Lifestyle Balance Wheel

The process of change is not only about stopping addictive behavior. It involves regaining your health, creating a lifestyle that is satisfying, and achieving balance. The Lifestyle Balance Wheel tool can help you understand and respect each area of your life and help change your perspective in the areas where you feel stuck. 

It’s hard to stay on track in recovery if your life feels unbalanced. The Lifestyle Balance Wheel helps you step back and see how satisfied you feel in different areas of your life right now.

Each area, like health, friendships, career, or fun, can influence your motivation, mood, and stress levels. When one part is neglected, it can throw off the rest. This tool gives you a chance to reflect, reset, and create a plan for better balance.

The wheel has several “spokes,” each representing an important area of your life. Some common ones include:

• Family
• Friends
• Spirituality
• Romance
• Health
• Career
• Finances
• Fun or leisure

You can customize your categories based on what matters to you. Some people also include areas like creativity, learning, or community service.

Step 1: Rate Your Satisfaction

• For each area, draw a dot along the spoke.
  The center means totally unsatisfied, and the outer edge means completely satisfied.
• This isn’t about how much time or energy you’re spending—it’s about how satisfied you feel.

Step 2: Connect the Dots

• Once you’ve rated each area, connect the dots to form a shape.
• Is it round and balanced? Or does it look bumpy and uneven?

Ask yourself:

• Would this wheel roll?
• Are there areas that feel neglected or overfocused?
• Are the highest-scoring areas aligned with your values, or just where you spend most of your time?

Once you’ve created your wheel, reflect on what it’s showing you. Try not to judge it, just notice.

Questions to Consider:

• What stands out the most?
• Which area is calling for more attention?
• Which areas are strong and could help support others?
• What would a more balanced life look like for you?

Are you spending your energy in a way that reflects what matters most? 

Balance doesn’t mean perfection. It means having a life that works for you—and making room for growth.

• Follow your gut. If one area is clearly shouting for attention, start there.
• Make small adjustments. You don’t have to change everything. One shift in one area can make a big difference.
• Ask for help. Professionals, peers, or loved ones can support changes in areas like finances, relationships, or health.
• Check in regularly. Balance changes over time—what feels right today might be different next month.

• How do you feel about the shape of your wheel?
• Which area would you most like to improve?
• What’s one small action you could take this week to feel more balanced?
• Are your values reflected in how you spend your time?

Use the Lifestyle Balance Wheel worksheet to map out your life visually. Fill it out once or revisit it each month—it’s a helpful snapshot of where you are and where you might want to grow.