FITNESS
W L FITNESS
FINDING YOUR BALANCE
By Charlotte Forde
After a testing time over the past few months it may feel challenging when trying to adapt to our “ new normal ” but one thing should stay constant and that is your balance . You may not realise but we use ‘ balance ’ every day ; work-life balance , balanced diet , bank balance , your balance system - helping you stand walk , run and move . It is imperative that we have balance in order to lead and maintain a healthy lifestyle .
Arguably one of our most important physical functions in the body is our vestibular system , this is a sensory system that sends signals from your eyes , inner ears , muscles and joints to your brain with information that will help keep our balance , stabilize our head and body during movement , and maintain posture . But at a time when our well-being is paramount it is important to identify what it is that you do to achieve balance in your life . This could be spending time with family or friends , going to an exercise class or even having a massage ; anything that encourages you to take time out of your regular routine or working day .
Despite me having a busy schedule in my day-to-day life , running a small business and managing a family , I always try to incorporate balance . It is normally difficult when trying to plan and especially prioritise time but there are many ways to introduce balance . When time is a barrier , you can easily achieve stability by doing something as simple as focusing on your breathing , placing your hand over your belly button , deeply inhaling and slowly exhaling through the nose and feeling the rise and the fall of the stomach . Another way to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally steady state with limited time is through meditation , using a technique such as mindfulness . Mindfulness is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts , let go of negativity and calm both your body and mind . Techniques can vary but generally mindfulness can be accomplished within 10 minutes and it involves breathing practice and awareness of the body and mind - there are plenty of free apps that you can download to practise this too .
If time isn ’ t a problem , by taking up a new hobby not only will you acquire a new skill , but also meet new people and achieve balance . This is a perfect opportunity to spend time doing something that you enjoy and by taking time out of a busy schedule can also help you regain focus , be more alert and increase your attention
levels . Similarly , by taking up an exercise class there are plenty of additional benefits like getting fitter / stronger , gaining confidence , increasing sleep quality , reducing stress and boosting your energy to name but a few .
We can often focus more about the mind than the body when thinking about being balanced , yet it is equally as important to maintain balance physically as well as mentally . You can partake in physical activity as mentioned above through hobbies , practising yoga or going to the gym but it is also significant to sustain a balanced diet . We consider a healthy , realistic and nutritional plan to be the best option . This does not mean cutting out fat or carbohydrates like many fad diets may suggest , it means seeking advice on what your ideal daily calorific value is and what types of food you will require to meet your goal . I personally recommend using an app like ‘ MyFitnessPal ’ where you can input the food that you consume throughout each day and monitor the nutritional value . The app helps you identify an achievable target and calculates your BMR ( Basal Metabolic Rate ) to ensure that you stay on track when counting your calories . A well-balanced diet can provide you with energy throughout the day , assist in growth and repair and also help you build immunity from certain diet-related illnesses . A balanced diet will generally make you feel better from the inside out .
Another important factor to consider is guilt . You should never apologize or feel guilty about taking a couple of hours a week to enjoy time for self-care , especially as a parent . It not only models healthy behaviour but it also gives your brain a chance to reboot , improves concentration and productivity , helps you problem solve more effectively and provides you with a better sense of selfawareness which will give you the opportunity to evaluate what drives you , what inspires you , what excites you and what fulfills you . In turn , this can have a positive effect on not only yourself but others around you and the relationships that you have with them .
Prioritise your time and delegate if you need to , as finding your balance is the key to a happy life .
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