How many of us have calendars with more “To Do's” and events than hours in the week? I know this is how my calendar appears more weeks than not. I feel myself trying to juggle my calendar, my spouse’s, and my kids. Add to that managing school assignments for children in this new blend of virtual and "in-person" schooling, socializing on the many web based platforms, and attending doctor appointments. I feel like I can’t catch my breath. Am I alone?

According to a recent study from OnePoll, 59% of Americans admit to having challenges with work-life balance and can only find 26 minutes of free time each week. As life continues to speed by, we need to find a way to create space in our calendars, to pause, to self-reflect and be more mindful of our personal needs.

Let's talk about 3 ways to help live your best life and create a more mindful work-life balance.

1) Self-Reflection

This is a time to take inventory of personal goals and expectations that you want to improve. Reflectively look back on past experiences, while examining what worked and what could be improved. Be mindful during this process. Don’t ruminate over the scenario hoping for a different outcome or with harsh criticism; instead explore and be kind to yourself. Mistakes in life are anticipated and detours in life are expected. Growth takes place during self-reflection. When you feel overwhelmed or anxious, take a moment to remember a time when you did not feel this way and examine what was different about those situations. This exercise can help reveal solutions that have worked in the past and allow you to recognize your inner strengths.

2) Self-awareness

After you have taken inventory, think about what is happening in your life at this moment. Do you know what motivates you? What are your passions, desires or dreams? We are evolving and changing all the time. Life would be boring if we stayed the same. What are some opportunities that may help you grow and learn more about yourself? View these experiences as potential opportunities to discover more about yourself. Stepping out and trying something new can bring more self-confidence. Increased self-confidence may lead to more success and opportunities in your life.

3) Mindfulness

This is the skill of being self-aware in your daily surroundings in order to create a more present "you". Increased self-awareness allows you to be mindful of your surroundings, thoughts, and emotions. The more you can focus on the present, the less you will feel like you are on “auto-pilot” or out of control of your actions and emotions. Incorporating gratitude to each day will help to give value and meaning to each passing moment. Consider keeping a journal of experiences to increase awareness and gratitude.

According to Huw Griffiths, who offers Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) "Meditation is a skill, it's learned. We have to learn to focus our mind into the moment."

The Mayo Clinic has provided some helpful Mindfulness Exercises to start you on your journey.

1) Pay Attention

Use all your senses to bring awareness to your present moment. Pause to look around… what do you see? What do you smell? What sounds are around you? Bringing awareness to your environment helps you to be more present with your situation, who you are talking to, or what you are thinking about At the end of the exercise you will find your mind to be sharper and more focused.

2) Live the Moment

Find joy in simple pleasures, extend kindness to those around you. Be present with the people around you. Put down your cell phone, close your computer and watch for ways to be intentional.

3) Accept yourself

Show yourself some kindness and find a way to give yourself grace and kudos. Reflect on previous experience and positive choices you have made and give yourself some positive vibes like you would with a good friend… you deserve a "You got this!" moment today.

4) Focus on your Breathing

When life gets overwhelming and we need a time out, sit down and breath in slowly with your eyes closed. Slowly exhale and focus on your breathing while it moves in and out of your body. Imagine your favorite color and visualize that with every breath you see your favorite color fill your body starting at your toes, continue until your body is filled with your favorite color. Open your eyes and reassess your current feeling, repeat as needed.

Try to set a goal to focus on a mindfulness exercise daily to help decrease stress or anxiety. The more you practice this skill the easier it will become.