As a Holistic Health & Integrative Nutrition Coach, I often use the "Circle of Life" exercise with clients. The circle includes 12 areas, that together create a view of what a balanced life looks like. I've included a copy of the exercise below for you to use. You can use this pdf, or you can draw your own. Notice if there are any areas that you would like to relabel to better reflect what is important to you. Ultimately, what you consider a balanced life is truly unique to you.
When you're ready, you will place a dot in each of the 12 areas to reflect your level of satisfaction. Place the dot closer to the center of the circle of you are feeling more dissatisfied in an area. Place the dot closer to the periphery if you are feeling more satisfied. To finish, draw a line connecting the dots around the circle. The new circle represents your current Circle of Life.
Once your Circle of Life feels complete for you, consider the following questions.
How do you feel about your life as you look at your Circle of Life?
Are there any surprises for you?
Which of the areas would you most like to improve?
How could you make space for these changes?
What help from others might you need?
In the future, another option to consider would be to ask someone you're close with to complete the circle for you. Sometimes an outside perspective can be eye opening. It's also important to reassess your life balance over time. As Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher observed, "The only constant in life is change."
~Nicole Hutchison, PT, CSCS, Holistic Health & Integrative Nutrition Coach