Yoga and Meditation

How do we keep our balance? Both the physical and the emotional kind? Training our minds to be as balanced as our bodies is especially challenging in this busy world. All it takes is a little practice. Balance training is just like any other kind of workout and has a very specific goal. Dont fall! That is your goal. But what exactly does it take to make our bodies and our minds better equipped to staying upright?

Yes! Busy times call for immaculate organization and scheduling time for your kids is exactly how you’ll keep on track. Remember that when you’re at home, that is your domestic time. Work stays at work. Fully allow yourself the time to just be with your family. Separating the two is essential to keeping your balance.

Now you’ve spent your day taking care of things at work, coming home and taking care of things at home, now what about taking care of yourself? Where do you fall in your schedule? Making sure you are strong and ready for anything means finding time to workout. It might mean getting up a bit early to squeeze in a half hour, or giving up a little time at the end of your day. Whenever it is, find the time. Keeping your body and mind healthy is the final piece of the balance pie.

Try doing four days a week of mini workouts alternating between strength training, cardio, stretching and core work. Have just 15 minutes a day? That’s all you need to stay in shape. Lets start with your spine. Keeping your back strong means better posture and less spasms. Since the back muscles work directly with the spine, they can keep you mobile and standing tall. The long erector muscles on either side of the spinal column do exactly what their name implies by keeping you erect. Better posture feels better and feeling better is what we want.

Core muscles include the abdominal, gluteal, inner thigh, and pelvic floor muscles. These are the biggest contributors to better posture and balance. Keeping stable on an unstable surface automatically engages the core muscles. For instance, working on a balance pad or any other unstable tool forces you into trying to keep your balance and its the core muscles that keep you there. Pilates is infamous for a stronger core, so find a qualified instructor and find your balance.

Keeping a balanced body is physically challenging, but keeping a balanced mind is more intangible and harder to do. This is a busy life and a fast-paced world. Raising kids in this kind of environment, or earning enough money to live comfortably, or making sure you have enough savings for retirement all take their toll on our psyche. Find moments of peace where you can reflect on your life. Taking a little time for yourself can be meaningful in the long run.

We want to age well and stay strong. Staying strong requires hard work both physically and emotionally. Prepare for the future by taking care of the present. Isn’t that worth your commitment?