Get Balanced with Small Adjustments

Want to achieve an overall sense of balance? Try making simple, small adjustments in the course of each day, each week or every month. Sometimes it’s these small moves in key areas of life that make all the difference. Here are five small tasks that are easy to start on now.

Adjust your calendar. Too much work and not enough play make Jane a dull girl. But too much play isn’t exactly a good thing either. Whether it’s work or play, avoid becoming overbooked and overextended.

On the home front, try blocking off the time you devote to family, exercise, or chores right on your calendar, and treat those “appointments” just as importantly as you would your work commitments.

On the work front, before taking on that new client project, volunteering to head up the school fundraiser, or accepting the invitation to the boss’ blockbuster backyard bar-be-cue bash, make it a habit to always respond with “let me get back to you” and double-check your calendar first. Is there enough downtime built into your week/month? Will you be compromising important “me time” by saying yes (exercise class, the book club, family game night, sleep!)? Remember, it’s absolutely okay to say, “Thank you, but no thank you” to the extras.

Make small nutritional changes. Every healthy food choice you make counts big time, even if it’s just one small, smart pick a day. For instance, find one good-for-you food you love and add it to your daily diet. Make every Monday a meatless one or Sunday your salad day. Switch from using butter to using olive oil when you cook.

In keeping with the small theme, try eating smaller portions at every meal, or opt for six small meals a day instead of 3 big ones. These little moves will help you create and maintain a balanced diet.

Do a gut check. Probiotics help keep things copasetic in your digestive system by maintaining the healthy equilibrium between “good bacteria” and “bad bacteria.” And since they’ve made their way into the food-fad realm, you can find probiotics in everything from yogurt to supplements.

Protect the delicate feminine hygiene balance. Your vagina creates its own environment. It maintains a delicate balance of both good and harmful bacteria including small amounts of yeast. When that “ecosystem” is disrupted, vaginal infections can occur.

To maintain a healthy balance of yeast in your system wear clothing that breathes and avoid synthetic fabrics which trap moisture down there making it easier for yeast cells to multiply. Also avoid using feminine sprays, talcs, perfumes, douches, scented toilet paper, and deodorized tampons as they can disrupt the body’s natural cleansing process. Probiotics can also play a role in maintaining a healthy balance down there.

Practice physical balance…literally! Fitness experts know that good balance is key to improving body awareness and alignment. Sneak some balance training into your day. Try standing on one leg while brushing your teeth, talking on the phone, or waiting in line. Or consider replacing your desk chair with a balance ball. You’ll probably discover good balance and strong core go hand in hand.