Here are the signs to look for, and how to fix them so you can step into alignment, find work-life balance, and start creating a life you love.
Do your days feel like a rinse-and-repeat cycle of busyness, yet somehow, you still feel... bored? You’re moving through life, checking boxes, meeting deadlines, and keeping everyone else happy—but it all feels so gray. There’s no spark, no excitement, and definitely no alignment with the life you imagined for yourself.
If that sounds familiar, you might be living in a state I have termed as being “blah'd.”
"Blah'd” isn’t burned out—not yet, anyway. It’s that in-between place where you’re busy but unfulfilled. You feel stuck in a routine that isn’t working, like you’re spinning your wheels but going nowhere. Life feels muted, like you’re living in black and white instead of full color.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Living in the “blah” can creep up on you gradually. You might not even notice it at first. But over time, it chips away at your joy, your energy, and your sense of purpose. The good news? Recognizing the signs is the first step toward reclaiming your work-life balance and stepping into a life that feels intentional, fulfilling, and fully alive.
Signs You’re “Blah'd”: Busy and Bored
Here are some signs that you are “blah'd” and that busyness and boredom might have taken up residence in your life:
1. People comment that you seem distracted or “not yourself.”
Someone might say, “Are you okay? You seem a little off lately.” You brush it off, saying, “I’m fine, just tired.” But deep down, you know there’s more to it. You’re not sure how to explain it—or if you even want to try.
2. You’re always busy, but somehow you feel stuck.
Your calendar is packed, your inbox is overflowing, and your mind is racing. Yet, despite all the activity, you feel like you’re running in place. There’s no momentum, no progress—just more of the same.
3. You crave quiet, but when you get it, you feel restless.
You fantasize about an empty calendar or a day all to yourself. But when that moment comes, you don’t feel rested—you feel unsettled. The silence is uncomfortable, and you quickly fill it with scrolling, binge-watching, or aimless tasks.
4. You feel like you’re losing touch with your curiosity or sense of wonder.
Once, you loved learning new things, trying new hobbies, or exploring new places. But now, those things feel like too much effort. Someone might ask, “What have you been into lately?” and you don’t have an answer.
5. You feel emotionally numb, even when good things happen.
The excitement you used to feel for small joys—a sunny day, your favorite song on the radio, or even a kind word from a loved one—just isn’t there anymore. It’s not sadness exactly, but more like a lack of feeling altogether.
What Causes the “Blah”?
The “blah” doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not because you’re failing or doing something wrong. It’s the result of living out of alignment with what truly matters to you. Maybe you’ve taken on too much, lost sight of your priorities, or fallen into routines that don’t serve you anymore. Simply put, your work-life balance is no longer working.
The good news? Being “blah'd” isn’t permanent.
Once you recognize the signs, you can take steps to shift out of it and back into a life that feels balanced, energized, and meaningful.
How Do You Shift Out of the “Blah”?
Now that you’ve identified some of the signs of living in the “blah,” let’s explore how you can take back control. These four routines—what I call the Balancing Acts—are simple, powerful ways to move out of the gray and start living in full color.
Here’s the truth: pulling yourself out of the “blah” isn’t about overhauling your entire life overnight. (Wouldn’t that be nice?) It’s about making small, intentional shifts that create space for alignment, ease, and joy.
Act 1: Morning Ritual—Start Your Day with Intention
Your mornings set the tone for your entire day, so let’s make them count. Instead of rushing into chaos, carve out 15–20 minutes to nurture your mind, body, and soul.
Why It Works: This intentional start grounds you and creates clarity, reminding you that you control your day—not the other way around.
What I Do: I sip my coffee mindfully while jotting down a simple intention for the day. It’s a small ritual that keeps me focused and centered, no matter what comes my way.
Act 2: Focused-48—Find Your Flow
When distractions take over, Focused-48 helps you reclaim your time and tackle meaningful work.
Why It Works: This structure respects your brain’s natural rhythm, easing you into focus and creating space for deep, productive work.
What I Do: I follow the 5-13-30 method: 5 minutes to prepare my workspace, 13 minutes to ease into focus, and 30 minutes of uninterrupted work. It’s my go-to for tackling important projects without feeling overwhelmed.
Act 3: Shutdown Routine—End Your Day with Clarity
After a busy day, a Shutdown Routine helps you transition from work to rest with intention and ease.
Why It Works: Closing your day with a simple routine creates mental and emotional closure, so you can fully relax and recharge.
What I Do: I spend 10 minutes tidying my desk and noting one “win” from the day. It clears my mind, so I can enjoy my evenings without lingering to-dos weighing me down.
Act 4: Boss-Up Routine—Align Your Daily Actions with Your Vision
When life feels scattered, the Boss-Up Routine helps you plan, prioritize, and take control of your time.
Why It Works: This routine ties your daily tasks to your larger goals, turning chaos into purposeful progress.
What I Do: I spend 15 minutes reviewing my goals, updating my planner, and identifying tasks to delegate or simplify. It’s a simple way to ensure my actions align with what truly matters.
Ready to Reclaim Your Balance?
The routines I’ve shared here are just the beginning. In Balancing Acts, I dive deeper into how these routines transformed my life—and how they can do the same for you. With 24 lessons, reflection questions, and action steps, you’ll have all the tools you need to create a life you love.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in the “blah” and ready to step into a life that feels intentional and aligned, the Balancing Acts framework is here for you.
Grab your copy of Balancing Acts today and take the first step toward creating work-life balance without burnout.
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