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Finding Balance: The Easy Way!

by Dr. Sarah Allen
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I have always felt slightly irritated when reading articles telling me that I should find balance in my life. A balanced life conjures up (for me anyway) visions of yoga on the beach, meditating twice a day and long walks through the countryside. Now when I am I supposed to get around to that?

I’ll add it to the list:
1. work all day,
2. make dinner,
3. drop kids off at practice,
4. take cat to the vet,
5. find balance….

Hmm….on a day-by-day basis that just isn’t feasible and part of me thinks it is just something else to feel guilty about never getting around to doing.

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for finding time in your day to take a breath, do something for yourself, however small, and not rush around all the time. It’s definitely not good to feel overwhelmed and stressed. This is why I like the idea of having a Sanity Account. It is the best way to reduce stress.

balance account sheet

Let me explain more:
Just like a checkbook, where we try to balance money paid out with money paid in I think we should try to schedule some relaxing deposits to counteract the stress “pay outs”.

Find a pencil and draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. One side write “Debits” and list the things you are doing today that you find stressful or whatever is worrying you (and if it is the same thing every day we should look at that in more depth – see my free booklet Simple Steps To Overcome Anxiety & Worrying). Next tackle one “Debit”. It doesn’t matter which one, we just need to get started.

On the “Credits” side write down the same amount of things you love to do. Anything that makes to feel calmer or happy. Like most of us you are probably doing much more of the things on your debit side than on your credit side.

When you tackle one debit make sure you also do something from the credit side.

Here is the most important part. If you can’t do the credit straight away – schedule the credit on your calendar, either later the same day or sometime soon.

Relaxation Credits

For more ways to reduce stress take a look at my free booklet Simple Steps To Overcome Anxiety & Worrying. It has a lot of other helpful information that highlights areas of your life where you can make small changes, which added together result in big changes in your mood.

SIMPLE STEPS TO OVERCOME ANXIETY & WORRYING ebook

 

I have put together a booklet with some strategies I am always giving to my clients to help them begin to feel less anxiety and to worry less.

I hope that you will find it helpful too.

Add your first name and email address in the box below and you will be sent the steps to download your FREE book.

You've just been sent an email that contains a confirmation link. Check your SPAM/JUNK folder if you don't see it within a couple of minutes. In order to activate to receive your free booklet, click on the CONFIRM link and you will be sent a second email with the booklet. It may also be in your SPAM folder.

 

If you have questions after reading this article or the booklet or have any questions about how counseling can be useful to your particular circumstances please contact me at 847 791-7722 or on the form below.

I see clients in my Northbrook office or if it is more convenience, via telephone or internet sessions

If you have any questions after reading this article or want to know more about anxiety  treatment

please phone me at 847 791-7722 or

email me below

    Dr. Allen's professional license only allows her to work with clients who live in IL & FL and unfortunately does not allow her to give personalized advice via email to people who are not her clients.

    If you found this information helpful please share it using one of the social media icons below.

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    Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, Uncategorized, Women's Issues

    Anxiety

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    You've just been sent an email that contains a confirmation link. Check your SPAM/JUNK folder if you don't see it within a couple of minutes. In order to activate to receive your free booklet, click on the CONFIRM link and you will be sent a second email with the booklet. It may also be in your SPAM folder.

  • Testimonials

    When I need to refer any of my patients for talk therapy I immediately think of Dr. Allen as she is wonderful at helping people with severe and complex issues really get to the root of their problems. She is very caring and knowledgeable and I have found her extensive experience really helps people to change their lives for the better.

    Dr. Teresa PoprawskiPsychiatrist, First Chicago Neuroscience Clinic

    Last year I was so crippled by anxiety and panic attacks and I didn’t believe that anything or anyone would be able to help me. Since seeing you my life has changed forever and I am finally turning into the person that I always wanted to be…and the person I never thought I could be. You will be the person I call if I start to feel that way again.

    Wendy T.

    I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a worrier and when my doctor suggested therapy instead of an antidepressant I didn’t think it could really help. I was totally wrong. I don’t spend so much time worrying about the “what ifs” now and concentrate on working on things that are in my control to change in the “here and now” rather than in the past or future. I spend much less time in my head worrying about everything and now have useful strategies to deal with many situations at home and at work. Life is much less stressful and I find myself teaching people I manage at work the strategies Dr. Allen taught me.

    Mark B.

    When I started seeing Dr. Allen for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I am now a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me.

    Margaret R.

    When I started seeing you for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I am now a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me.

    Margaret R.
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