Balance: some inspiration for you

Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in work, school, and our busy schedules. 

It is time to return some balance in our lives. 

Get your daily dose of inspiration. 

Connect! Ever hear of FOMO?

FOMO?

This is the "fear of missing out." 

In this age of social media, it is easy to get caught up in everyone else's life. 

But is everyone really having more fun than you? 

Do not compare yourself to someone else's highlight reel. 

It is important to stay connected with others. But it is more important to stay connected with yourself. 

Here are ten simple things to do every day throughout the day to stay connected.

1.) The alarm goes off. Flash a smile. Today is a new day, start of on the right side of the bed.

2.) Once you're out of bed, stretch up to the ceiling, and down to the floor. Appreciate the space that you take up in the universe. 

3.) Floss. This intimate activity makes you spend an extra couple minutes on yourself, and is good for your health. 

4.) Give yourself a compliment. Don't leave the house without taking a look in the mirror and reminding yourself that, wow, you look fabulous today. 

5.) Sit up straight. Take a second to focus on your posture. You are awesome, and you should show it.

6.) That afternoon headache that is distracting you from work? It could be your body's way of telling you that you are dehydrated. Now would be a great time to have an extra glass of water instead of reaching for your caffeinated beverage. 

7.) Take a walk. If you can manage it, walk outside. 

8.) It's dinner time. Instead of rushing through your meal, chew slowly, and really try to taste your food. You deserve this wonderful meal. 

9.) You've had a long day. Take a minute to take three deep breaths and evaluate how your body is feeling.

10.) Take an inventory from your day. Reflect on three good things that happened in your life. 

Your life is awesome, no matter what any one else posts on instagram. 

Eat! Fill Up on Fruits and Veggies

EAT

Challenge yourself to fill half of your plate with a 

variety of fruits and veggies! 

Have a hard time getting your fruits and veggies in?

Consider trying this tips and tricks:

• Breakfast
• Make an omelet with a variety of vegetables such as peppers, spinach, zucchini, and broccoli
• Try our veggie egg muffins recipe
• Have a piece of fruit on hand to take on the run

• Lunch or Dinner
• Add spinach and cut veggies onto your sandwich
• Start your meal off with a salad - think lots of colors
• Purchase a pre-made salad packet (such as the Kale Superfood one) for a quick salad

• Snacks
• Have vegetables cut and ready to eat for a quick grab and go snack
• Grab some almond (or peanut) butter and dip an apple or banana in
• Dip some of your favorite cut veggies (such as broccoli, carrots, and peppers) into hummus

Worried about cost?  Check out this resource about smart shopping for fruits and veggies.

Sleep - Establish a Routine

Setting a bedtime routine can be extremely beneficial to your body. It lets your brain know that the day is coming to an end and it is time to go to sleep. Here are some things that you can try:

Go unplugged: An hour before bed, shut down all electronics. 

Stretch or try some relaxing yoga poses. 

Have a cup of decaf tea. 

Find a meditation or prayer that helps you to relax.

Before you know it, your body will adjust to the routine and help you to prepare to go to sleep each night. 

Aim to Move Your Body Daily

Leisure time exercise is a great way to move your body daily.

Once you begin to incorporate moving into your free time, you will forget that you are exercising in the first place! 

Go window shopping. Instead of browsing for hours on the internet and shopping online, take a stroll around the mall. 

Have a break at work? Take a walk and visit co-workers.

Tough day at work or school? Don't plop down on the couch for mindless TV, turn on the music and have a dance party. 

Got out of work early? Why don't you take time to clean your living space. Cleaning is a simple way work you a sweat. 

Exercising doesn't have to be a chore. Work it into your daily life by making simple changes and experience the benefits.