Balance in Everyday Life – Practical Tips Inspired by the Equinox
An equinox is the moment in the year, occurring twice annually in March and September, when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, and the sun is directly over the equator. (for those who didn’t know)
On September 22, the world pauses for a moment of perfect balance. The autumn equinox marks the time when day and night are nearly equal, reminding us that life, too, is a constant dance between light and dark, work and rest, holding on and letting go.
I’ve always loved this time of year—not just for the fall colors and cozy sweaters, but for the quiet lesson nature teaches us: balance is possible, even if only for a moment. And maybe that’s all we need—moments of balance that carry us forward.
Here are a few practical ways I’ve been weaving that equinox-inspired balance into everyday life:
1. Balance Work and Rest
Take a break with some tea or coffee
It’s easy to push through, telling ourselves we’ll rest later. But rest isn’t the opposite of productivity—it’s part of it. I’ve started giving myself “mini equinoxes” during the day: equal parts focus and pause. A couple of hours painting, then a walk. A burst of crafting, then coffee and quiet. The work feels better when the rest is honored too.
2. Balance Digital and Real Life
Screens are part of daily life, but they can tilt us out of balance quickly. I’ve been setting boundaries: no phone during meals, no scrolling before bed. Replacing some screen time with sketching or simply sitting outside helps me feel more present.
3. Balance Giving and Receiving
As an artist, I pour a lot of myself into my work—creating, sharing, giving. But the equinox reminds me that receiving matters too. Allowing myself to accept kindness, compliments, or even just still moments keeps me from burning out.
4. Balance Routine and Spontaneity
Meet up with Friends
Structure grounds us, but too much can feel suffocating. I try to keep a flexible routine—studio time in the morning, but leaving space in the afternoon for a spontaneous coffee with a friend or a new idea that grabs me. That mix keeps life both steady and surprising.
5. Balance Light and Shadow
Nature doesn’t shy away from darkness—it’s what makes the light glow brighter. The same is true in life. Instead of avoiding the hard days, I’ve learned to see them as part of the whole picture. Just as I layer shadows in a painting, those challenges add depth and meaning to the brighter moments.
Final Thought
The equinox doesn’t last long—it’s just one day of equal light and dark before the tilt shifts again. Balance in life is the same: not permanent, but fleeting, something we create in moments.
Maybe the real lesson is this: we don’t need perfect balance all the time. We just need to notice the moments when it arrives—and carry their calm into the rest of our days.
How do you create balance in your everyday life? I’d love to hear your own equinox-inspired custom .
