Let’s dive into a topic that I think many of us can relate to: Deeply focusing on a hobby or project and the potential impact they can have on our real lives. This could be things like video games, art or even binge-watching TV shows. Whatever it might be I am going to refer to it as your “happy activities” or “Happy place”.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m all for indulging in these things and have absolutely entered a different realm where time ceases to exist (until my tummy grumbles and I realise it’s been 5 hours). However, like many things in life, it’s all about finding the right balance.
So, let me ask you this: Are you finding yourself getting lost in these your happy activities while your real life sits on the backburner? It’s a question worth pondering, so let’s take a moment to reflect on some signs that we might be escaping reality as a distraction from our real-life responsibilities and goals:
Excessive Sessions: Do you find yourself spending hours upon hours in your happy place, losing track of time and neglecting other areas of your life? There is a difference between being in the zone and losing your whole day!
Neglecting Responsibilities: Are you neglecting important responsibilities such as work, school, chores, or relationships because you’d rather be in the midst of that happy place? You are rushing through life so you can just get back to it A.S.A.P?
Escaping Reality: Do you dive into your happy place as a way to escape from stress, anxiety, or problems in your real life, rather than addressing them directly?
Feeling Disconnected: Are you feeling disconnected from friends, family, or activities that used to bring you joy, all because you’re too immersed in the happy place it’s the only thing you want to think and talk about.
If any of these signs resonate with you, fear not! Recognizing the problem is the first step toward finding a solution. Here are a few tips to help you strike a healthier balance between life’s responsibilities and those happy activities.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around your happy place, such as limiting the amount of time you spend each day or designating specific days for it and others for other activities.
Prioritize Responsibilities: Make sure to prioritize your real-life responsibilities and commitments before delving into your happy place. This might mean tackling chores, work, or schoolwork before you enter that place. For me, that’s tackling my benchmarks for the day.
Mix It Up: Explore other hobbies and activities outside of it that bring you joy and fulfilment. Whether it’s reading, cooking, hiking, or playing a sport, finding balance in your leisure activities can enrich your life in meaningful ways.
Stay Connected: Don’t forget to nurture your relationships with friends and family outside of the happy place. Make time for socializing, whether it’s in person or virtually, and cherish those moments of connection.
Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly check in with yourself to assess how your happy activities are affecting your overall well-being and fulfilment. Adjust your habits as needed to ensure a healthy balance.
Remember, it can be a wonderful form of entertainment and relaxation, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your real-life happiness and fulfilment. By finding balance and being mindful of how we engage with that happy place, we can enjoy the best of both worlds.