Balance.
That elusive state of being we all crave so desperately yet find so hard to achieve.
What I’ve come to understand is that balance is not something that can be found. It is something we must actively create.
Balance is ever changing. What felt right one day may feel completely off balance the next. To enjoy a balanced life we must learn to be fluid yet purposeful.
One of the keys to achieving balance is to be clear on our priorities. I find that when I follow a certain routine that starts with some quiet time with God every morning, I am much more likely to achieve that. I have also learned the importance of saying “No” to things that don’t fulfill me yet take my attention away from the things that do.
Balance is personal.
For me that blissful state means having personal time as well as time with my family. It means making time for fitness and fun. It means making healthy food choices but allowing myself to indulge in decadent treats every now and then… It means having a plan that allows for spontaneity… Drinking plenty of water but enjoying a delicious glass of wine (or two) with dinner, or “just because”. Working hard but playing hard as well.
[Tweet “Balance is an ever changing state of being that must be created daily #FitFamily #BOSUStrong”]
And then of course there is physical balance, something that ultimately keeps our brain healthy as much as it does our bodies. I discovered when I last sprained my ankle. I had a fantastic physical therapist who immediately tuned in to my fascination with health and fitness. When I got rather frustrated at my complete inability to stand on one leg, even though my foot was barely off the ground her told me simply “It’s your brain you have to retrain!”
Yes as much as I need to strengthen the stabilizing muscles in my ankle and leg, I need to recreate the proper neuro pathways as well. I now work on physical balance diligently. One of my favorite tools for working on balance is the BOSU. If you are not familiar with the BOSU it is a half dome that it filled with air. When you stand on it, you need to engage your core and fire up all those little stabilizing muscles to maintain good balance. If you don’t you’ll find it hard to stay on. Before I ever used a BOSU for physical therapy, I would use a pillow. Needless to say I find the BOSU much more effective and fun to work with!
In fact I love it so much that I am participating in a super fun challenge that we launched last week in the hopes of winning one of my own.
Join me and you could win one too! How awesome would that be?
As you may have guessed, this week our focus with the #BOSUStrong challenge is all about balance.
6 Ways I Stay Balanced
If you forgot to join me last week for the #BOSUStrong challenge or just weren’t up for the cardio, make sure you join me this week as it’s all about the balance! We’re standing on one leg, lunging, and BOSU squatting our way through the week.
But balance means more than just being able to stand on one leg, it also means being able to do what you love while making healthy choices at the same time. It means putting in the work and still finding time for ME!. Or eating the healthy fruits and veggies but balancing it out with a special treat once in a while. Or going for a walk or hike and doing a BURST workout at home when you can’t make it to the gym.
Here are the 6 ways I stay balanced – what are yours?
I make time for myself by waking up at least an hour before anyone else.
My favorite me time is praying and meditating on God’s Word.
My rule when it comes to a balanced diet is focus on what you are doing right and no absolutes that feel restrictive.
I make fitness a priority by scheduling my workouts before I fill my day with other things.
When I get stressed or overwhelmed, my go to is going for a walk in the hills behind my house.
I do everything I can to help my family stay balanced.
Here are my fave 6 moves to help improve your physical balance:
- Hip balance on the trapeze or silks
- Upside down swings on silks
- Flat Back
- Arabesque
- Hand stand
- Side plank with scoop
So I want to know – are you #BOSUStrong? Copy and paste the above, fill it in and make it your own and then tag me (@vremilora) in it and share with your friends! Let’s all be #BOSUSTRONG.
The daily prompts are below. You can also follow along HERE.
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Really enjoyed reading the entire post, thank you!
You are most welcome Nikolina and thank you for taking the time!
I love these tips! Going for a walk and spending time with God are also ways I find balance!
That is beautiful Jessica 🙂
Very nice post. Thank you for sharing.
You are most welcome Michelle! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it.
I love reading that I’m not the only one who enjoys meditating and praying on gods word 🙂
Amen! My day is completely off is somehow I get up too late to enjoy that special time.
I really need to try the BOSU. It sounds like it’s really working for you. Also, your tips for staying balanced are terrific!
Thanks Gabrielle! The BOSU is AWESOME!!! I would love to have one at home and I know my girls, especially my 8 year old, would LOVE it!
I like to start off with a good breakfast and when i get stressed, i like to watch a comedy movie with my fiance(:
I love that Alicia! Humor is powerful! A good laugh can lift a mood so fast!
Thank you for sharing this post and tips with us. I like to imagine myself in a calming place when I am stressed.
I love that Shannon! Visualization is a powerful tool!
Well besides that I also make healthy meals for my family to keep us on track.
Awesome Shannon! What’s your favorite healthy meal to prepare?
I’m joining the BOSU strong! So glad I came here as this is the first time I’ve heard of this! Thanks for the info!
Woohoo!!! You are going to love it Barrie! I’ll be looking for your shares!
I stay balanced by taking a nap, relaxing on the couch and watching YouTube videos, or walking my dogs!
Sounds wonderful Karisa!
Health is wealth!
Amen Paras!!
i plan my days around my workout schedule lol
I totally get it Chum! I’ve been doing that as well. I am grateful that I work mostly from home which affords me the flexibility to do that.
I wish we didn’t have 8 months of winter so walking was always a option. -50 and 80 mph winds can make walking very dangerous. I find with age my -40 winter boots are very heavy to walk too far in. Double socks, gloves, scarves, so many layers I look like a sausage. The house is so drafty all I want to do is hibernate.
Oh that sounds way too cold for me Edith! I went to college in Vermont and those were gorgeous but cold winters but never quite as cold as -50! And for 8 months! In those conditions I would probably do most of workouts at home, with DVD’s and friends or my kids to keep me motivated.
I am all for praying and meditating on God’s Word! I think that is so important in life.
Amen Natalie! I don’t where I would be without God’s word as my foundation! Prayer has been my sustenance time and again, what has kept me from falling into a deep abyss of despair. Prayer IS powerful!
I wish I had the ability to stay fit. When I was young I should have followed staying balanced but I thought I had all the time in the world.
It’s never too late Nancy! You can still work towards balance and staying fit as long as you set realistic goals. Small changes can make a huge difference! If you are willing, I promise you you CAN! Trust me, just take it one step at a time, one day at a time and no matter where you are at today, commit to be in a slightly better place tomorrow. I’m here for support if you need me. God bless!
Great info!! Thanks for sharing!!
You are most welcome CR. Glad you enjoyed this post.
great tips! just what i need, hmm.. when to start these 🙂
There is no time like the present Mae. I say GO FOR IT! Now!
I spent so much of my life “out of balance” and not even really know what that fully meant. I’m so happy to say that today I do understand the concept and am so much better for it. Yes. Time talking with God and meditating is so much more than people think in this equation. Thank-you for this intriguing post!
You are most welcome Natalie and I am thrilled that you have been able to create balance in your life! My quiet time with God keeps me grounded and helps me to always keep things in the proper perspective so I am better able to handle things when they get out of balance.
I really try to find time for myself during the day for some quiet time, This keeps me balanced.
I would be a pretty grumpy mommy if I did not make time for me every day Susan!
Awesome! post, I think in today society we have to learn to create balance where ever and what ever we are doing..
So true Dorothy! And thanks! So glad you liked it 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I am 66 now and cannot do what I use to as far as exercising. I need to eat healthier but having problems with that.
I wish you all the best Carolyn and please reach out if there is any way that I can help or support you. Awareness of the need for change is the first step in the right direction.. Then it’s all about taking small steps towards your goal and turning those into habits.
Balance is important, but sometimes a bit of imbalance can make for a healthy dose of excitement.
God bless,
Miles
I totally agree Miles! And often that chaos becomes the source of powerful lessons
I, too, enjoy waking up an hour before anyone else. Prayer and studying God’s Word keep me balanced.
Awesome Pam! That early morning prayer time is so special!
nice
Thanks Sebastian.
Great post! Going for a walk is definitely my go-to for finding balance.
Thanks Megan! Walks are so therapeutic!
awesome tips! thanks
You are most welcome Tima 🙂
I do agree that the only way to have a balanced life is to create a balanced life among forever changing circumstances. Thanks so much for this post.
You are most welcome Christy. So glad you enjoyed it.
I can really relate with feeling more balanced when I wake up at least an hour earlier than everyone else. It’s a time when the world seems so peaceful and I can really reflect on my life, who I am, and what I want to come from the day. Wonderful post!
Thanks Sarah! I love the way you phrase that. Yes it’s a perfect time to reflect and set out your intentions for the day… Love it 🙂
I liked the post, it kept m attention by its amity for me.
Thanks Gabby. So glad you enjoyed it. Have a fabulous day!
great tips
Thanks Janet, glad you like them.
Balance is so hard to find when you have a crazy hectic life.
I totally agree Melissa, but that is also when I think it is the most important to create.
Nice post! I really need to work on my balance, I’m getting older and it’s definitely one of the things I notice changing about myself. Thanks for the reminder!
You are most welcome Janel! I totally agree that as we age nurturing that physical balance is important for so many things, including preventing injuries. All the best!
I so needed to read this post today! Thank you!
You are most welcome Valerie and I am thrilled it helped 🙂
I would love to be as balanced (both physically and mentally) as you are. I think I could try this, the autumn season is perfect for trying new things.
Aww Thanks Ellie! It’s a daily commitment I make because I know how quickly things can get completely out of whack. This past year especially, I realized that making a commitment to being balanced helps us whether tough storms when they come our way. Physical balance is something I have to actively work at. It not only keeps my body limber but keeps my mind engaged and young. You can achieve this kind of balance too. Just be gentle on yourself and take small steps to getting there, building on your progress one day at a time.
awesome
Thanks Alex!
I really enjoyed reading this post! Balance is something I’m constantly trying to create and you’ve given me really good ideas here. Thank you for sharing!
You are most welcome Pamela and I am so happy to hear you’ve been inspired by this post. Please reach out if you need further support or if I can help in any way. God bless!
As I get older I definitely need to work on my balance, thanks for this great article!
You are most welcome Janel and all the best in creating that balance.
I really enjoyed this article! I try to focus on balance in all areas of my life. I always wake up an hour before everyone else, really prepares me for the day and does add balance 🙂
I love that Betsy and thanks for the positive feedback. Balance is so important and something I work at constantly, physically as well as emotionally. It’s an ever changing state of being that keeps me young and resilient 🙂
Balance really is of the utmost importance in our lives.I appreciate how you find your balance and I like that you included praying with walking and all the other ways.That’s awesome and I hope I can achieve balance in my life by modeling the same things.Thanks for the great post that I enjoyed reading.
You are most welcome Wanda! Yes prayer is essential for me. It keeps me grounded and helps to put things in the right perspective. I pray you are able to create the balance you seek. God bless!
It is hard to stay balanced, so for me going for a walk is essential.
Walks are so therapeutic Holly! I am so grateful for my little dog who keeps me accountable for my daily walk! Just getting blood flowing makes a huge difference, then as I take in the beauty around me I feel blessed and content 🙂
Wow that Bosu looks interesting and a great way to find that balance. I can’t even think of exercise or balance until I get my illness under control. Thanks for the post, hopefully I’ll be able to come back to it when I get better.
Oh Trish I am sorry to read that you are struggling with your health! I pray you get better soon and are able to start exercising soon and living each day pain free and to the fullest! Yes the Bosu will be a fantastic tool for you to help you get stronger and stay balanced 🙂
great post ==i enjoyed reading all about it
Thanks Randy. So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I completely agree that balance is not something that just happens. You need to actively work at it.
Amen Megan! Balance changes constantly!
Great information for sure. Definitely love reading your blog. Being balanced (physically and mentally) gets me through my roughest days. Thanks for the motivation!
Thank you so much Samantha! Your feedback means a lot. I am so touched that you love reading my blog! Keeps me motivated 🙂
Thank you for the information. This is a great post. Thank you
You are most welcome Denise! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
What I do now is understanding what are my faults and Reprogram my subconscious mind to good future and have good girlfriend who love me much and care about my family. 🙂
That sounds like a wonderful way to create balance Gimm. All the best!
Thank you for the great information. I have MS and balance is always a challenge.
My heart goes out to you Cristy! I had a client with pretty severe MS a few years back and on bad days he was wheelchair bound. I loved his spirit though, always fighting to stay strong and healthy. I pray you are able to find the balance you seek.
Thanks for all of the great tips! Unfortunately I’m not really doing much to keep my mind and body balanced. I’ve pretty much given in to my depression and anxiety, even my meds don’t seem to be helping very much. But reading this made me think that I can start with baby steps, even if it’s just walking up and down the hall (at least I’d be out of the bed!) I’m bookmarking this page so I don’t forget, and thanks again for giving me a tiny spark of hope!
I’m so sorry to hear about your depression Judy, but yes, there is always hope and taking baby steps is the surest path to recovery. Just focus on the moment at hand and doing one simple thing to keep your focus on something positive. I sense a shift in the right direction from your comment. As you right about taking a walk down the hall way I “hear” hope… faith that things will get better. Baby steps are powerful. You are a fighter Judy! Keep on fighting and you will get there.
I love these tips. They really provide me with some useful guidance to balance body and mind. Thank yoU!
You are most welcome Allie and I am thrilled you found these tips useful 🙂
I like to create and keep balance when it comes to health. Thanks so much for the information.
You are most welcome Jerry. Happy balancing!
Lot of good advice here. Thanks!
You are most welcome Richard! So happy you found this post helpful 🙂
AMAZING ARTICLE ABOUT BALANCE FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS!!
I’m so glad you found this informative Dhruv. Balance is something so many of us struggle to achieve yet it is so important for overall health and really enjoying life!