How to Stay Balanced When the Mind Wants to Throw You Off
How to Stay Balanced When the Mind Wants to Throw You Off
Let’s be real—there are days when getting anything done feels like an uphill battle, especially when anxiety and depression hit. On those days, structure and routine feel like the last thing I want, but ironically, they're what help me the most. It’s a love-hate relationship with productivity, but here's how I’ve learned to manage my mind, stay balanced, and keep myself going.
Why Routine (Even When You Hate It) Works
I’ll admit, I’ve never been a fan of routine. I like things to be spontaneous and free-flowing. But here’s the twist—when I do create some structure, I can actually calm the chaos in my head. It’s not about reaching every goal, but about doing enough to make progress. That way, when my head hits the pillow, my mind can find balance, let go of control, and let me fall asleep instead of spinning all night.
Grounding
Gardening grounds me. Walking barefoot, feeling the softness of the ground beneath my feet, brings me back to myself. When I’m watering the plants or planting new ones, I get fully immersed. I’m totally in what I’m doing and zoned out from the outside world, including my mind. It’s like hitting pause on everything, and my body just takes over. It’s a space where my mind is finally quiet, and balance is restored.
Riding my brother's motorcycle is therapy on two wheels when I need to feel in full control. The hum of the engine, the power in the throttle, the wind in my face—it’s freeing. Ever wonder why dogs love sticking their heads out of car windows? That’s the feeling. Playing guitar, though—that always brings me home. The strumming pulls me into a space of love, comfort, and calm reflection. It centers me, no matter where my mind has wandered, and gives me a sense of balance.
The 'Worst Case Scenario' Trick
Here’s something funny I’ve noticed about myself: when I run through the worst-case scenario of whatever’s on my mind, I feel more in control. My brain loves to go wild imagining all the 'what ifs,' so I let it run at full speed. After I’ve run through all the potential outcomes, I remind myself: there’s a way in, a way through, or a way out, and for now, this matter can be laid to rest. It’s the illusion of control, and if I can catch myself aware of it, I can give my mind what it wants while getting some peace of mind in return.
Now, if the shit does hit the fan in an unprecedented way—and it damn well has for me—I’ll assess the situation, accept it as it is what it is, and focus on moving forward. Life’s too short to sit and dwell. Took me a long time to accept this, but it’s all about keeping balance through the storms.
Tricking My Mind into Action
Some tasks, I just don’t want to do. But I’ve learned I can trick my brain into starting. Once I get moving—whether it’s something small or something big—suddenly, I’m halfway done. It’s like giving my brain a nudge without overthinking it, and before I know it, I’ve tackled the thing I’ve been dreading. This trick keeps me moving and balanced when I would otherwise stall.
Writing It All Down
For me, writing things down gets them out of my head and onto paper. I keep it on sight—in my face as much as possible. It’s a reminder of what needs doing, and it helps keep me focused and balanced. Making lists is helpful, but there’s a fine line. If the list gets too long, it throws me off balance, so I’ve learned to keep it simple and manageable.
Balance in Action
For me, balance isn’t just something I think about—it’s something I try to live every day. That’s what inspired me to create the "Balance" t-shirt. It’s meant to be a reminder to stay grounded, keep things in perspective, and embrace the small steps that lead to progress. The design reflects the idea of aligning mind, body, and spirit, helping you stay centered even when life gets chaotic.
If you’re someone who’s working on finding balance in your own life, this t-shirt is for you too. It’s more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a symbol of the journey we're all on, trying to stay steady when life tries to throw us off.
Get Your Tee Here
At the end of the day, it’s about small wins. All progress counts. What do you think? What skills or techniques have you learned or created for yourself? Let me know in the comments.
#BalanceInLife