Everyone always talks about having balance in life. What does that even mean? When I hear people talk about achieving balance I imagine it coming from a vegan who doesn’t have kids and spends their afternoons doing yoga on the beach.
Coincidentally, my niece is a vegan with no kids who seriously does yoga on the beach in the afternoon. Go figure. Check her out on IG @ modern_day_hippi
For the rest of us, how can we achieve that in our busy, complex lives? Well, I’m no expert on the yin and yang of the best way for everyone to live, but I’ll tell you what I did to get myself back on track.
Backed away from social media. My cell phone is never far from me, therefore neither is social media. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all of the sad or frustrating posts on Facebook (my media of choice) so my goal was to stay away from Facebook for just one day a week so that I could get a break. I ended up staying away for 10 days consecutively!
Meditated. I know, I know, you’ve probably heard this one a million times, but it really works. According to Live And Dare, there are 76 scientific benefits to meditation including stress reduction and mental clarity. I meditate before bed, when I first wake up or on my lunch break (aka the baby’s nap time). If you need meditation music click here.
I made a list of 7 things I like to do and 7 things I have to do. Everyday I picked one from each list and by the end of the week I felt pretty productive.
Meal planned. I’m a newbie and only prepped food for a few days, but it freed up my evening so I wasn’t rushing to squeeze in my son’s bath before his bedtime routine. Plus Mister didn’t starve. Gold star for me!
Drank more water and took a walk outside. ‘Nuff said.
Pampered myself. I did a home pedicure, put on a dress, had a glass of wine and read a book. Self-care is wildly undervalued, yet highly important.
Set up boundaries with toxic people. Making conversations quick and utilizing texting has reduced some stress in my life.
Did something fun (NOT watching tv). I picked up 5 books from the library, a bit ambitious I know, to get me back in the groove of reading. Went outside and my son made chalk art in the driveway while I huffed and puffed on a cheap bubble wand. Note to self: get a bubble machine.
Hung out with friends. Getting together with the girls revives me.
So there you have it. Start simple. Give these tips a try and let me know how it works out. What are your New Year’s goals? What steps are you taking to achieve balance in your life? Leave your suggestions below!
Mommy Can Learn 