure off myself in this area is that I have the time to read and absorb the posts I do read and also made room for myself to find some fantastic new blogs such as far beyond the stars and Rowdy Kittens.
3. Enjoying life
I have been doing lots of fun things in the last few weeks. Adrian and I have been doing lots of cycling and getting out and enjoying the fantastic sunny spring we have been having in the UK. We have also been walking, going to the beach and catching up on some great films on DVD (“Men who stare at goats” is a big recommendation!)
4. Being present
I am not sure if I have become more present because of these changes or vice versa but either way I have had a definite increase in peace of mind and the feeling of being in the present moment. I have really been enjoying each day! I have started meditating again and as I shared above, I have been taking the time to enjoy activities other than being on the laptop. These have made a big difference to being present.
5. Enjoying my work
I am really enjoying the mentoring work I do with local universities as well as the administration work I do the rest of the time. Both are really enjoyable and satisfying. I am also fortunate that my schedule at the moment means that I don’t do a full eight hour day on any of the four days I work. This means that there is time each day to be outside enjoying the good weather, exercising and generally enjoying life outside work as well.
6. Starting the day well
One bad habit that I noticed last week was switching my laptop on as soon as I got out of bed. I usually have enough time at a computer each day to do what I need to do, so I don’t really need to do this. I noticed that when I do this, it makes me a little more anxious and less grounded before I start my day. I have now stopped switching my laptop on first thing and have been taking the first hour of the day to enjoy breakfast, spend time with Adrian and meditate. This change has made a huge difference as it sets the tone for the rest of the day.
In terms of this site I have been writing more than usual and have been doing lots of guest posts so the changes I have made are definately helping me to be more effective and productive as well! 
These are the things that have made a difference to me recently. I would love to hear from you. Have you been struggling to find a balance or does this come easily to you? Have you got other tips that you would like to share?
Hi Jen,
I definitely think taking a break from technology is important. When I found myself checking my iphone in the middle of the night when I got up to one of the kids I knew I'd gone too far! Now I only allow myself a certain amount of time on my computer each day, which means I also can't waste time surfing the internet. Technology is great, but you can't let it take over!
Topi
Topi´s last blog ..10 moments to savour during the day
Hey Topi
It's good to catch ourselves in those moments isn't it? Realising we have gone too far and setting healthy boundaries has made a real difference to me too. Great to hear you have found what works for you.
Jen
hi jen
how are you?
thanks for sharing this and ringing the alarm bells once again before we get caught up in so many things and it's difficult to prioritize
it's also great to note that you are making progress since your last post on 'taking a step back' and i must say this post captured my full attention because it just flowed in a peaceful manner while reading.
enjoy the rest of the day
ayo´s last blog ..40 Benefits Of Happiness
Hey Ayo!
I'm great thanks. how are you?
I am glad you enjoyed this. I realised the other day that I was feeling so much more balanced and that I hadn't shared it here. I thought as I had shared the challenges I was facing, it is important to share the triumphs too and what has helped me get to this place.
It is good to hear that this post flowed so well, my peacefulness must be flowing into my writing!
Thanks Ayo
Jen
Jen:
Three cheers to you, one of my favorite on-line writers! Way to go.
Good news, finally, after reading about your initial struggles. Yeah!
I am happy that you and Adrian are enjoying the outdoors. And have the time to spend some downtime, alone. That's necessary for a healthy relationship: to get up close and personal with your significant others.
I have switched over to eating more fruits, such as papaya, apples and bananas. That has made a huge difference to my health and well-being: I feel better. The energy is on the upswing. I feel lighter.
And tossed salads. And steamed vegetables (without oil). And less greasy food. And yogurt is something I surely would recommend--fortified with protein and calcium and great for blood circulation and digestion. And buy a juicer and juice as much as you can as well. Trust me, you won't regret it. And share this wisdom with your hubby too.
I am envious of the photograph you have provided and your lifestyle. Being out and about in the countryside and living close to the world of nature and enjoying spring...it must be heaven. How jealous I am, Jen!
"Oh to be in England/ Now that April's there" wrote a poet once.
You are so wise to exercise more in the outdoors. I envy your lifestyle.
Thanks Archan! You do know how to make my day!
Yeah, as I said to Ayo, I realised it is important to share the breakthough in this area as welll as the challenges.
Yes, we are really enjoying life and making the most of each day. It is interesting to hear about your dietary changes. We are pretty healthy but fruit is one thing I could eat more of so I'll put that on the shopping list for next week. Also we did a one day fast last week which was really helpful and we both felt much better afterwards.
We do have a lovely lifestyle. I was brought up on the edge of London and moved around a lot. It's pretty different to what I was used to and though I love the city in ways, I am so glad we have done what we have done. I'd recommend it!
Jen
I'm happy to hear how things have progressed for you in your mission to achieve more balance, and in particular what has helped.
I think you make a good point about prioritising. That's been a big wake-up call for me in recent weeks. My recent post sharing that I felt I wasn't making as much progress as I wanted challenged me on that front. I've spent the last couple of weeks asking myself what's really important. Not just in work but in life generally. Rather than putting in more effort, I decided to switch focus to prioritise myself, my health and my energy; and to give more dedicated time to developing longer term projects. I cannot tell you how more balanced I've felt.
As is often the case, we seem to be parallel tracking on this issue, so it's great to have a kindred spirit to check in with on this!
Christine Livingston´s last blog ..The Challenges Of Doing What You Love And How To Overcome Them
Thanks Christine.
It's great to hear you have been asking yourself that question. I think it's so easy to go into auto pilot, but taking the time to ask ourselves these questions makes a real difference. It sounds like you have really got clear what is important for you. I think the important part of this is 'you'. The answer will be different for us all. Great to hear you are feeling so good!
It's funny how that works isn't it? We do seem to face similar challenges at the same time. Absolutely! It is always great to connect with you and know I am not alone.
Jen
I can relate to all of these, especially disconnecting from the Internet for a while. When I was working from home on my own I found myself looking on facebook or twitter constantly looking for a conversation with someone, just anyone!
It got a bit silly, so I deactivated my facebook account for a week and cleared out twitter to only follow people who inspire me. I also deleted facebook on my Iphone.
I started reading before bed instead of watching TV and putting on films in the background during the day instead of trashy TV.
Worked a treat and made me a load more productive and therefore happier in myself.
Jo´s last blog ..Why is Passion such a big deal?
Hi Jo
Lovely to have you here.
I'm not on Facebook but I am the same on Twitter sometimes. It's just such a temptation at times! I try and leave it off now when I am working as it's just so easy to pop into it! It sounds like your actions have really helped you too and made it easier for you to switch off.
Great to hear how reading before bed and switching to films in the day time has helped too. I think taking the time to see what really helps us feel good, like you have done, makes such a difference.
Thanks for a great comment.
Jen
Hi Jen,
Great tips...glad to catch this post because I too have been trying to implement a little more down time into my routine...I think disconnecting and starting the day without tech is key...I just took all tech away from my kids for the week and the difference in them is unbelievable...I will let them use tv, computer, ds etc. sparingly (4 hours screen time/week, no exception!) Time to get the bikes going and I think I'll pick up that DVD Men who stare at goats...Thanks and glad to hear things are going so well!!!
Cheers,
Sheila
Sheila McCann´s last blog ..Fishegg # 95 MoMA
Hey Sheila!
How's life? It is fantastic to hear about the changes you have been making in your home. I can imagine the difference it has made to your kids. I feel like a different person just from starting the day without techie things! Have fun on your bikes and I hope you enjoy that DVD.
Thanks Sheila! Good to catch up.
Jen
Jen,
I can't tell you how much this post spoke to me. Each point I noticed myself nodding and saying, "Yup, I need to do that....and that too!" I have been trying to find more of a balance lately and I think the disconnecting part is important in doing this. I need to chuck the BlackBerry on the weekends, starting this week.
Thanks again for the continued inspiration!
Jason
Jason Molllica´s last blog ..Crisis PR: How “Bizarre.”
That's great to hear Jason.
I find the more I share what's going on for me personally, the more I seem to connect with what others are dealing with too. I think 'technomania' has hit us all recently for some reason! Shutting down the Blackberry has made a huge difference to me. I love that phone
but the constant information through email / text / phone can be wearing so it's good to have that downtime (and then I enjoy it more when I turn it on again too!)
Jen
Hi Jen. I was interested to read everybody's comments on your blog as I sense a bit of a common theme here! After a roller-coaster few months, a few short weeks ago I felt an overwhelming feeling almost like being sedated. I noticed my thoughts, feelings and attitudes changing about a lot of my habits and patterns and that my previous and persistent state of 'low level anxiety' under which I lived seem to have evaporated? I feel no need to rush to meet perceived deadlines, prioritising only that which is truly important at that time and operating much more in the NOW. I've found myself craving more to be outdoors and to eat properly and healthily, my carb cravings seem to have all but disappeared! Does anyone else relate to this lately?
Hi Bernay!
Thanks so much for dropping in here.
Yes you are right! I have been sharing here about my challenges in dealing with overwhelm, particularly around blogging and social media (I love both, but realised I was letting it invade my life a little too much). It seems many of us are dealing with this challenge recently.
It is great to hear how clear you are now about what is important and that you are so centred! It is really inspiring Bernay.
I can relate to the changes you describe, it is in the last few weeks that things seem to have come together for me too. I really feel like the change in seasons has had an affect. I am craving the outdoors and healthy food too ...It feels a bit like coming out of hibernation!
Jen
Jen,
Great stuff, I fully understand your views on keeping up with reading blog posts from your reader; if you're not careful it can take over your life.
I've made some of the changes you recently addressed, such as less time reading other blogs, more time to wake up and enjoy breakfast.
I'm pleased to hear you're benefiting from your changed lifestyle and the bikes are out; that's got to be good. Well done!
Regards
Paul
Paul´s last blog ..Dealing with change
Hey Paul.
I'm glad you can understand that too. I think I was being too strict on myself in terms of how much I should read. Loosening that rule up for myself has been a relief!
it is great to hear you have made similar changes. I think balancing our offline time with online time is so important and helps us feel grounded.
Thanks for the support Paul!
Jen
Jen:
If memory serves, Mahatma Gandhi also recommended and practiced fasting at least once a week. Fasting has been practiced by wise people over the centuries; it can really be helpful to fast for a lot of people out there. So, I am happy fasting has been working out for you and Adrian.
Here's another thing to help de-toxify your system. It has worked for me, hope it works for you as well.
Take a cup of hot water. Add a little ginger to it. Squeeze a bit of lemon into your cup. And drink it up, slowly. Enjoy every drop.
You can also substitute the warm water for herbal tea like I do. Whatever works for you. I enjoy this process several times a day, and it has done wonders for my health. My skin is glowing now. I feel better too. The health benefits have been well documented too.
I also know of a lot of people who practice this like a religion.
Also, try to drink several glasses (if not more) of water throughout the day. Water helps to flush out the toxic build-up in our system.
It helps to restore the balance in our system (homeostasis).
Also, I have a suggestion. In your posts, why don't you describe the part of England where you live? South West? South East? As an outdoor enthusiast, I would appreciate a description of the place where you live. That would be great to know. How far from London? Linda, for example, lives in Boston and often mentions things about her personal and professional life, and we would like to know more about you too.
Just a suggestion, that's all. Have a nice day. And cheers to you!
Hi again Archan
I think I have read that about Gandhi. Fasting definately made me feel better.
I will try your ginger and lemon recommendation. I drink a lot of peppermint tea, but it would be nice to have a new drink.
I really appreciate your suggestion about sharing about where we live and it is nice to know there would be interest in hearning more about that part of my life. I have been taking some photos around the coast and countryside over the last few weeks and have been thinking about putting a post together with these images. After this comment, I will definately do this.
Thanks Archan. I do appreciate your interaction, support and feedback.
Jen
Jen´s last blog ..How I found a balance
Jen,
You know what?
The reason I mentioned this is because: you have a nose for news and know what sells. Plus, you have an eye for pictures, which is remarkable.
I am especially impressed by your photos of natural beauty, rural areas, and the coastal environment. One look at your photos and I feel the weight of the whole world has been lifted off my macho(?) shoulders.
You paint a pretty picture with both words and images, and the two complement one another, that's for sure. You can choose to use this feedback to improve your blog, and that's one heck of a great idea.
I think your readers will appreciate it (not just this one). Your photos are so good that some day National Geographic may give you a call, you never know. Anything's possible when you have the talent. Flaunt it! I am so moved by your photos/images: so peaceful and serene.
Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words Archan.
I have found choosing a picture for a post as much of the fun as blogging as writing a post so it's nice to know you like them too.
All the photos I have used are from Flickr or I have bought, but I will be taking the camera out and taking some of my own to share soon.
Thanks again Archan! Have a great weekend.
Jen
I have a few friends who need to read this post and will be forwarding them the link. As for me, my daughter asked me last week if I am on Twitter the whole time she is at school. The answer is yes and no. I have a desktop PC, not a laptop, and I don't own a Blackberry, i-phone or anything similar. I write a lot, so Twitter is always on at the bottom toolbar of my screen. I write, I check Twitter, I coach, I check Twitter, I cook, I check Twitter. As you can imagine, this keeps me sitting in my desk chair for way too many hours.
I think that for mental clarity, we all need to step back and check out what parts of our life are cluttered with unnecessary stuff. I am the most guilty of this, as my desk is overflowing. But, the principle is solid. I gave tons of my clothing, unopened toiletries and handbags, along with a friend who did the same, to a women's shelter this week. Suddenly my closet is not so crammed and I can see exactly what I have in there.
This article definitely deserves a re-tweet. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa (@yourgreatlife)
Lisa´s last blog ..Hello to ICLW Friends, Old and New
Hi Lisa
Thanks so much for dropping in here and commenting. It really seems that many of us are facing the same issue. I love Twitter, blogging, technology etc but I definately am finding the need to set myself boundaries so it doesn't take over too. I can empathise with what you shared. Twitter is so easy to pop into, but as you said over a day it can add up to a lot of extra time at the desk!
It is great to hear that you went though your belongings and passed them on to a women's shelter. Decluttering and passing things on to others always lifts my spirits! It is a great way to clear our minds and pay it forward at the same time.
Thanks for the RT and passing the link to your friends.
Jen
Hi Jen,
This sounds great! Sounds like leaps and bounds changes actually - so inspiring.
It really is challenging to live with these addictive technologies. For me they've become so much more addictive as I've started blogging, because I just have a higher ego stake in what's going on online with comments, stats, twitter, etc. And I do think it diminishes my quality of life and my ability to be totally present to whatever is happening.
I think our culture is so, so, young in having these tools and evolving the practices to live peacefully with them. We'll figure it out but I think its helpful for us all to realize it's uncharted territory right now.
There's actually a conference out here in california next week about the intersection of personal growth/spirituality content and Web 2.0 tools and media. It's call Wisdom 2.0 and I'm really looking forward to hearing the discussions there.
Anyway, so happy for you and inspired to make some shifts in my own life.
Warmly, Tara
Tara Mohr´s last blog ..Are You Getting The #1 Happiness Vitamin?
Hi Tara!
Thank you.
I realised last week that I felt really happy and peaceful and thought it would be good to share it here as I had been sharing my previous challenges in this area.
I can completely identify with what you share about the higher ego stake with the online world though becoming a blogger. It's funny isn't it? The positive side of being a blogger for me is the interaction with a great community and a fantastic way to express myself creatively and hopefully make a difference. The flip side is the addictive nature of it and the sedentary lifestyle. I am trying to find ways around this (for example having my laptop in the garden) but it's definately a learning curve for me.
I think what you say about our culture being young around the use of these tools is right. There seems to be a lot of people trying to find that balance at the moment and I think as you say in time we will work it out. I think there is definately power in having a balance in this area.
It is really interesting to hear about the Wisdom 2.0 conference. It sounds very timely. I'd live to hear more about your experiences there.
Thanks so much for the encouragement and I am glad you found this helpful Tara.
Jen x
Thanks for the post! Those are all excellent suggestions. It is amazing how we can forget our physical bodies, when we are so plugged into the virtual world.
I just returned from a week's vacation where I didn't use a computer/cel phone/etc. for the entire time. I'm refreshed, and I think much more effective.
Now I have to bring this mindfulness into my daily work (thanks to your post).
Kara
Kara´s last blog ..The Dark Side and the Law of Attraction
Thanks for dropping in Kara!
It is good to hear you found these suggestions useful. You are right - it really is easy to forget our physical bodies when plugged in. I love being on the web and consequently find it easy to get lost in it, on one hand that's great but on the other hand when I come offline my body sometimes tells me it's not happy! I am learning to listen to those messages. It is great that you noticed a difference when you were away. I look forward to hearing more about your bringing this state to your day to day life too.
Thanks again!
Jen
Jen,
Loved reading this and love your reflections on balance, always. I feel like we have parallel lives in some ways. And my post today is actually on balance, inspired by your suggestion that I think about how I'm balancing my new work situation with my needs for peace and serenity. I love your thoughts here on disconnecting and starting the day with meditative, calming activities. Also, that you've stopped reading so many/much blogs, makes me feel a bit better that I haven't had the time to do that either. I'm taking time today to go to my favorite blogs and see what everyone's up to - so glad to catch up a bit on your latest. Very peaceful reading for me.
Best,
Linda
Linda Wolf (Insanely Serene)´s last blog ..Dealing with Life Changes: How to Stay on the Balance Beam of Serenity
Thanks Linda.
I realised I do like talking about balance ... I think it's something I have strived for a lot in my life. I look forward to reading your post... it will be interesting to hear about your recent adevntures. I am still starting the day with healthier activities and trying not to get too bogged down with reading and it is still really helping. It all feels fun again!
Great to catch up again.
Jen
I'm glad to hear that you have found more balance. It is interesting to note that when we put boundaries around those things that are our highest priorities (not being plugged in all the time, making time for your physical body, making time for your connection to Source with meditation), the balance flows from that.
Thanks for your inspiration. I have been thinking of writing a post on this myself, as I have also been experiencing overload. It is amazing how we can get off course easily, but reassuring when you set out the tools for how to get back on track.
Here's to balance! and the constant regaining of it!
Kara
Hi Kara
I agree - ring fencing what is important to us helps initiate that balance and flow. I have really got myself back on track with keeping a balance in the last few months.
There seems to have been something very powerful about sharing my thoughts and feelings about this via this blog. I would really recommend writing a post on it if it calls to you - I have got a lot clearer about what is important to me through doing this and also sharing it with others has solidified my intentions!
Jen
Hi Jen,
I think that being on the internet for too long can definitely make you spacey and affect your peace of mind. I’ve heard this referred to as ‘internet hangover’!
It’s great to take a step back and slow down, as you say, most of the tasks that you think need doing, can actually wait and be done in one go more quickly anyway. I think that's more productive than doing bits and pieces here and there (at least in my experience).
I liked that film ‘Men who stare at goats’ as well.
xxx
Anna Conlan´s last blog ..Does Having a Job Stop You From Fulfilling Your Life Purpose? (the one where Anna gets a job)
Hi Anna.
I like that phrase ... internet hangover! It's true ... I know I have experienced that. I have definately found that I am more productive after finding more of a balance... I don't feel like I am running around like a headless chicken now!
Jen
ps - wasn't that a great film! Really made me laugh!
I need to find a work/fun balance. I find myself working all the time just because I enjoy it so much. I love connecting with people and sharing ideas. Thanks for this post Jen.
Blogging Assets´s last blog ..How to make your blog stand out
Hey Karl
Thanks for dropping in.
How great that you have found work you enjoy so much - that is really cool! I'd say do what feels right for you. For some people, because they love what they do so much it just doesn't feel like work. On the other hand, to keep a balance with other things and maintain that passion, it can be good to draw a line between work and play. I think it's a matter of listening to your own feelings.
Jen