We all have commitments, responsibilities and goals that use our energy. So we need to stay in regular touch with our mental and physical condition and make deliberate decisions to counter balance our actions so that we stay in equilibrium.

Imagine a classic set of scales.

The goal is to stay balanced.

Add exercise to one side, and you need to add rest to the other. Add work stress and you need to make your ‘rest’ bigger, or add something else like a hobby to appose that stress.

Everything needs an opposite.

Even positive things.

For example, add healthy food to one side and every so often you might add a treat to the other. Or having had fun with your friends and family, you may need some alone time to recharge.

The ratios don’t need to be 1:1

Some counter actions last for days, others need more regular application.

Maybe your ‘people battery’ only need recharging once a week. Or you might decide to give yourself some slack from your healthy eating every Sunday, but sustain it the other 6 days.

You’ll learn over time what keeps you in check. And if you go over your tipping point, try and adjust the counter balances for next time.