Achieving The Perfect Balance

Something we spend a lot of time searching for……….Balance!!

Balance to our lives is the ultimate. Having a good amount of everything seems like a legit idealism to me. Work life, social life, family life, health and fitness, the list can go on. It something we long for. But why is it so hard to achieve?

It’s because its very difficult to find a nice balance to EVERYTHING. Actually, its borderline impossible. But what we can aim for in a balance in four of the most important aspects to your physical and mental well being.

What are these four aspects. Well I believe a healthy balance between your family life, social life with friends work life, and also an active lifestyle with healthy nutrition is paramount to a strong, mental mindset.

We need to allow ourselves time for each of these three aspects. Its not good going too overboard on even one of them, because the other two can become affected. So there is a fine balance. But with some practice, patience and perseverance, it can be achieved.

So lets look a little deeper. Firstly lets look at family life. A healthy relationship with those nearest and dearest to you is crucial to a healthy midset, in my opinion. Make sure you have time for your family and loved ones. Because, without sounding too pessimistic, we literally have no idea how long we or they are going to be around for. So this is HUGE! Allow time for family. Whether this be with your parents, grandparents, children or whoever, make sure you give time to appreciate what they do for you and how much they mean to you.

Ok, onto social life. Having a healthy social life is a massively important aspect to your mental well being. I highly doubt you or anyone enjoys being indoors on their own all day. For one it can lead to over thinking things. Which can be a dangerous thing. Allow yourself time to go to the cinema with friends. Go out for a few drinks now and again. Go watch the footy or ballet with a mate. Book that holiday to ibiza you’ve been thinking about. Make sure you make time for friends. They can be your closest alley and be your support in your hour of need.

Now onto the balance with your health and fitness. This is just as, if not more important than the other two aspects to the ultimate balanced lifestyle. And as important an active lifestyle is to your overall health, not going overboard is very important also. Firstly, it can lead to burn out. This is when you feel as though you are exhausted all the time. No energy for anything. This comes from overtraining. Make sure you listen to your body. Make sure if you are feeling exhausted to rest. It won’t affect your results. It’ll actually improve them. Your body will recover and repair, and you’ll feel stronger and fitter than ever before.

When it comes to nutrition, balance is crucial swell. Yes we need to eat healthy, wholesome foods. Yes, we need to be within a calorie deficit. Yes we need to watch what we eat. But not 24/7. Not all the time. Healthy eating can become obsessive. I know. Ive been there. But so can binge eating. We need to be wary of both. So what I suggest, as I have tried and tested this myself, is to allow yourself a treat now and again to provide satiation of the mind as well of the body. By allowing yourself some chocolate or sweets, even on a daily basis (in moderation obviously), you will prevent any major cravings, which non turn can lead to a massive crash and a massive binge eating session. Which is not great. You’ve heard the saying, ‘everything in moderation’, well this rings true. Again, its a balance.

And finally, work-life balance. Something I find a lot of people struggle with. Myself included. I heard a great quote the other day. ‘We all seem to be competing to be the richest person in the graveyard’. And this really struck a chord with me. Most of us chase money, as if its the ultimate to happiness. But why don’t we chase happiness itself. Happiness is living a life on your terms. Not when you work 60 hours a week to make £80,000 a year. The person who lives life on their terms and makes £18,000 a year his a happier person. Yes, money can make things easier, but it doesn’t guarantee happiness. Not by a long stretch. So, if you don’t like your job, maybe consider changing careers. I’m not saying definitely do this, but we spend 1/3 of our lives working. maybe we should enjoy that third of our lives as much as we can? I’m no philosopher, but I think it’s a valid point. Don’t overwork yourself in a job you don’t like. Actually, don’t overwork yourself in a job you like either. Enjoy what you do and you’ll never really work a day in your life.

So, each of these aspects to a healthy balanced lifestyle, have a balance within themselves. And if you can begin to practice them all, you will start to feel the benefits.