16 Balance Quotes You Need if You’re Feeling Stressed

Updated: Mar. 16, 2022

These balance quotes plus expert tips may help you find and maintain your equilibrium, no matter what is happening around you.

Finding balance during stressful times

What is the secret to happiness?

Here’s what it isn’t: It isn’t a raise, a vacation in the Bahamas, landing your dream job, getting a new puppy, or even having a child. Sure, all of these things can add to your happiness—especially that vacation in the Bahamas—but they won’t make you happy if they’re out of proportion. They may even add to your stress.

So what is the secret to happiness, then? Balance, says Carl J. Sheperis, PhD, licensed professional counselor and dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

What is balance?

Telling someone to “find balance” sounds simple. But it can be hard to pin down what that means, especially because it’s different for each person and can change from day to day. Essentially, balance is learning to prioritize your focus on areas of your life that increase your joy and sense of well-being, says Sheperis.

“For example, when you put all of your energy into work, then you tend to let go of your spiritual center, your physical health, and other elements,” says Sheperis. “Even though you might meet your financial goals, you end up suffering in other areas and find yourself still unhappy.

“If you are trying to live a fuller and happier life,” he adds, “strive for balance rather than advancement in one particular area.” (Here are myths of happiness you should stop believing.)

How to tell if you’re off-balance

Just because you’re getting everything done on your to-do list doesn’t mean you’re living a healthy, balanced life. Even good things, when done to excess, will leave you feeling off-balance.

One of the first warning signs that you’re reeling is your own body; when you aren’t balanced, you may feel it physically, Sheperis says. “Be actively aware of your own attitude and reactions, paying special attention to physical signs that you are getting upset—like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating,” he says. (Or these weird stress symptoms.) Long-term stress is a surefire balance-killer.

How to find balance

What balance looks like for you may be individual, but there are some universal steps to finding your ideal equilibrium, Sheperis says.

Remember that you’re in control

Even though it may feel otherwise, you’re not at the mercy of others. (That’s called secondhand stress and can have very detrimental effects on your life.) “You can’t control someone else, but you have total control over your own actions and emotions,” says Sheperis. “The important thing is that you clearly define for yourself what you want and need and then do those things first.”

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to be aware of experiences in the moment and to accept those experiences without trying to repress, filter, or block them out. “With mindfulness, you can let go of the battle you are having within yourself and allow room for the thoughts that are driving you toward imbalance,” says Sheperis. “By giving up the fight against negative thoughts and emotions, you take away their power and can reestablish balance.” You can start with these meditation quotes to feel grounded.

Be realistic

Balance is a work in progress, not an end goal. In fact, no one will ever achieve a perfect balance, but working towards it can increase your well-being, he says. “If you have a family, a job, kids’ after-school activities, and you are also a graduate student, then making more time in a day isn’t realistic,” he says. “Instead, accept the choices that you have mad and, make a conscious effort to value the time that you have for each area of your life.”

Be present

People often feel off-balance because they’re looking ahead and worrying about the future. Learning to stay fully present in whatever you’re doing will help you feel balanced. “Spend more quality time with loved ones and turn your phone off,” he says. “Instead of making the conversation about work or other things that will draw you away from the family, focus the conversation on your relationships and the time together.”

Handle your stress

Stop stress before it knocks you out of balance. “Plan out the steps that you will take to manage stress and spend some time practicing them ahead of time,” says Sheperis. For instance, take a break from work every hour or two, call a friend for a chat, look at funny memes, or just take a few deep breaths. “The more you practice, the better you will be at regaining a sense of calm,” he adds.

Set goals for yourself

Some people avoid balance because they feel that unless they are laser-focused on their passion then they are giving up on their dreams. Not so, Dr. Sheperis says. Setting goals is the key to staying on track to achieve your dreams without sacrificing balance, he says. Setting goals can also make your life more meaningful.

Balance quotes to help you regain your equilibrium

One of the best ways to gain a better balance in your life is to practice. Balance quotes can help remind you why it’s important to keep calm and carry on.

Here are a few balance quotes to help you embrace your ideal, steady life.