8 Ways to Find More Balance In Your Life

We're often told that it's important to find balance in our lives. But what does that really mean? Balance can be defined as "a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions". Consider what it feels like when we find our balance in a yoga pose: there's this feeling of correct proportion, harmony and steadiness that fills the posture. When we look closely at ourselves within a balanced yoga pose, we can see that it is not arriving in perfect stillness. There's actually constant movement, small micro-adjustments and shifts that are always occurring. Sometimes, those small shifts feel effortless. At other points, they require attention, knowledge and action.

Just as we do this in our yoga postures, we can apply the same ideas to achieving balance in our lives. We use awareness, wisdom and adaptability to find the right distribution of energy that works for us. That balance is an exploration, and its arrival comes to each of us differently. Here are 8 ways to find more balance in your life:

1- Set boundaries and say no.

Learning to say no to the things that aren't supportive of your dreams is no easy task. But liberating yourself from the tasks and responsibilities that drain you will provide you with you with so much more creative energy and time for what you do love.

2- Nurture your relationships.

Place the most valuable relationships in your life as your highest priority. Studies have shown that the quality of our relationships is a key indicator for the health of our brain, physical health and even our life expectancy. Give love, share laughter and experiences and connect in meaningful ways to the important people in your life.

3- Foster a sense of awe.

Research shows that feeling awe regularly promotes well being and health, enduring personal change, and creates social connectedness, humility, and a more balanced view of self. Discover ways to experience awe regularly - perhaps by connecting to nature, or taking in new experiences like travel, art, music and movement.

4- Make health and wellness a priority.

Exercise regularly, eat healthily and get plenty of sleep. When we nourish ourselves, we are providing ourselves with the fuel to be creative, enthusiastic and compassionate.

5 - Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is a non-judgmental way of paying attention to the present moment. Meditation and yoga are powerful tools to cultivate this deep presence and attention. The more we develop mindfulness, the better decisions we make and the more content we become in the moment.

6 - Reflect and reassess each day.

Take time to listen to yourself and evaluate your state of mind. Write in a journal each day or take some quiet time to sit and simply think. Examine the parts of your life that are working well, and reassess the aspects that need improvement.

7 - Delegate and automate.

Be aware of the busy tasks in your life and work that can be given to others or technology to perform for you. Everything we do requires a percentage of our time and energy, so be diligent in recognizing the things that you can receive help for. If asking for help is difficult for you, start small and observe closely how it feels when you are able to let go of something.

8 - Unplug and recharge.

Step away from the work and all of the responsibilities regularly. Schedule in time off to do things that are simply fun and give your life joy. Nobody will do that you if you don't make it a priority.