The 4 Keys To A More Balanced Lifestyle
Grace, Grit & Gratitude is all about simplicity and being realistic - but what does that mean exactly? It's a four-headed approach to lifestyle changes without the gimmicks or unnecessary extras (our ancestors didn't need a detox tea or two hour gym programmes so why should we!).
These four key areas in your life that need focus for successful health habit changes are:
- FITNESS – Move more; whether it’s for an hour, 30 mins or 5 mins, it all counts!
- NUTRITION – Eat better quality foods; everything in moderation, and preferably made from scratch in your own kitchen.
- WELLBEING – What leaves you feeling happier and gives you more energy? What makes you feel good? What helps you be healthy?
- MINDSET - Habit change requires brain rewiring. What shifts do you need to make in the way that you're thinking for you to be able to achieve your goals?
We often get so caught up with the small stuff or a lofty big end-goal, but getting back to basics and doing simple habits consistently is where the magic really happens. In more detail...
1. FITNESS
Your body was designed to move! But this doesn't mean you need to do a hardcore workout every day. Intelligent movement is all about listening to your body and honouring what it needs (while working with the energy you have to give, and the time you can put into it).
This means you need to be flexible with your planned fitness routine and give yourself the permission to be imperfect with it. Whether you end up doing an intense training session, some gentle stretching, a sociable exercise class, or a walk outside in the fresh air, it's all movement and it all counts. Bonus points if it's something you love! This will help you stick to doing it in the long term.
2. NUTRITION
Too many diets ask us to remove foods completely. If this isn't necessary for health reasons, a far better way of eating healthier is to ADD more. Drink more water. Eat more veges. Have more healthy fats. Include more lean protein. Have the occasional treat foods. Eat quality foods that are free range/grown locally/are fresh. Filling up on the good stuff, giving ourselves permission to eat everything in moderation (and revising what 'moderation' means) and learning how to cook food you enjoy is where we're at.
3. WELLBEING
Exercise and nutrition on their own aren't enough to get results that will last for you in the long term. There's 'other stuff' that helps keep you on track. Are you taking the time to rest and relax? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you practicing mindfulness? Are you enjoying your exercise? Are you doing things that make you happy? Do you get outdoors into the daylight each day? All of these things and more are so important, but they're often not given enough attention.
4. MINDSET
Most of us know what we need to do to get the results we want. It's getting into the right mindset to action that plan, having the resilience and determination to keep it up consistently, and the flexibility to troubleshoot and adapt if the plan isn't working.
Which area or areas do you think your attention might be lacking from these four? For most people it's wellbeing and/or mindset. If you want to reflect more on this, check out the Lifestyle Balance Pie Chart and give it a go. You might be surprised and what's important to you and what you would like to include more in your life.
Image / DepositPhotos
