Create Morning & Evening Routines
Morning and evening routines can help you stay centered throughout the day. Whether you prefer to start your day with a morning yoga routine or focus on a hearty breakfast, establishing a routine helps you ground yourself and set yourself up for success for the day ahead can go a long way.
Routines aren’t just important for the beginning of your day — they help you wrap up your day, too. As you wind down for the evening, it can be relaxing to have a nighttime routine to make it easier to slip into a restful night’s sleep. This can include some light exercise, a mindful meditation practice, or setting your phone aside for 30 minutes before bed.
Get Moving
Moving your body is a great way to create a feeling of balance. While an extensive sweat session may feel great, the good news is that you don’t need to dedicate an hour at the gym or in an online class every day. Frequent movement throughout the day can help your body feel better and keep your mind focused on the present. So take a short walk, stand up from your desk and do some quick stretches, or set a goal to do 10 squats or 10 push-ups before you check your phone again. These simple movements can make a big difference!
Practice Mindful Eating
Another way to reduce stress and feel more balanced is through mindful eating. Unfortunately, many of us often eat alongside our distractions — driving, watching TV or working — and that can take our attention away from the meal, resulting in overeating. Instead, try eating without the distractions, focusing on and enjoying each bite. Need some inspiration? Try these simple and delicious recipes.
Sometimes we crave food, but the feeling of hunger is related to stress or other outside forces. Try drinking a glass of water instead. If you do need a nutritious snack to get you through, a handful of walnuts is a satisfying way to curb your hunger in those snacky moments. While raw walnuts make for an easy midday snack, you can also whip up a flavorful and filling snack with a little more time in the kitchen and some California walnuts. Walnut Cranberry Granola Bars or a trail mix are two options that never fail to satisfy your cravings!
These simple tips for living a more balanced lifestyle can help you face the challenges of daily life with focus, calm and clarity. Discover which approach works for you, and stick to it for at least a month in order to build useful habits. Once mindfulness becomes second nature, you might find yourself reaching personal bests you never knew possible!
