Finding Balance

Balance is something that's always spoken about these days but i feel as though it is more spoken about rather than put into action. Now i may be guilty of this at times, but i am trying my best to find balance in all aspects of my life. This includes diet, exercise, self-care, friends, family and study!

It is important to find balance with all of these as you don't want to put all of your energy into only one thing, leaving other areas to suffer. This is also something i have been guilty of as for the past few years i have put all my time and energy into diet and exercise, letting it overrule my life and certain plans. I haven't done certain things or gone to certain events as it didn't 'fit in' with my exercise routine, which now thinking back on it is ridiculous. It is so much more important to make time for all aspects in life and give an equal amount of time and energy into these. In saying that, it may be hard to do so and there may be times where you need to give one area a bit more time than another. But that should not be detrimental or long-term.

I am no expert and am still learning but was wanting to share a few of my tips, methods and mind-shifts that i have incorporated in my life that are helping me balance things more easily!

1. Don't be too hard on yourself. You won't be able to always have a perfect balanced life where everything goes to plan. And sometimes certain things require more time than others but that won't last forever! Just do the best you can, eat well, exercise whenever you can/want and allow enough time to have to yourself and to spend with others. If you're happy and doing the best you can, then that's really all that matters.

2. Write out a days plan/to-do list and use a calendar. This can be done either in the morning or night, but it is a good way to make sure you know what needs to be done within the day. It also means that you are less likely to forget to do something. By doing this, it is easy to fit certain things in and allow yourself time for certain hobbies or time with friends.

3. Have a good morning and night routine. By having a good morning and night routine, it is allowing for you to spend some time on yourself. It is also setting you up for the day and on the flip side, winding you down. I also find that i get a better sleep by doing this and we all know how important sleep is!!!

4. Figure out what your balance is. Everyone has a different definition of balance and yours may be completely different to mine. Make sure your know your priorities and just do what makes you happy. Don't compare yourself to others and what they are doing because what works for them may not work for you.

5. Treat yourself. This can be to anything that makes you happy such as food or clothes. It is important that you don't deprive yourself of anything and allow yourself different treats!

6. Don't be afraid to put yourself first. Sometimes it is necessary to put yourself first even if it isn't what you are wanting to do or the easy option. It can be so easy to get caught up in everything going on around you, but is is so so important to make sure you are taking good care of yourself and allowing time to rest, relax and recover!

7. Practise gratitude. By doing this you are reinforcing what is important to you and you will know what you need to prioritise.

I hope some of these tips help you as well as motivate you! Let me know if you use any of these or have any other things you do to help balance everything out, i would love to know!

Shannon :))