10 WAYS TO FEEL BALANCED

Louise Ramsden - 17 Oct 13

The Yoga Cook shares her top 10 tips for achieving balance when the world feels chaotic

1. Breathe. It sounds simple, but it works – especially when you are feeling stressed. Breathe in a long smooth breath, and out the same, then hold at the bottom of the exhale for a couple seconds and repeat. This is great for taking the body out of the fight or flight mode.

2. Get it out. A problem shared is a problem halved. If something is worrying you and causing you to feel unbalanced ensure you have a network of support so that you can express your concerns. Getting it out prevents the problem from festering and growing into something bigger than it is. Another great way to express it is by writing in a journal – even if it is a few thoughts jotted down before bed. Writing things down is a great way to get it out without having to talk about it to anyone.

3. Move! The human body was design to be active. It has the most benefits when keeping fit is enjoyable. It doesn’t need to be at the gym, it could simply be walking instead of taking the bus, or doing a yoga DVD at home.  The flow of endorphins from doing exercise produces a natural high and helps you feel balanced. Must do, free health insurance.

4. Appreciation list. This is a wonderful tool to keep your mind positively orientated. Each morning write down without thinking too hard everything that’s good in your life. It may be as basic as there’s a roof over my head and food on the table but the more you look the more you will find. Do the same for all areas of your life. Write appreciation lists for your work, your partner, your family, yourself and notice what happens to your mood!

5. Solo time. Take some time each day, even if it is only a few minutes, to be with yourself. Our lives are so externally orientated that we often forget about ourselves, especially when we’re looking after our children. A walk in nature, meditating, yoga, breath exercises, reading or journalling can help to recharge our batteries and help us to get in touch with our intuitive nature which can allow us make better choices in life.

6. Get off the sugar roller-coaster. Ditch the grey foods such as white bread, pastry, crisps, cake which give you an energy high followed by a low that can be accompanied with fatigue and mood swings. Find sugar-free treats such as Nakd bars which are good for your waistline as well as your health and energy levels.

7. Resolve conflict. This is a key area that can unbalance us. If you have some conflict in your life ask yourself the following questions: Is it more important for me to be right or happy? How would it be if I let go of these thoughts? What can I do to resolve this conflict?

8. Chew your food. Eating slowly and chewing food properly is a number one health tip. It takes the pressure off the body expending energy to break down food and allows nutrients to be absorbed more effectively. Our digestive system is responsible for the health of our immune system and when its working effectively we feel energised and balanced

9. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. In order to live a balanced life ensure that it consists of a variety of experiences such as work, relationship, friends, family, solo time, hobbies, health, spirituality etc. If your life only consists of primarily one thing it can feel unbalanced when that one thing isn’t going smoothly.

10. Sleep. A good night’s rest is essential to feeling balanced – which granted, is sometimes hard when you have young kids. Ask what is in your control to help improve it – if your child wakes in the night then try going to bed as early as you can to maximise the rest you get. Or if you’re restless at night, try to calm yourself by taking a warm bath in the evening, don’t eat too late. Address any problems before getting into bed by writing them down to get them out of your head.

Louise Ramsden is the Yoga Cook: a coach, yoga teacher and nutritionist. 

Louise Ramsden

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