Have you come across the Balanced app before? I’ve been using it for a while now and I have to say, it’s transformed the way I take care of myself. It is a reminder to do the things in life you love. No chores. No shoulds. Instead of it feeling like more stuff to do, it reminds you to relax, have fun and do the things you enjoy.

The way the app works, is that you make up a list of the things you love to do. Each day, you check off the things you’ve achieved, they go to the bottom of the list and you receive words of encouragement. There are a selection of nice things to choose from, or you can add your own. Some examples are:
– Take a deep breath
– Plan to see a friend
– Be thankful
– Create something
– Listen to music
– Eat somewhere new

The app also gives you little reminders, such as “Have you rewarded yourself today?”

Since using Balanced, I’ve noticed I’m much more aware of making time for what I love. It doesn’t have to be big stuff either. I think sometimes we can get caught up thinking if we don’t have lots of time to do something, we can’t do it at all. Since using the app, I’ve taken more photos, looked at the stars more, meditated more, stretched/done yoga every day and I’ve given myself more time to relax.  Balanced is the creation of Melbourne independent app creator Jaidev Soin.

*Note: I have no affiliation with the selling or marketing of this product. I just really like it (:

Photo credit: Maurizio Costanzo – mavik2007 / Foter / CC BY

Toni Jackson is a compassionate, creative and experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist in Perth, Fremantle and Mundaring, Western Australia. She has worked over the past 20 years in the areas of women and adolescent mental health and wellbeing, counselling adults, adolescents, children and families from many different backgrounds. Toni uses counselling, psychotherapy, art therapy (such as drawing, painting, sand play, clay modelling and sewing) and mindfulness to support her clients’ unique needs. Toni specialises in working with women and adolescents who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self harm and disordered eating.
Toni’s qualifications include a BA Psychology, Grad Dip Women’s Studies and accreditation as a Psychotherapist (GT).