Evening readers! Hope 2013 has treated you all well so far... I am definitely trying to settle into my new town and new job, but loving it so far! As I reflect on the move and new beginnings for myself, I cannot help but think that so much in life is about BALANCE. This is a good time to start learning and practicing for this new year and new YOU!
What exactly is balance?
Balance by definition means: (v): an even distribution of weight enabling someone to remain upright and steady. (n): keep or put something in a steady position so it does not fall.
Let's apply this word to our own wellness. We all have so many things "on our plate", as my mom would say, every day of the week, ever week of the month, and every month of the year. I am sure some of you even get a little bit overwhelmed and/or upset by just hearing that statement! But, how do we juggle everything and still maintain a healthier life? How do we keep an even distribution of everything and stay upright or in a steady position?? Application of this can vary for each and every one of you, depending on exactly what you have to balance in your life. Some of you may be students, some parents, some spouses, and more. A more balanced life can help take stress and unnecessary 'responsibilities' off of our shoulders, creating a more tranquil and POSITIVE us!
Everyday we try to balance our job along with our families, our finances, our hobbies, and so on. So, what is the first step? The first thing I would do is take a step back and take a good, long look at everything going on in your life. Some call this taking a "helicopter" viewpoint, or in other words: looking down at your life. Some of you, like me, might even write down everything you can think of that you have going on. Once you can look at everything you can start prioritizing and mapping out how to give appropriate attention to each thing.
You should already start feeling more balanced by now.
Next: make a POA (plan of action)! Prioritize things but also have a plan of what to do to try to prevent becoming "off balance" again in the future. Learn to recognize the signs early so that it doesn't overwhelm you again. For me, I notice that my life is off-balance when my mood changes. For example, I am only half-way moved (living out of a suit case) for a month in my new town while also starting my new job and I quickly realized that if I kept putting a lot of my energy into the "stress" of not being unpacked and organized, then I couldn't focus on other more important things such as learning at work or meeting new friends. I firmly believe that if I put all of my energy into one aspect of my current life, such as moving, then I don't leave myself much energy or time to focus on other parts of my life that are equally as important! i.e., I'M OFF BALANCE. So I make a POA of how to de-stress, re-focus, and balance myself out. Many of this includes STAYING POSITIVE as often as possible! You can't have a balanced life with negativity... you just can't. It throws you off before you can even recognize it!
Feeling better?
We can all learn how to balance our lives. It may take practice, but we can do it. My favorite phrase to repeat to myself (self-talk) is "CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLE" which means to let go of things throwing me off-balance that are OUT of my control (bills, gas prices, injury, etc). By focusing on things that are out of my control (and trying to control them) can completely throw me off and turn me into a bear to be around!
So when you are re-evaluating your New Years Resolution (or making them for the first time this year), try to add one like this! A better you mentally = a better you ALL OVER.
Hope you all try this out this year and have a happier, healthier, and MORE BALANCED life!!
|| SARAH ||
Happy New Years!!
As part of my New Years Resolution(s), I am going to try to keep up with this blog more diligently. It is been 2 months since my last post (Halloween), and for that I apologize. For any of you that do read this blog, I hope that you'll continue to.... And, of course we will be discussing YOUR news years resolutions today also!
First up: Life updates! I have FINALLY been offered (and accepted) a new job! It is one within my field of Sport Psychology and I couldn't be happier. This ALSO means that I am no longer living with my parents but moving to another city and state completely! 2012 definitely had it's ups and down with new life being born and losing dear friends at the same time, but it ended with a bang, and I am so grateful for everything & everyone that I currently have in my life. I wish that all of you had good years as well where you learned about yourself, life, and loved as much as possible.
Now, onto those resolutions. I think that they can be WONDERFUL things to make- IF, and only if, they are made with S.M.A.R.T. GOALS mentality! What does S.M.A.R.T stand for, you ask? Glad to share:
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Attainable
R: Realistic
T: Time-bound
Try to remember when setting that resolution for this year that you meet all of the components of SMART GOALS! Because, essentially, a resolution is really a long-term goal that you are setting for yourself. (Go ahead and make smaller short-term goals also to help you reach that long-term goal). Let's look at an example:
New Years Resolution Example: Lose 20 pounds this year. Here is how to make it "smart" and make smaller/short-term goals along the way:
Is it specific? - Yes & no: You said you wanted to lose 20 lbs this year, which is a specific #, but HOW will you lose it is an even more important question? (GET AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE). This allows you to make those smaller goals to help you along the way.
Is it measurable?- Yes. You can measure weight loss in multiple ways. The # on the scale, body measurements, how your clothes fit, and how you feel!
Is it attainable?- YES. If you have 20# to lose, then I think doing it in 1 year is attainable and healthy.
Is it realistic?- Yes. Like I said, if you have 20# to lose, then it is realistic to work towards.
Is it time-bound?- Yes. To lose 20# in "one year" gives you that time table.
SO, GREAT! You created a SMART GOAL RESOLUTION! Short-term goals to help you along the way could be things such as "I will eat less than 20g of fat and watch my calories everyday", and "I will start a workout routine/running routine/join a club team/ etc". Keep up with your progress and reward yourself for all of your hard work!
Lastly...to avoid "forgetting" those resolutions, or "losing the steam" to keep going: POST your resolutions/goals in obvious places such as your fridge, a mirror, or the background of your phone to remind you and motivate you every day! One of my favorite motivators for weight loss is to post a pic of yourself now, then take pics of you every time you lose weight and place next to the original, so you can see your progress and know where you don't want to go back to!! There are clearly more resolutions other than "weight loss" out there, but the same aspects apply as for as adherence and motivation! Let me know your resolutions and how I can help!
I believe in you! This is YOUR YEAR! Make something great out of it!
Cheers to your happiness and health!
Sarah
Dedicated to Alecia Marie & Justin (J-Nasty). RIP to 2 beautiful souls.
