What does a Balanced Lifestyle Really Mean?

Uncover the key elements of a balanced lifestyle and how it supports mental, physical, and

emotional health for a holistic approach to well-being.

When we talk about living a balanced or ‘healthy’ lifestyle, we've often been conditioned to view it through the lens of diet culture and hustle culture, which dictate how we should value ‘balance’ and ‘health'.

People often tell me they’re living a healthy lifestyle because they work out five times a week, eat only 'healthy' foods, avoid sweets, steer clear of takeout, and drink 80oz of water a day...

These habits can be positive!

But they don’t define a truly balanced lifestyle.

There are many other factors that contribute to a balanced, sustainable lifestyle—one that will leave you feeling more fulfilled than simply focusing on weight and food alone.

Factors that Contribute to a Balanced Lifestyle:

Relationships/Community

Work/Career/Volunteering

Hobbies and Interests

Financial Stability

Physical health

Nutritional health

Mental Health

Sleep and Daily Routines

REST AND RESET TIME

A balanced lifestyle looks different for everyone!

Tips on how to determine your personal balance:

Start by identifying your priorities: recognize the areas where you're thriving and the ones that could use some improvement. Pinpoint what might be causing an imbalance in your life— whether it's daily movement, eating a variety of foods, socializing, or scheduling time for rest.

Practice mindfulness and intentionality in your day-to-day: as you move through your everyday routines, take inventory of how you feel, your mentality, and your energy levels.

Set realistic goals for yourself: if you're unsure, talk it through with a trusted friend, loved one, or coach to ensure the goals you're setting are achievable.

Avoid trying to change everything all at once: focus on making one small change at a time, and gradually build on that. This is how lasting changes are made. Establish healthy boundaries for yourself and others.

TAKE YOUR TIME: Prioritize progress over perfection. Our needs and priorities evolve, so what balance looks like will shift as well. Embrace flexibility and keep reassessing along the way.

Nature has varying needs throughout the seasons—light, water, rest,

hibernation, growth, and bloom. Similarly, humans experience different

needs at different stages of life. Judging ourselves for our evolving needs

and goals is not helpful.

Balance Myths

Balance and health don't require you to "earn" your food. They don't mean pushing your body beyond its limits or depriving it of the rest it needs.

They don't involve calorie counting or restriction.

Balance and health aren't about cutting out food groups (unless due to allergies).

They don't require eliminating things that bring you joy.

Balance and health are not about making yourself smaller to fit a mould.

Balance isn’t about achieving equality in everything.

Balance, like health, weight, and body composition, is not one-size-fits-all.

When we stop trying to fit ourselves into predefined boxes, we create

space for inner peace and the ability to build a life and lifestyle we can be proud of.

By honouring our unique needs, we set the foundation for health and well-being to naturally follow.

QUESTION:

WHAT DOES BALANCE FEEL AND LOOK LIKE FOR

YOU?

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF BALANCE?

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FIND BALANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISING SELF-COMPASSION AND FINDING WHAT WORKS

With Care,

Taylor Ashley RP