Coming Into Balance On and Off the Mat

The idea of achieving balance in our lives can seem unattainable. How many women do you know who have actually found work-life balance? I know I struggle with this daily. If I’m giving too much time to my career one week, I worry I’m neglecting the needs of my family. The next week is likely to bring the opposite feeling. Will we ever achieve perfect balance in our lives? Not likely. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work toward better balance in all facets of our lives, on and off the yoga mat. 

As yogis, we know how important balance is to our practice. We also know that our yoga often is a reflection of our lives. If we are balanced on our mats, feeling at one with our breath and our flow, the rest of our life seems to flow more smoothly. And if the rest of our life feels balanced, that same feeling comes along with us when we come to our mats. 

So how can we attain and maintain a sense of greater balance? I have a few suggestions that can make a big difference. 

Find balance with good food. 

Take the time to find good, healthy foods you like to eat. A balanced diet that fuels your body is NOT a diet devoid of flavor and enjoyment. I LOVE fueling my body with fresh fruits and vegetables. Experiment with different ways to prepare them - have fun with it. Other favorites of mine include acai bowls, nutrient-packed smoothies, and hearty soups. 

Life often moves at rapid speed and we’re all guilty of eating on the go or rushing through a meal to get to the next thing on the list. Whenever possible, take the time to sit down and experience your food. Notice what you’re eating and take the time to truly enjoy the experience. 

Giving your body what it needs and taking the time to make it taste great makes you feel better inside and out. You’ll surprise yourself with the energy, focus, and confidence you bring to all parts of your life, on and off the mat. 

Give yourself grace. 

Have you ever noticed how much harder we tend to be on ourselves than we would ever be on someone else? The self-talk we allow to dictate our moods and our actions can be incredibly damaging. It’s so important to go easy on ourselves. Perfection is not the goal in any facet of our lives. 

Bring those feelings of grace for yourself along with you when you practice. Remember, we call it yoga practice for a reason. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others and instead focus on continuing to learn and grow in your practice. 

Instead of feeling ashamed of your flaws, embrace them. We all have flaws, imagined or real. They’re part of what makes you special. Embracing them and giving yourself grace brings balance to your life through self-acceptance. 

Mix it up and get moving. 

Health and wellness cannot be achieved without movement and exercise. Regular, intentional exercise feeds your body, mind, and spirit. It’s easy to fall into the trap of saying, “I’m too busy to exercise.” We’re all busy. But when we take the time and find ways to get more movement into our lives? Suddenly we have more energy to tackle whatever the day has in store for us. 

Get creative. Practice yoga, take a walk, work in your garden, or go for a bike ride. Spend some of your movement time outdoors, enjoying nature and breathing in that good, restorative fresh air! And when you’re on that walk or bike ride, consider leaving your technology behind and simply being in the moment. When exercise is something you look forward to, it’s easier to make it part of your routine. 

Read this blog post for more about making movement and exercise part of your health and wellness routine. 

Switch up your routine.   

People are creatures of habit. So many of us do the same things in the same order at different points in the day. This is especially true when it comes to morning and evening routines. 

Consider switching things up a bit. If you always take the same yoga class from the same instructor, try a different class. If you eat the same breakfast every day, look for a new, healthy recipe and try it out. Do you listen to the same podcast or playlist during your morning or evening commute? Seek out something new and maybe even completely different. 

Opening ourselves up to new experiences and shaking up our routines by making intentional choices can help bring balance back to our lives. 

Make moderation your mantra. 

Life is meant to be enjoyed. A balanced life is one filled with moments of enjoyment. Does that mean you can eat that slice of chocolate cake? Yes. Sometimes. Does it mean you can have a drink with a friend after work? Yes. 

Achieving and maintaining balance means allowing yourself to have “treats” now and then without feeling guilty. It also means being intentional with these choices and practicing moderation. 

Practicing yoga is all about balance. Each posture consists of effort and ease. Muscles are engaged and then released. There is action followed by rest. Breath fills your lungs and then is expelled. All with intention. 

If you’re not yet a member of our Razz Yoga community, we have a special intro offer just for you! We’d love to share our home with you and help you reach balance on and off the mat.