LIVING A BALANCED LIFESTYLE
It can sometimes feel impossible to do it all - have a good social life, spend time with your family, thrive at work, whilst also maintaining a balanced healthy lifestyle. Whilst juggling all of this (and the rest!), finding times for regular workouts and self care can often be a daunting task that can fall down your priority list. However, together with some planning and will power, it is possible to stay healthy and active and live a balanced life. Here are some practical tips to help you integrate fitness into your busy routine.
Schedule your workouts
Treat your workouts like any other important event in your calendar. Block our specific times for exercise, and stick to these commitments as much as possible. Early morning or late evening workouts can be a great option if your days are already packed out with work and/or your children’s schedule.
Incorporate short, effective workouts
Many people think that if they only have time for a 20 minute workout then there’s no point in doing it, but you really don't need to spend hours in the gym to stay fit. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) takes under half an hour and is very effective. Similarly a quick 30 minute walk or run can work wonders for, not only your fitness, but your mental clarity.
Stay active throughout the day
Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Take the stairs rather than the lift, stretch whilst reading a document at your desk, get off a stop early on your commute and walk the rest. These small bursts of activity add up and can keep your energy levels higher.
Plan your meals
Good nutrition is a key part of a balanced lifestyle. Spending a bit of time on the weekend planning and prepping your meals and snacks for the week saves time and ensures you have healthy options readily available, reducing the temptation to grab something on the go that is often less healthy.
Set realistic goals
Setting small, achievable fitness or lifestyle goals can keep you motivated. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on your progress. Start with realistic goals and celebrate your achievements no matter how minor they may be. This will keep you focused and encourage you to carry on.
Find activities you enjoy
Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore, but sometimes our mindset makes it difficult to get going. Finding a physical activity that genuinely brings you joy could make all the difference. This could be dancing, hiking, swimming, or playing a sport you’ve not done since school. When you are having fun you’re more likely to stick with it. And when have you ever done exercise and not felt good afterwards?
Practice selfcare
Apply balance not only to your fitness regimen, but also make sure to find time for relaxation and mental well-being. Practice mindfulness or meditation—anything that makes you happy and reduces your stress levels.
Final Thoughts
Living a balanced lifestyle whilst maintaining a busy schedule is all about prioritising yourself, planning ahead and being flexible. This can often feel difficult if you have other life commitments like children or elderly relatives to care for, but if you start integrating the tips above into your routine, you will be on your way to staying active, reducing your stress levels, and achieving a healthy balance that enhances your overall quality of life. Remember, even small changes like taking the stairs can make a big difference over time, so start implementing these changes today and enjoy the benefits on your health for years to come!
