Creating Balance is Key to Living Wholeheartedly
A balanced life doesn't have to be something that we wish we could have or something that always seems out of reach. When we are stressed out and running at what feels like super speed throughout the day we tend to forget our own needs. Autopilot is engaged and before we know it it's the end of the day, we are completely drained and all we want to do is numb out watching Netflix. Sound familiar?
Balance comes naturally when you honor yourself and create space for self care. Making time for yourself creates space in all areas of your life as you will have more energy throughout your day.
Below are some areas to focus on that I believe are keys to living wholeheartedly:
Diet - When most of us think of the word Diet we think of restriction, hunger, frustration and more. This is something that can't be maintained, it's also unhealthy and not enjoyable. The best "Diet" is a healthy lifestyle, one that is balanced with whole natural delicious food and plenty of water. Timing is also important, discovering the best time to eat certain food and when to stop eating during the day is a crucial part of the balance. The latest research indicates that weight loss and weight gain for that matter is about 80% Diet and only 20% Exercise.
Movement - Although exercise contributes to just 20% of weight loss it has many benefits. Regular exercise; improves your mood and energy levels, has a positive impact on brain health and memory, increases bone density and muscle mass, reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, helps you sleep better and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Did you know that the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology as well as the American College of Sports Medicine recommend 150 min. (JUST two and a half hours!) of exercise per week? That includes anything from brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and more. Ideally something you really enjoy. Making movement fun goes a long way. It increases your motivation to follow through. Ask yourself: "what did I love to do when I was a kid?" Maybe jump rope, jumping on a trampoline, rollerblading or hula hooping? How about a Zumba or Pole Dancing Class with a friend? Weight lifting and resistance training are great coupled with flexibility training. Yoga and Tai Chi are highly beneficial, they help to bring you into the moment, allowing your breath to flow with each pose and focus on your whole body.
Rest - Sleep and relaxation. It is scientifically impossible for the body to heal or release weight when it is under a constant stress response. Sleep is extremely important for your mental and physical health and so is down time. Allowing your body to rejuvenate and regenerate not only helps you loose weight it also helps with physical aging, hence the saying "beauty sleep"!
Creativity is Important
Being creative and having fun is important. It enables you to be present and let go of stress. Make time to be creative with hobbies that spark joy. Pottery, painting, poetry or song writing, playing an instrument, volunteering, gardening, photography, scrapbooking, sewing and more....allow you to be happy in the now.
Everyone's life (and body) is different. There is no "one diet fits all" or "one exercise that fits all". You may require seven hours of sleep whereas I require eight. My desire is to help people live a life they love by coaching health and wellness and my sisters it to create beautiful jewelry and natural products for people to use and enjoy. You are unique. Finding the right balance for you may take time, however I assure you it is worth it!
To your health!
Terra