Ignite Balance by Creating Harmony between Work, Rest & Play
Feb 18, 2025
“Balance is not something you find; it’s something you create.” Jana Kingsford
Balance is something we all crave yet often struggle to maintain. We juggle responsibilities, ambitions, self-care, and creativity, trying to fit everything into neat compartments. Balance isn’t about perfect division—it is about knowing when to lean in, when to step back, when to give, when to receive and when to surrender completely.
For me, balance is not just about scheduling my time but aligning with my passions, purpose, and energy. As an Intuitive Wellness Guide and Vision Therapist, my work is an extension of my soul—a calling to help others see, feel and flow, both physically and intuitively. It’s about recognising when to pour energy into guiding a client, when to retreat and recharge, and when to immerse myself in creativity, movement, or play.
This blog isn’t just about balancing work, rest, and play—it’s about weaving them together in a way that nourishes and energises rather than depletes. If you’re a multi-passionate soul, balance means honouring every part of who you are without sacrificing well-being.
If you have ever felt stretched too thin—torn between exhaustion and ambition, craving rest yet driven to create—you are not alone.
In a culture that glorifies hustle, it’s easy to forget we weren’t meant to simply work, pay bills, and repeat. We are told to set boundaries, say no, and block out distractions.
What if balance isn’t about restriction? What if it’s about intentionally inviting in what truly matters?
What if we shifted our focus from boundaries to standards?
Instead of focusing on what we reject, we consciously choose what and who we welcome into our lives.
Balance isn’t about doing it all or holding back—it’s about alignment. It’s about finding a rhythm that sustains rather than drains, knowing when to work, rest, and play, and allowing ourselves to be fully present in each moment. That rhythm is already within us—a way of being where work, rest, and play exist in harmony.
Now is the time to ignite balance—not as something to chase, but as a rhythm that moves with us. It’s time to embody, create, and fiercely protect it in every moment.
For years, I believed balance meant having it all together—the perfect morning or evening routine, a structured week, an equal split between work and play, and carefully curated downtime. I thought better organisation would finally bring ease.
Let me share what I have learned: balance isn’t about getting everything done—it’s about knowing what truly matters. It’s not about scheduling; it’s about flow.
Some days, my role as a Vision Therapist requires deep focus. Other days, my intuitive wellness work calls for the full presence of my heart. Sometimes, I need to step away—go for a run, dive into a book, unleash creativity, or simply be in nature. Balance is about honouring each moment without guilt or second-guessing.
Balance isn’t about equal time—it’s about aligned energy.
We often grow up believing balance means an even distribution of work, rest, and play, as if life could fit neatly into a pie chart. But life doesn’t work that way.
Balance is fluid.
It shifts daily, seasonally, and situationally.
Some days demand deep focus and creation, while others invite stillness and rest.
Some seasons call for adventure and spontaneity, while others ask for grounding and introspection.
True balance isn’t about forcing everything into equal parts. It’s about being fully present in whatever you’re doing—leaning in when it’s time to engage and letting go when it’s time to rest. The key isn’t doing more, but doing what’s right in each moment—trusting what your body, mind, heart and soul truly need.
βοΈBalance is not time management—it’s energy management.
βοΈBalance is not about avoiding work—it’s about making sure work doesn’t consume your whole identity.
βοΈBalance is not about doing less—it’s about doing what aligns with your values.
When work is calling you forward, pour yourself into it fully—be sure not to neglect the whispers of your body asking for rest.
When you feel depleted, give yourself permission to pause, to restore, to breathe deeply into the spaces you often rush past. When joy and creativity spark, follow them without guilt, because play is not frivolous—it is fuel.
Balance isn’t static. It is a dance, a conversation, an intuitive knowing of when to push and when to soften.
Work is more than a paycheck. It is an expression of our purpose, passion, energy, creativity and contribution. Whether you work in an office, run your own business, create art or serve others, work is where we put our gifts into the world—offering both fulfillment and meaning.
When work takes over and becomes all-consuming, when it becomes the sole measure of our worth, it loses its meaning and can drain us rather than fulfill us. It shifts from being a source of growth to a source of burnout.
Burnout is not a badge of honour.
Productivity is not an identity.
Rather than setting boundaries around work, set standards to ignite how you show up in your professional life:
π₯ Align your work with your values—Does your work reflect what truly matters to you?
π₯ Set standards—Your time and energy are sacred. Protect them.
π₯ Pause for moments of presence—Work with focus but take mindful breaks to reset.
π₯ Redefine success—It’s not just about output; it’s about impact, alignment and fulfillment.
Work should support your life—not consume it.
To ignite balance in my work, I choose projects that align with my values and purpose, set intentional work hours based on energy rather than obligation, prioritise deep work while minimising distractions, and celebrate progress as much as results—recognising that work is not just about what I produce, but who I become in the process.
Here some examples of Work-Life Balance in Action:
β¨ A teacher chooses lunch breaks away from the classroom, knowing that stepping outside for fresh air helps her recharge for the rest of the day.
β¨ A medical practitioner schedules self-care rituals before or after shifts, ensuring she nourishes herself while caring for others.
β¨ An manageer chooses to take vacation days without guilt, recognising that rest fuels long-term productivity and creativity.
β¨ A remote worker creates a designated workspace, allowing clear separation between work mode and home life.
β¨ A personal trainer listens to their body and also takes rest days, understanding that overworking can lead to burnout.
β¨ A writer follows her creative energy, working in bursts of inspiration, rather than forcing productivity at all hours.
β¨ A parent blocks off uninterrupted family time, treating it as non-negotiable as any work meeting.
β¨ A consultant says no to projects that don’t align with their values, making space for work that feels fulfilling.
β¨ A corporate professional integrates movement into the workday, taking stretch breaks or walking meetings to stay energised.
Work-life balance isn’t about doing everything—it’s about making intentional choices that nourish both work and well-being. How do you create balance in your life?
When work is done with intention, rather than obligation, it becomes an extension of purpose that supports your life, not just another box to check.
Rest is not laziness, nor is it a reward for hard work—it is essential fuel, a radical act of self-care and self-respect in a world that constantly demands more. Without it, we burn out, disconnect, and lose our creative spark. Yet many of us struggle to rest without guilt, believing we must always be productive, as if stillness is wasted time. True rest isn’t idleness—it is what allows us to show up fully, with energy, clarity and purpose.
I used to think rest was something I had to earn—that I could only allow myself to pause once I had done enough. But when your work is your passion, the lines between work and rest blur. As an Intuitive Wellness Guide, I hold space for others, yet I also need space for myself. As a Vision Therapist, I help others focus, but I must also step away and soften my own gaze.
Let me share a truth with you: rest is productive. It refuels, recalibrates and restores clarity and energy. You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you do not prioritise rest, your body will force it upon you—through exhaustion, burnout or illness.
Rest is about creating space to breathe, to reflect, to slow down.
To ignite balance in rest set standards that invite restoration and rejuvenation into your life:
π₯ Prioritise sleep—Your body repairs itself when you sleep deeply. Make it sacred.
π₯ Embrace stillness—Not every moment needs to be filled. Allow space for quiet.
π₯ Listen to your body—When exhaustion whispers, don’t wait until it screams.
π₯ Unplug from urgency—Not every email, text, or task requires an immediate response.
To ignite balance, I prioritise rest as a daily practice rather than merely a response to exhaustion. I honour the needs of my body for sleep, stillness and quiet by creating a restful environment with soft lighting, calming scents, and tech-free zones. Throughout the day, I take mindful breaks and micro-rests, allowing myself to reset and refuel. My evening routine supports deep, restorative sleep, and I listen to my body’s signals, giving myself permission to slow down when needed. I integrate rest before exhaustion sets in, create space for mental stillness, and embrace quiet moments without the urge to fill them. Most importantly, I allow myself to unplug from work and passions without guilt, knowing that true balance comes from honouring both action and rest.
Here some examples of Rest in Action:
β¨ Giving myself permission to take a midday pause, whether it’s a short walk, breathing deeply, stretching or simply closing my eyes for a few minutes.
β¨ Listening to all the signals of my body—when I feel drained, I honour the need to step back instead of pushing through.
β¨ Building rest into my schedule as intentionally as work, knowing that it fuels my energy and creativity.
β¨ Taking slow, mindful breaths between sessions, grounding myself before moving on to the next task.
β¨ Ending my day with a ritual of unwinding, which might include reading, journaling, gentle movement or simply allowing space to exhale.
β¨ Surrendering to rest without guilt, reminding myself that doing nothing is sometimes the most productive thing I can do.
β¨ Prioritising deep, nourishing sleep, recognising that rest isn’t just about pauses during the day but also how I restore at night.
β¨ Creating a “buffer zone” between work and home life, transitioning with movement, music, or time in nature.
β¨ Honouring my natural rhythms, working when my energy is high and resting when my body asks for stillness.
β¨ Choosing to step away from productivity culture, embracing slowness and presence as forms of radical self-care.
Rest isn’t an afterthought or a luxury—it’s a requirement for sustainability and the fuel that keeps us going. Without it, we burn out, lose our creative spark, and eventually, if we don’t prioritise rest, our bodies will force it upon us.
How will you invite more moments of rest into your day?
Rest is not an indulgence.
Rest is where healing happens.
Rest is the key to longevity, creativity, and well-being.
It is where wisdom rises.
It is where we remember who we are beneath the noise of doing.
Rest doesn’t just happen—it must be chosen, protected and intentionally woven into the rhythm of life.
Play is essential—a gateway to lightness, joy, and creativity. It’s where spontaneity thrives, stress dissolves, and the spirit feels free. Yet, as adults, we often dismiss play as unproductive. In truth, play is the language of joy, the spark of creativity, the sound of laughter, the rhythm of movement, and the key to a life well lived.
As adults, we often push play aside, labeling it as “unproductive” or “frivolous.”
When we are deeply invested in our passions, play often gets pushed aside. It’s easy to think, I don’t have time for that right now. But play isn’t a distraction—it’s fuel for everything else.
To ignite balance in play, support yourself by embracing spontaneity, setting aside time for joy, allowing creativity to flow, and integrating playfulness into everyday moments.
π₯ Do something just for the joy of it—No purpose, no outcome, just pure fun.
π₯ Reconnect with childlike wonder—What made you light up as a child? Do that.
π₯ Move your body in ways that feel good—Dance, run, explore, breathe.
π₯ Laugh freely, often, and without restraint—Laughter really is medicine.
To ignite balance, I make time for play and adventure and engage in activities that bring joy without the pressure of productivity. I embrace spontaneity, allowing myself to be silly, curious, and free, while finding adventure in everyday life. Seeking experiences that ignite laughter and creativity, I see play not as an escape but as nourishment for my well-being. I honor creativity for its own sake, move, laugh, and explore freely without justification, and recognize that play is an essential part of a balanced, fulfilling life.
Here are some examples of play in action to inspire a spirit of joy, spontaneity and creativity in everyday life:
β¨ Going for a run—to move my body and feel the wind in my hair.
β¨ Dancing around the house for the joy of movement.
β¨ Jumping into puddles— why should kids have all the fun?
β¨ Singing at the top of my lungs in the kitchen, in the shower, or just because the mood strikes.
β¨ Trying on bold outfits or mixing and matching clothes just for the fun of self-expression.
β¨ Rolling down a grassy hill—embracing the giggles and dizziness that follow.
β¨ Blowing bubbles and watching them float into the sky like tiny, iridescent dreams.
β¨ Climbing a tree—reconnecting with childhood curiosity and adventure.
β¨ Building a sandcastle or playing in the dirt—letting hands get messy in the best way.
β¨ Skipping instead of walking just to feel light and free.
β¨ Creating a fort with blankets and pillows—turning an ordinary space into a world of wonder.
β¨ Watching the clouds and imagining shapes—letting my imagination run wild.
β¨ Having a spontaneous dance-off—moving playfully, intuitively, freely and gracefully
Play is not an escape or a distraction from life—it is what makes life vibrant, meaningful, and full of magic; an invitation that makes life worth living.
Play is not a distraction from life—it is an invitation that makes life worth living.
Play is another form of fuel and play is fun. It is the spark that ignites inspiration, deepens connection and reminds us not to take life so seriously.
Play is a portal to presence, creativity, and joy. It’s about engaging with life from a place of curiosity and wonder, not productivity or achievement. Play makes life more vibrant and meaningful.
How will you play today?
Passion is the heartbeat of everything I do. Passion can also lead to over-giving and burnout. Instead of rigid boundaries, I set standards for how I engage with my passions.
Whether I am guiding someone through nervous system regulation or connecting with their visual system in Vision Therapy, helping a client reconnect to their intuition or writing my heart out and sharing wisdom alongside other topics within the Wild Wellness Blog, I pour my energy into what lights me up.
Passion is a double-edged sword.
When we are deeply invested in something, it’s easy to over-give, to push too hard, to burn out.
Instead of setting boundaries around work, I set standards for how I engage with my passions.
To ignite balance in play:
π₯ Honor the ebb and flow—Passion isn’t an endless fire; let it breathe, rest and rekindle naturally.
π₯ Allow space for stillness—Stepping back doesn’t mean losing passion; it means allowing it to deepen.
π₯ Embrace multiple passions—You never have to choose just one. Let curiosity guide you.
π₯ Set standards around your energy—Passion flourishes when you protect your time and well-being.
π₯ Follow inspiration, not obligation—Passion should feel expansive, not forced.
π₯ Trust the seasons of creativity—Some seasons are for action, others for reflection. Both are necessary.
π₯ Nourish your body, mind, and soul—Passion burns brighter when you're well-rested and cared for.
π₯ Celebrate the small sparks—Not every moment will be a wildfire, but every spark matters.
Passion thrives in balance—give it space, give it rest, and let it unfold in its own time.
To ignite balance in passion, I channel my energy into what truly excites me, rather than simply fulfilling external expectations. I approach my work with presence rather than urgency—when I am guiding a client, I am fully engaged, and when I step away, I allow myself to truly disconnect. I honour my natural cycles of creativity and rest, recognising that some days are filled with inspiration while others call for stillness and reflection. Above all, I let love and joy guide my decisions, releasing anything that does not spark passion or fulfillment within me.
Here are some examples of Passion in Action, where energy, purpose and creativity flow naturally:
β¨ When an idea excites me, I chase it with curiosity, letting it unfold without needing a clear outcome.
β¨ When I speak about something I love, my whole body comes alive and I let that enthusiasm shine.
β¨ When I read a book that moves me, I don’t rush—I savour every single word, allowing it to shape me.
β¨ When I find myself lost in a creative flow, I honour it, letting time slip away without resistance.
β¨ When I feel drawn to something new, I follow it—trusting that every passion leads to another piece of my unfolding story.
β¨ When my heart says ‘Yes!’ to an opportunity, I listen, even if my mind is unsure of the how or why.
β¨ When I witness beauty in the world, I pause to take it in—whether it’s a sunset, a melody or a moment of kindness.
β¨ When a challenge arises, I approach it with curiosity and purpose, knowing that passion isn’t just excitement—it’s dedication, too.
β¨ When I lose track of time doing something I love, I take it as a sign I’m on the right path.
β¨ When my intuition whispers, ‘This matters,’ I lean in, knowing passion is both a fire and a guide.
Passion isn’t something to chase—it’s something to live. How will you ignite yours today? π₯β¨
Passion should ignite you—not exhaust you.
Balance is not about doing everything at once. It is about knowing when to lean in, when to step back, when to give, when to receive and when to let go completely. Balance is about tuning into yourself daily and asking:
β¨ What does my body desire and deserve today?
β¨ What is calling for my energy right now?
β¨ Where have I been neglecting myself?
Some days, balance looks like deep rest.
Other days, it’s diving into work with passion.
Some days, it’s losing yourself in the joy of play. The key is listening.
To ignite balance in your life, align your energy with what nourishes you, create space for rest and play, and move with intention and harmony.
π₯ Trust your seasons—Balance looks and feels different in every phase of life. Some seasons call for more work, some for deep rest, some for play and others for wild adventure. Honour where you are.
π₯ Release guilt—You do not need to “earn” rest or play. You are already worthy of it.
π₯ Be fully present—Wherever you are, commit to being all in.
π₯ Let go of perfection—Balance is not a formula, it is a feeling and a way of living.
Balance is not about restriction or rigid boundaries.
Balance is not something you achieve once and for all. It is something you commit to that nourishes you moment by moment.
I used to think balance was about time management. Now, I know that balance is about energy alignment. True balance isn’t about juggling everything perfectly. It’s about knowing what fuels you and allowing yourself to receive it fully.
π₯ I work with passion—because my purpose fuels me.
π₯ I rest with intention—because my body and mind need recovery.
π₯ I play with abandon—because joy is an essential part of my well-being.
β¨ You can work with passion—because purpose fuels you.
β¨ You can rest with intention—because recovery is essential.
β¨ You can play with abandon—because joy is vital.
This is how we ignite harmony, fulfillment, and a life that feels deeply, wildly alive.
So, tell me—where do you need more balance? What standards will you set to honour yourself? How will you ignite balance?
Balance isn’t about doing less or more—it’s about living fully, deeply, and in a way that honours your body, mind, heart and soul.
Balance isn’t about doing less or more—it’s about living fully, deeply, and in a way that honours your body, mind, heart and soul.
If you are new to the Wild Wellness Blog and I invite you to explore the Ignite series.
