Lately, I’ve been thinking about this strange habit of mine: I get so caught up in my inner world that I forget a stark truth  —  people are just hunks of meat. Our brains, with all their ideas, dreams, and crystal castles of imagination, don’t float in jars. They’re housed in bodies that need care  —  touch, nourishment, exercise, and rest.

It’s easy to forget this, though. Life squeezes all the juice out of you, and before you know it, you’re running on empty. That’s exactly where I found myself not long ago: overwhelmed, exhausted, and dangerously close to crossing a line I didn’t want to reach again.

The Body-Mind Disconnect

For years, I’ve cherished intellect  —  the ability to imagine, to create, to interpret the world. It’s one of my core values. But how can I talk about harmony and balance when I sometimes treat my body like it doesn’t matter?

Life threw challenge after challenge my way:

• The pandemic forced me to adapt overnight.

• A war in my homeland uprooted my sense of safety.

• Starting over in a new country added layers of pressure I hadn’t anticipated.

For two years, I convinced myself I was handling it all. From the outside, I probably looked fine. But there were signs: extra weight, chronic fatigue, and an increasing reliance on painkillers to make it through the night. The container I’d ignored for so long  —  the body that held all my dreams  —  was falling apart.

The Impact of Turbulent Times

Living in Norway has been a mixed bag of experiences. On one hand, it’s a beautiful country. On the other, adapting to a new culture while managing daily stress has been no small feat. Here’s how these challenges played out:

The Climate:

Locals might love their “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” mantra, but six months of cold, dark winter can drain even the hardiest of spirits.

Space and Privacy:

Sharing a small house with relatives meant little room for personal space. My bedroom is so tiny, I feel like a sparrow in a makeshift feeder. Even taking a bath  —  a comfort I miss terribly  —  requires a trip to a public pool or spa.

Language and Social Barriers:

While I manage Norwegian reasonably well, every office meeting leaves me nervous. My hands shake, and my words tangle, even though my colleagues are sweet and understanding. The absence of close friends makes this isolation feel even sharper.

Steps Toward Balance

I didn’t wake up one day with the answer  —  it’s been a slow, ongoing process. But I knew I couldn’t keep going like this. Here’s what I’ve done to start reclaiming balance:

1. Acknowledge the Cracks:

I stopped pretending everything was fine. Giving myself permission to feel overwhelmed was the first, most important step.

2. Reclaim Small Joys:

I started paying attention to the little things that used to make me happy  —  a quiet meal, a short walk, or even journaling. These moments reminded me that even in chaos, peace is possible.

3. Prioritize Rest:

Sleep is my sanctuary, and I fought hard to protect it. Stretching before bed, cutting out caffeine in the evening, and using soft music to unwind helped me reclaim this vital space.

4. Rebuild Social Connection:

While meaningful relationships take time, I’ve started reaching out more to friends I feel safe with. Even small, heartfelt conversations help replenish my emotional reserves.

Lessons Learned

The accumulative effect of stress is like tension pulling a thread tighter and tighter until it snaps. I felt like my body was shrinking into an atom from all the pressure. Now, I’m learning to loosen that thread — not all at once, but bit by bit.

What surprised me most is how much my environment impacts my well-being. Even small changes, like rearranging a space to feel more comfortable or taking time to connect with people, can make a big difference.

Friendly Advice

If you’re feeling stretched too thin, here’s what I want to tell you: it’s okay to pause. To stop the relentless forward momentum and take care of the “container” that carries you.

• Listen to your body: It whispers long before it screams.

• Don’t wait for perfect conditions: Start small, wherever you are.

• Seek connection: Even a brief, meaningful conversation can fill you up in ways you didn’t expect.

Balance isn’t about being flawless  —  it’s about recognizing when you’re off-kilter and taking steps to realign.

How do you balance the demands of life and the needs of your body?