A balanced body is one that both looks and feels well, with its various structures able to carry out their respective functions with ease. As well as physical health, this encompasses the brain and therefore mental health. While it’s inevitable that there will be times in life where our ability to remain in balance is challenged (that’s just the world we live in), the more we prioritise our physical and mental health, the more optimally our minds and bodies are able to function, and the easier it is to establish balance, and come back to it when we stray from it.
Whether you’ve strayed from your normal routine on holiday, had a bit of a weekend blow-out, been through a period of stress, or perhaps have just neglected yourself a little for one reason or another, being out of balance can affect our physical and mental health both directly, and indirectly by altering the choices you make. Whatever the cause, feeling out of balance is never a nice place to be, it’s also not the best place to linger if you want to experience the benefits associated with good physical and mental health, and a good
quality of life. Essentially, feeling out of balance makes it harder to show up on earth as the human you want to be and enjoy all the things you love. Here are 6 things you can do to restore and maintain physical and emotional balance:
Remove barriers to health
Imbalance is your body’s way of letting you know there’s something going on. Use this as an opportunity to examine your habits and behaviours. Start simple: are you drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, eating an abundance of vegetables, limiting stressors, moving your body, nurturing healthy relationships, limiting toxins etc. Removing barriers to health is about limiting behaviours and habits that negatively impact health, and doing more of what enhances health i.e. giving your body (and mind) optimal conditions in which to thrive.
Reconnect to yourself In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to loose that sense of connection to yourself which makes it harder to tap into what our bodies (and minds) need. Ultimately our bodies know best, and when we tap into that, it becomes easier to make decisions that support and enhance all areas of our health. Mindful movement, yoga, meditation, breath work, journaling, time in nature and taking a break from socials will help you reconnect to yourself.
Spend time in nature, often
Connecting to the to the natural world can be incredibly healing. As humans, we are inextricably linked to the earth and its systems, that’s why are often affected by the weather, the moon, the tides and so on. Prioritise daily time in nature, whether that’s a long hike on your day off, a dip in the ocean, even a quick walk in the park on your lunch break or an extended cuddle with your pet. Nature really is the best therapy, and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Have a break from alcohol, coffee and other stimulants
As necessary as these things may seem at times, and as deeply engrained in society as they may be, taking a break from them from time to time can be extremely beneficial for your health, especially if you are feeling run down. The problem here is that they give you a false sense of energy, meaning the body uses resources up resources it doesn’t actually have, or that are needed elsewhere. Instead of relying on stimulants for energy, treat the underlying cause by prioritising adequate good quality sleep and rest, ensure your diet is
balanced and expansive and to support gut health, implement stress management techniques and so on. It may also be worth booking in with your GP for blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions, deficiencies or imbalances which may be contributing to your low energy.
Reduce your exposure to toxins
We are exposed to environmental toxins all the time in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the products we use in our homes and on our skin. These toxins can damage structures within the body, disrupt hormone function and contribute to symptoms such as brain fog, low mood, sleep problems, eczema and other inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, energy and resources are used as the body attempts to get rid of them. While it’s impossible to completely avoid toxins and, to a degree our bodies have systems of detoxification to remove them, it’s really important to limit your exposure to
them as far as possible to avoid toxic burden. Do this by using natural beauty and cleaning products, drinking clean water and ensuring your food is organic, or properly washed.
Work on your gut health
Gut health is foundational to everything. The more efficiently you are able to digest and absorb nutrients and filter out and excrete toxins and waste products, the easier it becomes for your body to achieve homeostasis, which is the body’s ability to self regulate and maintain stability, whilst adjusting to the ever-changing conditions of our external worlds. In other words, the body’s capacity to regulate itself and find balance. This is all about working with your body to achieve optimal physical and mental health, and making it as easy as possible for your body to do this. If feeling out of balance is something you regularly experience, it may be a good idea to work with your GP or a qualified practitioner to identify and treat the root cause of what’s going on.
Hannah is a holistic nutritionist (BSc) with a special interest in brain health, cognitive function and the scope of nutrition in improving mental health and reducing cognitive decline. Follow Hannah on Instagram for delicious recipes and health tips: https://www.instagram.com/kinderkitchen.co/