Clóda Scanlon, Irish Lifestyle, Travel, Styling, and Spiritual Creator

Wednesday 1 November 2017

5 Tips on Trying To Find A Balance



Happy November 1st everyone... You know what that means. It's totally acceptable to play Christmas music, talk about Christmas, start planning for Christmas etc.

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Wow, so I haven't posted on my blog in 2 months. That makes me the worst blogger in the world right? Wrong.
I beat myself up so much in my own head for not blogging more frequently or for the lack of postings and publishings across my social media. I assume people will deem me lazy, inconsistent or just a bad blogger who can't even do the one thing she loves. When really these are all silly thoughts in my own head. Perhaps they are feelings of guilt for not posting or just generally wishing I had more hours in the day to do all of the things I love.
I have to remember that while I love blogging and everything it has done for me, it is a hobby at the end of the day!
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Life has taken over. 
2nd year of college has taken over.
Socialising has taken over.
Being a part of societies on campus has taken over.
They name just a few of the things which have occupied my time in the last 2 months! 

I have always lived a crazy-busy/hectic lifestyle and I wouldn't have it any other way. 
I've always kept busy. Since I was a child I've been a dabbler and thrown my hand to anything that seems interesting. You name it, I've tried most hobbies and pastimes at one point or another.
That's just in me, it's a part of me. I'm a lover of life and always seek more.
I always try to see what I can get out of life and how far I can push the limits.

Although I do take on a lot, at what point does it become too much?
I had to question myself a few weeks ago - am I actually being productive??

I was doing more socialising than actually taking care of my responsibilities.
Late nights means late mornings and low concentration levels in lectures.
I wasn't looking after my skin or listening to my body.
I stopped making extra time for things I love like blogging, creating content and even going to the gym!

Put all of that into the mix + the feeling of guilt for not blogging +  making time for family and friends - and of course me time!!
It came to the point where I had so much to do that I did nothing at all, and there's no way that's productive or a way to live your life!!

So I decided to make little changes. I'm still working on them and will be for a while, but I'm going to quickly share 5 things I've been doing while trying to find a balance.


(1) Prioritise

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One of the biggest things I've learned is how crucial it is to prioritise. While it's all well and good to enjoy turning 21 and being back to college lifestyle, I had to decide what my actual priorities were. Is going on nights out for the craic more important than my responsibilities/deadlines/uncompleted tasks??
Occasionally yes, but once or twice a week just can't happen until I get my life back on track haha!
At the end of the semester, will I be happier for having gone on a load of nights out and ignoring what I really had to do - or happier that I at least gave my studies & responsibilities my best shot?!

(2) Take care of yourself

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It's great to take on a load of activities, but check in with yourself and see if you're actually OK. Luckily enough, up until this week I hadn't really been stressing! I am now because I feel everything is catching up on me. I'm gonna try some downtime and meditation before I go to sleep and I hope it will make some difference.

The little things like actually looking after my skin have totally gone out the window! I was removing my makeup with wipes most nights because I was shattered and just wanted to fall into the bed. I was ruining my skin. So I'm making conscious decisions to cleanse my face properly and moisturize. (Future me will be thankful).

I felt kind of messy going around campus in a tracksuit, no makeup and wet hair all the time, which isn't always a bad thing. But it's nice to feel nice going from lecture to lecture so I've again made conscious choices to get up a bit earlier, pick out a nice outfit and put on a bit of makeup!
It's a small thing, but this week I've instantly felt that little bit better being more done up!

It's been hard to make as much time for the gym as I usually do, but it's so important to keep up a healthy lifestyle when you're very busy. You can't have one without the other. Meal prep and scheduling time for exercise is the key but now I just need to implement that into my lifestyle!

Also sleeeeep. How many times have you read that one? It's so true. I'm such a night owl but this past week I've been in bed before 12pm. I'm so fresh and ready for the next day and it gives me the extra time in the mornings to get done up and ready for college - hense feeling better about myself.
I'm starting to see that everything has a domino effect!

(3) Stay Positive

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When possible, stay as positive as you can.
Things can get too much at times, and things will probably go wrong at one point or another. But the important part is how you react to the stuff life throws at you!
Try to keep going, keep smiling and stay enthusiastic.
If you act negative, you attract negativity.
If you act positive, you attract positivity. Simples.
 Things always have a way of working themselves out.
Keep your chin up, keep the end goal in sight and stay positive :)

(4) To-Do Lists & Diaries

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Stationary should be your best friend!!!
It's nice to take notes on your phone, but you can't beat the magic of putting pen to paper.
I would be lost without my daily planner. It was only €2 in Dealz back in January, but it is my life!!
It's such a simple idea to keep a planner and schedule your days. With everything else going on, you can forget things like taking a call, going to a meeting, or grabbing a coffee with a friend. 
On top of that a To-Do list is essential. Whether it's a daily list or a weekly one it's a great way to keep on top of things and get your jobs done!
I don't know if it's just me, but I get such a sense of pride and productivity when I tick something off my list and get everything in done!

(5) Watch motivational videos

You know those videos you see on Facebook of people giving motivational speeches and talks and you might think it's all a bit spoofy?? Next time, really truly listen to what they are saying!
They motivate me so so much and definitely boost my mood when things start to fall apart or I struggle to balance everything.
Gary Vaynerchuck has to be one of the best motivational speakers I've ever listened to!
One video/story/message that resonates with you can totally shift your outlook on the day ahead and in turn, potentially change your life.
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Thanks so much for reading. I hope you were able to take something from this post and that it will help you in some way.

Much love,
Clóda
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1 comment

  1. It is hard to balance everything. I am in the same boat as you and I'm trying so hard to balance everything that evolves around the Leaving Cert. It's all about finding time to do what I want but that time is hard to find.
    Róisín
    totallyro.blogspot.ie

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