Five Steps to Creating a Balanced Life

One of the many benefits, I have gained, from my Yoga practice, is a sense of harmony and balance within.  When I have a bad day, I know, I can roll out my mat, breathe, and unwind any mental or physical knots I have may have acquired from a long day.  Every time I am in savasana, my mind, body, and spirit feel nurtured and nourished. Restored. 

I believe having this sense of wholeness and equanimity, that Yoga offers, is essential to our wellbeing, and quality of life.  But what happens when we are off the mat?

Many of us, get right back into fight or flight mode, thinking of our to-do lists, and what task we have yet to complete.  We rush, hurry, and worry ourselves through the days, weeks, months, and years!

Another key element, Yoga brings to our lives is awareness.  Once we are aware of anything, we can change it.  We have the power to create positive shifts in every area of our lives.

I have found, when I devote equal time and energy, towards five key areas in my life, I feel the most balanced.  I check in with myself each week.  By doing this, I am aware of which areas I have been avoiding, and which ones I feel overwhelmed in.  The weeks where I was able to give equal time to each area, are the weeks I have a sense of peace and wholeness within my spirit.

Here are the five key areas:

BODY / PHYSICAL – Did I move my body this week?  Was I motivated? Exercise is crucial, to releasing tension in the body, mind, and spirit.  Whether it’s Yoga, a walk, a bike ride, or joining a gym, pick an activity you will stick with.

WORK / MENTAL – Did I learn anything new?  What was the last book I read?  Keeping our minds engaged in learning new subjects, and filled with positive thoughts, can help us stay inspired, spark creativity, and set new goals.

MIND/ EMOTIONAL -  What is my anxiety level?  How am I feeling?  Am I having a difficult time releasing negative emotions?  Harboring resentment, anger, bitterness, and sadness, can lead to depression, weaken the immune system, and lead to manifesting illness, within the body, mind, and spirit.  Find the gentlest way for you, to let it go.

RELATIONSHIP / SOCIAL – Did I spend quality time with my partner, friends and family?  As an introvert, this is the most challenging area for me since I replenish my energy by solitude and serenity.  I am aware, however, that too much alone time, is not healthy.  Connecting with others, brings a sense of community, happiness, and joy to our lives.

SPIRITUALITY / SPIRITUAL – Have I dedicated time for solitude and prayer?  Am I connected to my inner wisdom?  Do I trust in divine guidance?  We are so much more than our physical body.  Cultivating a relationship to a higher power, enriches our lives, connecting us to the true essence of who we are, the energy of love, compassion, forgiveness and peace.  My spritual journey has given me strength and deepened my faith and trust in the divine plan for my life. I wake up each day, feeling grateful and aware of every blessing in my life. 
​
Try checking in with yourself this week.  And no feeling guilty, for having an unbalanced week!  I have many.  Just like Yoga, it’s a practice!  What matters, is we stay committed.  We return to the mat.  We begin again.  And along with every breath we take, each week can be a fresh start to finding balance once again.