Balancing work and a home life can be a challenge. Add going back to school to pursue a higher education and life gets complicated incredibly quickly. Everything seems to pile on bit by bit. Eventually, you feel like you're drowning. So, how do you find a balance in all of the chaos?

For me, finding a balance comes from doing something I love. When everything starts to get to be too crazy, I find a cozy nook to read a long book in. There's nothing that beats being curled up under a blanket, warm tea in hand and the smell of an old or new book. Being transported to a new world, one far away from my own problems, helps me to put everything in perspective. In taking some time for me, I've found my perfect balance.

However, what works for me doesn't work for everyone. I know a few people who choose to clean to sort out their problems. When life gets hectic, they scrub their houses from top to bottom. From what they've said, the cleaning and organizing helps them to put the things in their lives into their proper places. In taking out any potential distractions, they can better tackle the tasks at hand. Others throw themselves wholeheartedly into sports. They run or swim to deal with their emotions. The time spent helps them work through their problems while also accomplishing personal goals. For some other people I know such as my husband, watching sports or playing video games related to those sports helps relieve the tensions.

For me, finding balance also comes with a spiritual aspect to it. My spirituality is found through tai-chi, which is almost like a slowed down form of martial arts. In it, I'm forced to listen to my body and to trust in myself. If you're off balance with your thoughts or your breathing, a movement can be broken. For me, this helps me to find the strength in myself to keep going on and to push forward. In finding what was bothering me and trusting in myself, I find that inner balance.

I also make sure that I have someone to talk to about everything that is going on. Having a strong support system helps in making things go a little smoother. Without someone to lean on, it can be hard to find the light at the end of the tunnel. It can be a little scary opening up at first but in the end you'll be better for it. Find the people you know you can count on to be there and don't let them go.

Balance is a difficult thing to find and maintain. Eventually though, you'll find something that helps you to keep on the path you want to be on. Whether it be reading or running, everyone has their own system. Do what works for you to keep that little bit of balance and you might be better off for it.