5 Tips for a Balanced Week
Written by Melissa Cruz, RPN
With so much change in our day to day life lately, it can feel like we’re the star of our very own circus. Between work, family, social media and our social life, maintaining it can be a crazy juggling act. This can quickly have us feeling stressed and anxious—like we can never get caught up.
Is the work-life balance a myth or what?
You’ve probably heard it from friends and loved ones lately, and the cute graphics as you scroll Instagram. “Take more time for yourself.” “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
It’s time to start listening! Stop saving those posts for reminders later, and take action.
In the last two years these 5 steps have helped me achieve a more balanced lifestyle.
“There will be days — sometimes weeks — where we feel that three-ring circus creeping up on us again. But if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll create a little more peace and balance in your life.”
1. Get some Fresh Air
Get outside. There is nothing better for my mental well-being than being outdoors. I can go for a walk in the woods. Living in Ontario, I am so lucky to be surrounded by all sorts of trails. If you don’t have access to outdoor trails or the great wilderness, even just getting around the block, or going back and forth to the mailbox every day will do the trick. How about spending your daily Instagram scroll time on your patio or balcony, instead of on the couch inside?
2. Listen to a Podcast
I am a HUGE fan of Podcasts. Over the years I’ve learned so much from listening to podcasts. I have a library of Wellness podcasts, lifestyle, beauty, inspirational, history, science… even true crime sagas. You name it, it’s saved in my library. I listen in my car on the way to work, while I get ready, or if I’m researching a topic. My top two faves, On Purpose With Jay Shetty and The Skinny Confidential - Him & Her.
3. Working Out
Moving your body keeps your heart healthy but also improves your mental wellbeing. I find that when I need to have a moment to myself I gravitate towards my mat. I love to transform my room into a mini yoga studio and following a step-by-step yoga video. I like to head to the gym for a quick morning workout, and spin classes after work. SpinCo is a fave locally, and something easy to do with a friend.
4. Stepping Out For Coffee & Tea
I love a morning ritual to make coffee at home, but sometimes getting out there and exploring a local coffee shop is just the thing you need. Meet a friend, take your fur-baby, or even go alone to your favourite coffee shop. I love going to a Starbucks that’s attached to an Indigo to have a good browse. This leads me to my final tip.
5. Roam Your favourite Shop
My favourite shop? Indigo. I don’t have to buy anything if I don’t want to but I can spend as many hours as I want inside Indigo. I will jump from genre to genre exploring all the new books. I’ll often find books that I want to rent on my local library app and sometimes if I really like a book I’ll buy it. They have so many trinkets as well, like home accessories, journals, scarves. I always feel so good after I leave. Yours might be Homesense or a small boutique. The simple act of getting out for a browse can boost your mood and reset your stress levels.
When I make time to incorporate even just one of these tips into my busy week, I notice that my mood has changed for the better. I sleep more soundly. I am more aware of the things I am consuming whether that’s food or the energy around me.
There will be days — sometimes weeks — where we feel that three-ring circus creeping up on us again. But if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll create a little more peace and balance in your life.