6 ways to balance your life

Balance. It’s a beautiful thing. No matter what age you are, or the quality traits that make you YOU, every one of us share one thing in common: we all seek balance.

There is arguably nothing more stressful to a human being than feeling out of balance. Whether it’s a dietary, hormone or other imbalance, the mind and body will fight against it with stress, which often leads to disease, injury or mental breakdown.  

So, if we constantly seek balance, then why aren’t more of us living a perfectly balanced life? Having self-awareness of your imbalance is key. But in this modern age, it’s easy to become disconnected to your self-awareness. Information overload, devices that distract us persistently and an overall sense of busyness all lead to a general lack of self-awareness.

Even when we start to pick up on the imbalance, we try to solve it with quick fixes that will work temporarily. And the imbalance persists, continuing to cause stress without us fully recognising it.

Here are 6 holistic ways you can become more mindful of your imbalances and therefore, discover the balanced life you seek.

1. Take time for yourself everyday

There are so many distractions and excuses to stay busy. Believe me, we get how busy you are because we are, too! But that means you simply have to make time each day. Put it in your calendar, set a reminder, and prioritise YOU.

Put your mobile phone in the other room, ask your partner or a supportive friend to watch the kids for 15 minutes and find a quiet place. Make sure your favourite devices are nowhere near you. Close your eyes and relax your body. Breathe deeply. 

2. Get a bit more active everyday

The desk or couch calls your name; it calls us, too! We promise you, once you add a bit more movement into your routine, you’ll notice a subtle (or obvious!) change in your mood. Start walking on your breaks, add 2 weekly exercise classes to your routine, and take the stairs instead of the lift. These small changes can add up to big results.  

The shift here is not only physical, but mental. When you do sit at your desk or the couch after you’ve added these small changes to your routine, you’ll notice you don’t feel as bad for doing so. You won’t guilt trip yourself when you lounge on your couch after a long day because well, you actually do deserve it.  

3. Have your cake and eat it too

Yum cake! Stop counting every calorie or feeling down because you’re comparing yourself to a different version of you. Every person you see is fighting their own battle you can’t see. And just like a tub of ice cream won’t make you gain weight, one pack of carrots won’t give you 6-pack abs. It’s about eating with a holistic approach. So, write down your favourite foods and drinks. Whether it’s ice cream, champagne, berries, burgers, milkshakes, fries, vegetables (OK, weird but potentially true) write it all down.  

Enjoy champagne? Share a bottle with your best mates on Fridays and, don’t forget about that Reformer Pilates class you love to take on Saturday’s.  

Test it out, feel how your mind and body feel. Do you feel content after a week? Then you’re on the right track.

4. Sleep like there's no tomorrow

Sleep plays an incredibly vital part to a balanced life. With our distractible devices and overabundance of entertainment options, sleep can sometimes feel like the last thing we want to do. But it’s also important. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults ranging from 18 to 65+ should get at least 7 hours and even suggest up to 9 hours through to 64 years of age.  

Try turning off devices an hour before sleep. Play calming music and turn the lights down (which helps your brain release melatonin). Do some gentle stretches or read a book.  

Most importantly, be proud of yourself when you do get the right amount of hours of sleep! When you wake up in the morning and you’ve had a restful sleep, you’ll feel better for having gone to bed earlier. You’ve made the effort to be more balanced, and that’s what counts.

5. Smile more

Yes, really. Studies show that your facial expressions can affect your mood. Smiling tends to make you feel happier, while frowning tends to make you feel sadder.  

Nervous you’ll look like a grinning fool? Us, too! Try it at home by yourself, perhaps while you’re showering. Or even better, surround yourself with people who make you smile! Find a friend who is funny, go to comedy shows, or try out a new group exercise class that makes you feel like a beginner and completely silly. You’ll be smiling (more often) in no time! 

6. Cultivate loving relationships

In the modern day, it’s become easier to develop relationships via your mobile device than in person. Find ways to cultivate meaningful relationships in person.  

Turn off your phones when you’re out to dinner with friends. OK, not really! But put your phone away and turn off sound and vibration notifications, so you can focus on the conversations happening in front of you.

Book in classes and trainings that excite you. Join the gym and book in your first group Cycle class, where we encourage a soulful and sweaty experience amongst likeminded individuals. Book a wine-painting night, or a cooking class to learn how to make your favourite pasta. You’ll meet the right people and discover your passions to create more fulfilling relationships, leading to a more balanced life.   

All in all?

When you start to use these 6 ways to become more self-aware, you’ll start to notice a shift in the right direction. It's all about balancing your exercise routine with a balance in your lifestyle. Learn about our group classes or book a tour so we can help design a program that fulfils your fitness and life goals.