Finding Balance

Being healthy is so much more than the number on the scale, or how many push ups you can do. Diet and physical activity are important- but so is your career, finances, relationships, social life, education, and home environment to name a few.  We all need to work on creating balance and joy in our lives.  We tend to get jealous (or at least I do) when we see someone leaving the gym with a great body and healthy protein shake in hand, but they could go home to an empty house or abusive relationship.  Or we see our neighbor with a great paying job and new car, but they have no time to see their kids grow up or have a date with their husband.  Health to me is creating balance in all areas of our lives.  This is much harder than it sounds, but with practice it is possible.  For me having a new baby at home,  I am only able to go to the gym early in the morning before my husband goes to work.  I eat pretty healthy and have great friends and a loving family. I attend a great church each Sunday and practice yoga as often as I can.  Career has always been where I felt the least confidence in.  I graduated with a degree in Biotechnology in 2006, and since have worked in hospitality, fitness, and teaching.  I have never had a real career though, and at times feel envious of "successful" independent women I meet.  A big paycheck with their name on it, benefits, vacation pay, 401K- things I have never experienced. But I have traveled the world,  lived in San Francisco and Hawaii, went back to school for holistic health, and got to enjoy the slow life for a while. Now that I have my sweet baby girl- I am officially a stay at home mama and proud of my new title. This is the title I have always wanted.  Here are some simple steps to balance out your hectic life!

Nutrition/ Physical activity

* Try to eat a well balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds

* Work out at least 30 minutes a day alternating cardio, weight training, and yoga

* Cook at home as often as possible instead of eating out

* Drink lots of water

Career/ Finances/ Education

* Never stop learning

* Since you spend more hours at work than home, try to find something you love to do

* Invite a coworker to go for a walk during lunch break

* Put away a percentage of your money for vacation, date night, something fun      

Relationships/Social Life

* Say I love you to those closest to you daily

* Give your significant other a back rub 

* Make time for friends 

* Call a friend who lives away instead of texting 

* Plan to do something physical with friend instead of getting a drink or food

If you can successfully change one bad habit, you're likely to change another