The Truth About Finding Balance

I’ve been thinking a lot about balance these days and what it even means. Balance your meals. Balance your schedule. Balance your life. It seems like an impossible task, but also one we all really crave. Wouldn’t it be amazing if “finding balance” was less like keeping a dozen balls in the air and more like a calm day on the lake? The truth is, real balance isn’t about juggling everything perfectly; it’s about getting in a groove that works for you. 

Look At Finding Balance Differently

When you’re working hard to eat right, exercise, take care of your family, and follow your dreams, it can feel like a lot. So, rather than try and devote equal time to everything, I want you to stop thinking about “finding balance” and instead think about living more intentionally. There is less pressure to be perfect and more alignment with what matters to you. 

Start by asking yourself “What’s one area of my life that feels a little off right now?” Maybe…

• Your meals feel rushed.
• Your workouts feel like a chore.
• Your schedule is stretched so thin you’re running on fumes.

Instead of trying to overhaul your entire life, pick one area to focus on and make a small shift.

Here’s how you can start:

• If meal planning stresses you out, choose 3-5 simple, go-to meals you love and rotate them during the week. Easy and done! You don’t need to be a chef churning out gourmet meals every day if it makes you crazy. 
• If workouts feel like a drag, shake things up with something new or fun. You could try dancing in your living room, hiking with a friend, or one of the many online fitness apps. 
• If your mind feels cluttered, take five minutes a day to breathe, journal, or just sit quietly.

How I’m Finding My Own Balance

My own life has been full lately, with a recent trip, directing the local kids mountain bike team, and helping my son figure out how to get his energy back. This has been making it hard to stay consistent with writing my book and focusing on my own health and fitness. 

Rather than be hard on myself, I’m working on two small things that I know will make a difference. First, I’m focused on cooking with what I have in my fridge and pantry. This means sometimes dinner is something amazing from a recipe, while other days it’s a blended soup. I basically sautee whatever vegetables I have on hand, add some broth and seasonings, and blend it up. It’s quick, simple, and still healthy. 

The other thing I’m trying to work on is my posture therapy (physical balance) with my friend Sue. I did a podcast with her a bit ago and now I’m trying an app she’s using which makes custom weekly exercise plans more affordable. It feels like a priority because both my neck and left shoulder have not been happy. 

Make The Good Stuff Happen

Small, intentional tweaks like this might not feel like much at first, but they build momentum; and that’s where all the good stuff happens! So ask yourself what area of your life needs a bit of love this month? Pick something that could use some “balancing out” that is easy enough that you’ll actually do it. Even ten minutes of walking each day after dinner adds up… In one month that would total 300 minutes of fresh air and movement, which is no small thing. You’ve got this!