This is part six of a series on How to Balance Your Time, where we’re looking at the six key types of time we all need in our lives if we are to maintain work-life balance:

* Creative and productive
* Physically energetic and active
* Playful and entertaining
* Learning and developing
* Reflective and spiritual
* Restful and relaxing

Today we’ll take a closer look at the fifth type of time:  reflective and spiritual.

I’ve said here before that I believe all of us are spiritual beings and have some sort of moral compass to guide us, whether or not we recognize it or consider ourselves to be “religious”.

I write about Spirituality, Faith and Ethics on Sundays because I have observed that many people tend to neglect the spiritual aspect of their lives.  I certainly have at different times.  Why?  Because it requires that we take a deep look within, and personally, I’m often afraid to see what’s lurking there!

I think one of the best things people can do is to make time for reflection – to take a good look inside themselves to assess how well they lived over the last week or month in accordance with their values and beliefs.

For me, this exercise gives me a greater sense of perspective, helps me align my habits and actions with my stated values and beliefs, and helps me on my journey to live up to my full potential in all areas of life, including the spiritual area.

Here are some other practices that can help you nurture your spiritual life:

Solitude – Make time to get away from it all and just enjoy some quiet reflection and prayer.  It could be just a few moments of quiet in your home or office, a long walk or hike, or something else.

Gratitude – There is something spiritual about showing gratitude for the blessings we’ve received.  I think one reason it is powerful is because it is an expression of our dependence on God and others.

Prayer – Over the years, I’ve read lots of articles about the power of prayer, based on people’s experiences.  Prayers can be as brief and simple as the words “help me”, or they can be longer times of connection to God at a deeper level.  Prayers can be said throughout the day or at specific times of day.

Meditation & Scripture Memorization – Read the Bible or other sacred or inspirational text, and meditate on, or even memorize, certain passages.

Accountability Partner, Spiritual Friend or Mentor – Sometimes we all need the guidance and support of others to help us grow.  Many people find that having an accountability partner has made a difference for them – not just in their spiritual growth – but in all areas of life.  An accountability partner is someone who holds you lovingly accountable for the goals you’ve said you wanted to accomplish and the changes you wanted to make.  A spiritual friend or mentor is someone who specifically guides you in the spiritual (and other related) aspects of your life.

Small Group – This is similar to the one above, but it involves a group instead of a one-to-one relationship.

Weekly worship gathering – Many people find their spiritual life grows when they connect to a local church or other house of worship for regular worship services or experiences.

What are some of the ways you nurture your spiritual life?  Please share your thoughts and ideas!

This is part five of a series on How to Balance Your Time, where we’re looking at the six key types of time we all need in our lives:

• Creative and productive
• Physically energetic and active
• Playful and entertaining
• Learning and developing
• Reflective and spiritual
• Restful and relaxing

Today we’ll take a closer look at the fourth type of time:  learning and developing.

I’m so grateful that at some point in my life, someone encouraged me to never stop learning and growing.

For some, they thrive in the academic world, and enjoy pursuing “formal” education.  I once knew a man who had three master’s degrees and a doctorate, and was still going back for more!

But for most of us, we grow, learn and develop through informal ways – by reading books, attending seminars, reading blogs, etc.  You can read how to become an expert on any topic for some tips on free and low-cost ways to grow your knowledge base.

One of my personal goals is to reach my full potential in the seven basic areas of life.  In order to reach my full potential, I know I need to keep learning and developing.  Right now, a lot of my learning is coming from magazines, blogs and podcasts.  In fact, nearly every time I exercise at the Y, fly, drive, or work on a household project (like painting), I listen to podcasts.

There’s an important distinction that needs to be made between “learning” and “developing” that we sometimes miss.  In some cultures, to “learn” means to take in information.  And to “develop” is to apply the learned information and be changed by it.  In some cultures, to “learn” means information, application and transformation – I love that!

After all, if more information was all we needed, then all librarians would be millionaires!  But they’re not – because action is the key next step.

What are you doing, and how are you balancing your time, to keep up your own personal growth and development?

This is part four of a series on How to Balance Your Time, where we’re looking at the six key types of time we all need in our lives:

• Creative and productive
• Physically energetic and active
• Playful and entertaining
• Learning and developing
• Reflective and spiritual
• Restful and relaxing

Today we’ll take a closer look at the third type of time:  playful and entertaining.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”  The point is that we all need some time to play, have fun, laugh and be entertained – otherwise we can become bored with life or get depressed.  These activities help to give our minds a bit of a rest – taking the focus off our work or worries.

Some of my favorite things to do for fun are:

• going to a concert, movie or sporting event
• watching TV at home
• reading a book just for fun and enjoyment, not necessarily to learn something
• sunbathing at the beach
• going for a walk, hike, bike ride or scenic drive
• going to a coffee shop or restaurant alone or with family or friends
• going shopping

This topic is similar to the last one because we sometimes think we need to limit this kind of “unproductive” time. But all of us need time to be “off”.  We all need some time that is just for us and not anyone else.

Interestingly, I’ve found that when I do it, my mind becomes clearer and I often get some great ideas or insights that probably wouldn’t have come if I hadn’t slowed down.  My challenge, then, is to not start working when I get those ideas.  I simply write them down (if I don’t, I’ll forget them) and come back to them later, during my “productive” time.

If you struggle with making time for yourself, block off some time on your calendar this week and pick something that you enjoy doing . . . and do it!  Or, maybe pick something you’ve always wanted to do.

I’m sure there are some people who spend too much time in this category.  But I’ve never been one of them.  Have you?  What do you enjoy doing just for fun?