We often take on too much and then lose our life balance. Short term, the body can cope with added stress as the adrenaline that’s released provides extra energy. However, too much long-term stress is detrimental to our health and wellbeing. Follow these self-care habits to stay more balanced:
Meditate daily
A daily meditation practice is like a shower for the mind, and the more regularly you do it, the more balanced the mind becomes. This can simply be 5-10 minutes of practice in the morning or before bed. Any meditation is good; whether it’s breath awareness, mindfulness, chanting, or even a guided meditation on an app such as Headspace.
Get plenty of sleep
Getting enough sleep gives you a greater ability to cope with stress. Sleep brings hormones into balance, calms the nervous system, rests the body and mind, and gives you energy to cope with life.
Check your work-life balance
Disconnect from technology and avoid checking emails or Facebook in the middle of the night or when you first wake up. Set boundaries around your work time and when you are taking time off.
Exercise regularly
Exercise gives you more energy by boosting the flow of blood and endorphins around your body. It reduces stress, depression and anxiety. Aim for 20-30 minutes of exercise 3-4 times per week.
Eat well
Make healthy wholefoods the foundation of your diet. Eat more wholefoods and fewer processed foods, drink adequate water, reduce caffeine, and eat regular healthy snacks to keep your sugar levels balanced and your energy levels stable.
Make sure you’re getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need
B vitamins aid healthy brain and nervous system function and get depleted when we stress. Manage stress by taking a B complex supplement daily. Magnesium is also known to help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety.
