The Elusive Balance: Embracing the Other Side

We’re always talking about balance in life.

• Work/life balance
• Balancing our needs with the needs of others
• And so on…

But what does that really mean? If you think about it, it suggests one thing: we’re constantly out of balance. True balance is fleeting—a moment in time, not something we can sustain indefinitely.

This past Labor Day, I decided to take a break from my usual highly-structured routine. After two hours of work in the morning, I committed to doing absolutely nothing productive for the rest of the day. My plan? Sink into video games and movies—preferably both at the same time to satisfy my ADHD cravings—and indulge in some “whole foods” like Oreo cookies, Lay’s Sour Cream & Onion chips, Nutella bread, and cheese nachos. The order of consumption didn’t matter; the goal was simple: sit in my chair for 12-14 hours of gaming bliss.

Mission accomplished.

But why did I do this? What was the point?

Well, my schedule is normally packed. I don’t spend hours scrolling through social media, binge-watching shows, or getting lost in video games. I’m productive, regimented, and in bed by 8:30 p.m. Saying I’m structured is an understatement. But that kind of discipline has a price. Every few months, I start to feel boxed in. And when that happens, I need the complete opposite—an all-out break from routine.

Labor Day arrived right on time this year. I’d been feeling increasingly caged, so I knew it was time to hit the reset button.

Now, I get that I’m probably an extreme case. For you, a break might look different.

After my day of gluttony, I eventually managed to peel myself out of the chair (it took two tries). My body felt ancient, and after a glance in the mirror, I thought for a moment it might be true—just kidding. But honestly, I was grateful. Grateful that I don’t spend most days glued to a chair. The next day, I was genuinely excited to get back to my routine, refreshed and ready to tackle my day.

Occasionally living on the other side of my usual habits makes me appreciate the balance I’ve worked so hard to create. It reminds me of who I am and how far I’ve come. Years ago, I was a video game addict, gaming 40 hours a week while running a business. Reconnecting with that side of myself once in a while gives me the mental break I need and reinforces just how much I’ve grown.

So, what works for you? How do you navigate the fine line between productivity and rest, routine and indulgence? Let’s hear it—how do you balance on that proverbial razor’s edge?