Get Rid of the Fog

It’s important to be in tune with your body and pay attention to what it is telling you and why, especially if you’re not feeling well.

Your body is an incredibly smart, bio-computer that has many ways of informing you of its needs. If you look closely enough, it can help you determine if you are getting proper nutrition, enough rest, or need attention in other areas of your life.

So many of us are overtired and overweight, depressed or stressed, and suffer from all-too-common symptoms like insomnia, infertility, chronic pain, and addiction, it can be very difficult to know how to address our problems. So how do we locate the imbalances and make changes?

Quick fixes may be appropriate for many things in life, but when it comes to your health, the best prescription is balance. By slowing down, paying attention, and reflecting on your daily life, you will begin to target the root causes of your disease. And as you begin to recognize them you’ll see how empowering it is to know that you have the ability to take control and make the necessary changes towards wellness.

There are many more layers to this, but here are some simple steps to get you started on a path to finding balance in your life:

1.Deconstruct Your Day,From Start to Finish
Start a journal before bed; it’s is a great way to take an inventory of your day. Too often, we get so caught up in the day-to-day rut that we are either too busy to notice how imbalanced we are or excuse it as a fact of life.

2.Ask Yourself These Questions
Take a look at what you’ve written in your journal and take control by witnessing — without judging — what’s deficient in your life:
 Did I get enough sleep?
 Did I start the day with a healthy breakfast (not just a coffee or Red Bull)?
 Did I get any physical movement in throughout the day — a brisk walk, a long stretch, gym, yoga?
 Did I enjoy the work I did today?
 Is what I do for a living congruent with my core values?
 Did I eat a healthy and balanced lunch?
 Did I drink enough water?
 Did I have a nutritious snack?
 Did I have a balanced dinner that was prepared at home?
 Did I have any time for myself — did I exercise, read a book, take a nap, partake in a hobby?
 Did I follow a planner/calendar to schedule tasks and meetings and keep organized?
 Did I wake up or come home to a clean and organized home/apartment?
 Did I smoke, use drugs, drink too much, or engage in any other addictive behavior?
 Are my relationships open and honest?
 Do I have a meaningful spiritual practice or religion?
By answering these questions, you are shinning a light on components of your life that will require more of your attention and consideration.

3.Write Down What You Want to See Change
Based on your responses to the questions above, make note of the things you want to change. Post them on your refrigerator, communicate them to family and friends, and keep these goals at the forefront of your mind.

4.Decide What Steps You Can Make Toward Your Goals
This is not an instant process; finding balance will only come when you slow down, pay attention, and begin to take small, gradual steps toward your goals. Take one step at a time. Taking on too much at once will only deter your efforts.

5.Take Action
As you become more aware of your habits and behavior, you may be able to decide which small steps you can begin to take on your own. You may also feel that you need the guidance of a professional — like a personal trainer at your local gym to teach you exercise techniques, or a yoga instructor to help with your breathing, meditation, and stretching. You may also benefit from the guidance and support of a health coach to practice better nutrition and acquire overall balance through a holistic approach.

By making a commitment to change your life and your health, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of balance, of what’s deep inside your heart, soul, and mind, and you’ll find clarity and openness. We have one life on this earth, so take the time to slow down and embrace it with the vitality, energy, and confidence you deserve.