Tips on How to Maintain BALANCE...
Tips on How to Maintain Balance
BALANCE
How can something that seems so simple be so difficult to maintain in life?
Having a good balance in your life is key to your mental, physical, and spiritual happiness.
Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy balance in your life and I will share how I implement these things in my life. Life isn't perfect, and I have not mastered this by any means, but I am able to somehow juggle many different balls at the same time without dropping them (most of the time).
Tips on how to maintain a healthy balance in life...
You must make yourself a priority.
If you do not, you will lose control and balance in your life. If you take care of your physical and mental well-being, you will be able to take care of everyone and everything else in your life. Your health should be at the top of the list. This pertains to your mental health and physical health, they go hand in hand. If you take care of your physical health this can have a positive impact on your mental health and vice versa. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, and maintaining a healthy body composition is important to your overall health. The excuse that I hear most is "I am too busy" to exercise and/or cook. No one is too busy, it is just a matter of priorities. Everyone is busy. If you take 2 people who have the exact same schedules and responsibilities in life and one person makes it a priority, it will happen.
Take some time every day to turn everything off and focus on you.
This can be your workout time, taking a bath, reading a book, or writing in a journal..
Learn how to say "no."
This is a hard one for me. You can't do it all, all the time. Ask yourself... Is this essential? Will this add value to your life? Are you saying yes just because you have a fear of missing out?
Maintain healthy relationships.
Focus on relationships that fill you instead of those that deplete you. You know, those people who are always negative, complain, and make you feel exhausted. Cut out the toxic people in your life, if you can. Schedule time with those who fill you with positive energy, those who support you, and those you enjoy spending time with.
Have fun once in awhile.
A good belly laugh is the best medicine. Have a night out with friends, have a dance party with your kids, or play a silly game.
Here's a bit about me and how I implement these strategies in my life...
I have been married for 15 years to my college sweetheart (who travels for work) and we are raising 2 busy kiddos ages 7 and 9. I am also at the point in life where taking care of my parents is coming into play.
I am a full time practicing physician assistant. I currently work in orthopedic surgery and I am a clinical preceptor for the Butler University PA Program. I have always been very passionate about health and fitness.I am also a certified nutritionist and created a company a few years ago called Refine YOU to help people reach their health and fitness goals. I run The Refine YOU Program about every 8 weeks. I personally customize each person's nutrition and fitness program and provide daily accountability and support to my clients. I can have up to 100 clients each program. In addition to the program, I maintain my own website and blog.
Now you may be asking, "how do you do all of this and maintain balance in your life?" It changes minute by minute and it isn't always easy, but here is how I personally implement these strategies in my life...
I prioritize.
When there is a lot to do, I have to remind myself what is on the top of the priority list. This helps me when I am feeling like it ALL has to be done right now. If it is due that day or the next day, that gets put before things that are not due for a week.
I make my health a priority. I practice what I preach. I live The Refine YOU Program as a lifestyle. My workouts and the foods that I eat are important to me for my mental, spiritual, and physical health. I get rejuvenated after a good sweat sesh! At the beginning of each week I decide which 5 days I will exercise and when. I used to go to classes ALL the time and work my entire day around that. This wasn't healthy for me or the best use of my time. I had to let go of that. I workout when it works for me, not depending on a class schedule. I now go to classes only when it works for me in my schedule which is only 1-2 classes per week now. The other days, I exercise at home using the workouts that I provide my clients in The Refine YOU Program. I also spend about an hour on the weekends to meal prep. This sounds daunting to most people, but it actually saves time in the long run. Cooking once, in bulk for the week actually saves time when you take into account prep and clean up. This ensures that I have healthy foods for me to eat during the week for lunches and dinners. This is key to eating healthy when you are busy.
I make lists.
I make lists all day every day. This is how I stay on track. I have a master list of EVERYTHING that needs to be done at the front of my notebook. Every day I create a new page with that date and a list of things to do in priority. Of course, things pop up and things need to be shifted, but this keeps me on track.
I multi-task.
This is how I get it done! I figure out what few things I can do at the same time. I know that if I need to do laundry, prep some food, and spend time with the kids, I plan to multi task these items. I will start a load of laundry, prep a dish and put it in the oven. While the laundry is going and the food is cooking, I get a board game out and play with the kids (3 things going at the same time).
I maintain relationships.
I make it a goal to turn it off once I pick up my kids. I only get a limited amount of time with them each day so I cherish the time with them in the evenings. Once I put them to bed, my work begins again. I also enjoy quiet time with my husband at the end of the day recapping the day's activities and what is on tap for the following day.
I have alone time.
I cherish my alone time when I am doing my workouts. In the evening I like to take a long hot shower and listen to an audio book. Before bed I write in my gratitude journal and reflect on what I am grateful for each day.
While it is not always perfect, I try to maintain the appropriate balance with my health, family, and work.
Never be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
I created Refine YOU and The Refine YOU Program to help you find the right balance... Mind, Body, and Spirit.
I feel a customized approach is important. The Refine YOU Program will help you maintain a healthy, positive mindset in your health journey instead of "dieting." The program will provide you with a nutrition and workout plan that fits your goals and lifestyle. It provides a flexible fitness and nutrition plan that focuses on exercise and teaching you how to choose right foods that you enjoy eating. It is a jump start to a lifestyle change. If you are having a hard time making your health a priority, Refine YOU would love to help you be the healthiest YOU possible. Mind, Body, and Spirit.
