Maintaining a healthy life balance is a hot topic these days, especially at the beginning of the year when many of us are re-aligning our goals and setting intentions and purpose for the year ahead. 

But what exactly is a life balance – and how do you go about achieving it? A good life balance means enjoying various aspects of life in moderation, working hard but also making time to socialise, relax and exercise. It’s important to include physical activities in your day, but you also need time to unwind while you take a lovely long bath or read a book. Last but not least, you should make time to express your creativity and instil healthy emotional habits. 

Let’s chat about how you can go about achieving this and take steps towards a more balanced lifestyle. Continue reading below for some life-changing tips! 

Fuel your body with nutrients 

 A balanced life is much easier when you start with  a healthy diet. Nutritious, wholesome fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates in moderation should be the building blocks. And yes, a chocolate every now again – there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally. Nutrients can also come in the form of additional vitamins to assist with deficiencies or for an overall boost – especially if you’ve been feeling run-down or stressed. Always remember to prioritise your health – it’s the most valuable thing you own.  

Move your body 

Strenuous physical exercise is not for everyone but being active – even if that means a 20-minute walk around the block or a light stretch on your yoga mat at home – will make a huge difference to your overall health and wellbeing. It’s vital to strike a balance between moving your body and lying on the couch too long – too much of either can have a negative impact on your life balance. Start small and try to find a form of exercise you enjoy – a good place to start could be kitting out your home gym. 

Disconnect and create boundaries

After a long week of work, it’s extremely important to disconnect. Switch off your phone – or at least mute your notifications – and log off from your computer to give your brain (and your eyes) a rest. Use this time to reconnect with family and friends through meaningful conversations; these moments bring far more value to life than hours of social media scrolling. You also need to create boundaries in order to live a balanced life, and that can often be more challenging than it sounds. Sometimes saying “no” is important, unless it’s something essential or that adds value to your life. 

Make time for yourself 

This sounds simple, but in today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to actually find time for yourself and to spend time alone. Prioritising this will not only reduce your stress levels, but also improve your relationships, increase your happiness, boost your creativity and help you focus. There are many things you can do in your own space like meditation or journaling – or take yourself out on a date every now and again. Go get a facial or manicure or buy yourself a bunch of roses – you definitely deserve it!