In this fast paced world in which we live, it is so easy to get caught up in all there is to do! But finding balance is something you should strive for! It will help you live a more happy, fulfilled life! Turn off the devices, get connected, and take care of yourself.
Life is all about finding balance – have that delicious chocolate cupcake as an afternoon snack, but for dinner, make room for some greens. Go to happy hour with your friends on Friday after work, then Saturday get up for that yoga class you’ve wanted to go to all week. Work hard on the portfolio for work, and then go home and cook a nice dinner with your family. Spend a nice afternoon chatting and catching up with old friends, and also make time for some self-reflection and ‘you time.’
Often we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be and do ‘perfectly,’ but the truth is no one is perfect. Imperfections make us. They mold us into the one of a kind, wonderful beings we are. Creating balance is an action; it takes committing ourselves to carve out precious time to relax, meditate, gab with friends, or hit the trails. There are a few significant parts of our lives that stand out most when finding balance…
Finding Balance in Life
FRIENDS
Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, socialization is an essential part of life. Connection is a basic human need. If you isolate yourself too much, you can grow lonely. On the flip side, if others continuously surround you, it can be easy to get burnt out and lose a sense of self. It is ideal to find a balance between these two extremes.
Try to set aside time to go to that concert, meet your closest family friends at the lake, or have a bbq down the street with your neighbors. Friendships are a vital and enhancing part of life. Friends help us deal with stress, improve self-confidence and self-worth, they help us cope with lives issues, and not to mention they are great company! So make sure to get your fix of that basic human need. Create those connections and cherish them because you never know when you may need to say ‘I get by with a little help from my friends’;-)
HEALTH
One of the most critical parts of balance in your life is making and keeping health as a priority. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, self-care, and meditation, these are all areas of health that affect our mental and physical well-being. Most people have heard of the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ and it is true! Eating a balanced diet is a significant factor in maintaining physical and mental strength as well as stability. Not to say you can’t have a glass of wine or a greasy slice of pepperoni pizza every now and again! But it does mean making healthy nutritional choices an everyday priority and routine.
Exercise comes hand in hand with nutrition. Making time in your day to exercise- even if it is just taking your dog for a light jog around the block – getting your heart rate up and your body moving is not only helpful to your physical well-being, but it also does a great deal for your mental health. As much as it is important to exercise, it is just as important to take time to rest – this is where the balance comes into play. After a long day at work, and say a 45 minute trip to the gym, it is time to rest your body, quiet your mind, take that soothing bubble bath, listen to your favorite song, read your favorite book and relax!
Another great way to keep your body and mind healthy is to ask for outside assistance. Get a massage! Make sure to set aside time in your busy schedule to create balance in your life and let one of our massage therapists at Kneading Hands help you feel more relaxed, and soothe your tired muscles to get you feeling rejuvenated.
WORK
We all have to pay the bills, whether it is your mortgage, your car insurance, your cell phone bill, or a trip to the grocery store; it is part of life. To do the things we love in life, we almost always need to work. Whether it’s having a passionate career or a day to day job, it is a necessary responsibility.
With that being said, try not to let yourself be completely consumed by work. Yes… having a job and working is a necessity when you are trying to thrive and provide for yourself and others. But there is a difference between working to live and living to work. Get that big work goal accomplished and then celebrate! Having that work-life balance will help you -for one, stay sane and two, keep you feeling accomplished in all areas of life. Too much of anything is not ideal. Try for everything in moderation! Work hard, play hard 🙂
FAMILY
Family usually makes up a big part of our life, which is why it is essential to make time for them! There are so many different definitions of ‘family.’ It can mean you, your husband or wife, children. Maybe it is you and your newborn puppy. Or it can mean you and your best friend. Whoever you choose to be your family, make sure you are cherishing those moments with them. Have the balance needed to enjoy their presence.
As mentioned before, nobody is perfect… no family is perfect. There are always struggles but with struggle comes protection, loyalty, and most of all, love. At the end of the day – your family will not remember the fancy gift you bought for them, but they will remember the time you spent with them. Your loved ones are there for emotional support, unconditional love, and guidance. Make them a priority and keep that side of your life balance strong!
Balance is the key to everything. What we do, eat, think, say, feel. They all require awareness, and through this awareness, we can grow.
Make sure to thank yourself for who you are, where you came from, and where you are going!
Keep an open mind and an open heart and keep being you! Give yourself the love and attention you deserve while also spreading that positive energy to the world around you, and you will continue to thrive! Keep Balanced!
Finding balance can be tricky in this fast paced world in which we live! Kneading Hands would love to help you find some of that balance through massage!