What keeps you centered & balanced?
Balance: “a state of harmony; mental & emotional steadiness”
Balance is also an action; it is what we do on a daily basis to create that harmony.
The only thing consistent in life is that NOTHING stays the same. What you consider balanced today might be totally different than last year, last month, or compared to anyone else.
How & where we spend our time & energy will dictate results. We can’t control or do everything, but we have the choice: does life run us, or do we run our lives?
My morning & night time routine help me tremendously in creating balance. How you start your morning greatly impacts how the rest of the day goes.
I have a routine that I practice every morning, no matter what day of the week. The amount of time that I spend on each may vary, but I always prioritize these:
Hydration: I drink 20oz within the first 10 minutes of getting upΒ
Movement: I aim for 20-30 min of cardio, walking, stretching
Take my supplements & daily essential oils
Dry brushing, shower & get ready for work
Eat a nutrient dense meal: lots of color, healthy fats & protein. Pictured is: organic chicken sausage, egg whites or 1 egg, spaghetti Squash, chopped veggies, avocado, sauerkraut & coffee with MCT oil.
Deep breathing & prayer
Then enjoy said breakfast & coffee π If I can, I eat outside. This is my favorite time. I take my time (at least 20 minutes) listen to a podcast, music & focus on today’s intentions. I truly appreciate the quiet time & how I can eat without distraction.
I want to mention it took me a few months to figure out what works for ME! I plan ahead & wake up early enough to do these. I MAKE the time. Why? Because these are important to me & make me feel my best from the inside out. I’m not sure what I’d be without it!
I make time for these even during Travel too! I pack my supplements, do hotel room workouts, seek out and/or bring healthy food. Every day isn’t the same nor do I aim for perfection. BUT I do my best given the circumstances!
My nighttime routine isn’t as “set in stone” & has room for improvement π However, a PM routine to manage stress is imperative for your health.
Less stress π improved moods π relax & recover π improved/more sleep π balanced hormone levels π better health!
Writing out my thoughts helps me sort through the “mental overload” & process things more effectively.Β At night I journal my GWI: Gratitudes, Wins & Intentions.
What I’m grateful for (could be anything)
Wins: Accomplishments or positives of the day
Intentions: Goals & Focuses for the next day. This could be very specific (ie food prep) or an attitude, thing or person to focus on (ie patience & humility).
Some other ideas to include for a relaxing night & restful sleep:
Have a bedtime for the electronics; mine is 60-90 minutes before bed.
Diffuse essential oils (I love Doterra Serenity blend)
Practice gentle stretching or yoga
Lay on a Acupressure mat
Journal, Read, Meditation, Prayer
Take a bath or warm shower
Brew some caffeine free tea
Find a few things that you enjoy & brings a smile to your face. It doesn’t have to be very long, but make a point to slow down & take care of yourself. You deserve it!
I also plan everything out for the next day. I pack my gym bag, pack all my meals for work, get the coffee ready, etc. All of these things make my mornings smooth sailing! I don’t stress about getting anything ready…cause it’s already done!
What’s one part of your morning that sets you up for a successful day?
What is one thing that you can add/remove to your evening to improve your stress load?
What’s one thing that can incorporate into your lifestyle to make the day more balanced?
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