“Life is a triathlon. After all, both are about body, mind and spirit and adapting to transitions. Neglect one and the others suffer. In life, as in triathlons, the race isn't always to the swiftest. It's to those who pray for balance, who show up prepared, who want to enjoy themselves, and who accept the grace that awaits us if we seek it." - Anonymous

 

Life can be stressful enough with commitments to your job, family, spouses, kids, friends, and your community. Yet, you’ve chosen to add 10-20 hours of training each week to an already full schedule. How do you react when all of these commitments get the best of you? It’s likely that you train because all of those hours spent sweating make all of your other commitments more manageable.

 

But how do you respond when all of your commitments become overwhelming and the reenergizing feeling you get from working out no longer gives you the boost you need? How do you respond to the maddening balance of training and everyday life? Here’s how to start calming the madness:

 

1. Acknowledge that you’re feeling overloaded and reflect on your priorities. Take notice of what commitments give you the greatest     sense of fulfillment.

 

2. Make a plan and write it down. Writing down ideas makes goals so much more realistic and attainable. Try writing down your list       of commitments in order of their priority to you. Lists can serve as a great tool to help you maintain balance while also feeling           accomplished.

 

3. It’s okay to say no. Turning down a get together, a volunteer job, or some other event means that you’re saying yes to your self-         care and to your sanity.

 

4. Build in downtime into your weekly schedule. Just like your muscles need rest in order to repair, rebuild and strengthen, your           mind also needs time to rest in order to recharge the psyche.

 

In the midst of the madness of life, remember to do what you already do best as a triathlete; adapt, prioritize, commit, balance.