Take time to do what makes your soul happy.
Finding Balance
10 Easy Ideas To Bring Balance Into Life
Hola Wanderers. I am sure most of you will be able to relate to the following. Last week I woke up with terrible lower back pain. I could barely move. Taking a moment to check in with my body, I asked where this discomfort was coming from? After a few moments in silence, the answer came – I was out of balance.
Balance isn’t idle and won’t just happen for us; we need to be intentional about it. In retrospect, my body had been giving me small signs it wasn’t happy in the form of headaches and sore shoulders. I was sitting too long, working too much and not getting enough outside time or moving my body enough. After identifying the culprit, I knew I would need to take action.
For me, designing a balanced life involves making time for everything we have to do with the activities we want to do. The power to change comes from within. It’s up to us to create an evenness, connecting our obligations and discovering time every day to do things that bring us enjoyment, personal satisfaction, and renewal.
YES! We can do this!
Balance is a popular topic these days, and I believe that maintaining balance is essential for happiness and well-being and helps move us forward in a meaningful way. For me, the pain that morning was a reminder to do better.
Creating Balance Takes Action
The good news is that we can transform what isn’t working once we recognize we are out of balance.
Here are ten action-based ideas to help us create change.
Turn It Off, Turn It Down
Put away your computer and silence the phone. Give your work brain a rest by disconnecting on your time off. It might seem impossible in the beginning, but that’s just our fear of change. Sometimes our habits are deep neuronal grooves, and we don’t even pay attention anymore to the time we spend on what we think is vital.
Really look at how things have changed over time. Has work turned into something we see as an ultimatum? Is our brain saying, “I have to work extra hours to be more successful so I can get more things to live a better life? But, when is enough?
Don’t worry, this is something you can work on, but I promise, turning off for a couple of hours every day and longer on weekends will make you appreciate the time away.
Purge
Say no to things that are either nonessential or that won’t add something important to life. Clean up the clutter. Downsize. Forgive. Make a deal with yourself only to buy something new if you can throw or give something away first. Release anything that isn’t serving our higher purpose to become balanced.
Over the past six years, I have downsized and purged adequately enough to live in my current lifestyle, comfortably living in about 100 square feet of space.
Be Healthier
We know what needs to be done but sometimes won’t consider our health a priority until we have a crisis. Small action steps started today will build over time, creating an enormous difference.
The key is to begin.
- Get at least seven hours of quality sleep each day
- Eat more whole foods and less processed ones
- Drink water
- Add exercise into each day
- Get out into nature
- Be with family and friends
- Refer back to idea number one (Turn it off, turn it down)
Reduce Toxins
Minimize those negative influencers; you know the ones – the complainers, whiners and those with overall poor attitudes. If you can’t altogether dodge them, then minimize your contact with them as much as possible. Instead, surround yourself with authentic, supportive people who uplift instead of bringing you down.
Oh yes, the news can be toxic too. Refer to action step number one and TURN IT OFF! (if your palms just got sweaty, you may be addicted)
Spend Time In The Chill Zone
Want to lower stress and increase happiness while encouraging creativity? Meditate, write, doodle, practice yoga, sit quietly for a few minutes each day and do absolutely nothing. Ahhhhh…..
Connections
Connect with family and friends and really get to know them. Go to dinner with your significant other, and have a real conversation about each other’s life goals, have a cup of coffee or a margarita with a friend. If you have kiddos, make a list of items to look for and take them out on a scavenger hike.
Be Good To Yourself
Schedule a massage, get a pedicure or a facial. It doesn’t need to be expensive; maybe a glass of wine, a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, a small scented candle or, heck, a beautiful bouquet will make a significant impact on how you are feeling.
Explore the World Around You
My favorite! Take a walk and look up, look down and look all around! Notice what’s going on around you. Try a new direction on your way to explore a new town or be a tourist in your town. Walk along the beach and see how many crabs you spot. Walk on a path through the woods and notice the different species of trees. The important thing is to be curious about what you are experiencing.
Develop Your Knowledge
Take a winemaking class, discover watercolor painting or other things you’ve wanted to learn. Read a book that sparks your interest or join a book club. Visit someone older than you and ask questions about their life – you won’t just be helping yourself on this one.
Have More Fun
Another one of my favorites. Laugh, joke, play, practice laugher yoga, discover your spirit of playfulness. Subscribe to a daily joke or get a tear-off calendar. Laughter is the best medicine!
Creating balance takes action.
We first need to believe that we deserve balance and then set an intentional course to get us there. It’s not about perfection but more about building everyday habits that physically and mentally honor our bodies.
BREATHE. LISTEN. ACT.
Our Power To Change Comes From Within
Try This: Ask yourself this question, “How is my life out of balance?” Take a few deeps breaths and then sit quietly for five minutes or so checking in for the answer. Now, write everything you heard yourself answer down on some paper.
There are no judgments here. Permit yourself to observe what you learned, take a few deep breaths and do that exercise again to clarify what areas need action first.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. My mantra, “Be where my feet are,” nothing more, nothing less. To me, it means living in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. You’ll find resources and stories primarily about subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on these pages. By acting on my dreams and sharing my experiences, I hope you’ll be inspired to say YES, and live your happiest, best life. |
Follow along! Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
She offers weekly inspiration and a monthly roundup filled with stories and tips on travel, exploring, van living, self-care, photography and being human.