That being said, being active does not mean never, ever stopping. Or automatically signing up for this season’s latest trendy activity. Or feeling guilty when you have to (or simply decide to) skip a workout! We often talk about “balance,” this topic often comes up in conversation, but let’s face it, achieving balance can be quite a challenge. Let’s try and shed some light on the subject!
How can you live a balanced life?
Daily:
Missed your morning run? It happens to the best of us! Don’t make a big deal out of it, just move on.
Weekly:
Try to have active days and rest days, even if you don’t always feel the need.
Monthly:
Depending on the season and the occasions that may arise, our active lifestyle must leave some wiggle room for our social life (mental health is ever so precious.)
Yearly:
Plan your training so that it includes cycles, variety, progression and rest periods; maintaining the same rhythm all year long is a sure-fire way to crash and burn…
Are you thinking: Me? Rest? Pff, no need! I’m in tip-top shape!
Perhaps, but remember, fatigue is not only the result of your training schedule, it also includes2 all of life’s stressors:
- Sports
- Work
- Daily life
So, at a time in your life that is particularly demanding either professionally or personally, chances are this’ll overlap into your training routine. It’s normal to reduce the intensity and/or duration of your sporting activities during such times. Having a plan is a great idea, but in real-life, you must pay attention to your physical and psychological needs; perfection is but an illusion!
The good old 80-20 ratio
If 80% of the time, you’re eating a balanced diet, sleeping well and leading an active life… everything is PERFECT!
Doing this 100% of the time is not realistic. Period!
Taking an overall assessment of your lifestyle is preferable; scrutinizing every meal, every day, trying to “pinpoint a flaw,” is only harmful.
4 signs that something may be wrong
Feel that you’re lacking balance? If you begin to experience the following symptoms, it’s likely time to slow down and, perhaps even, consult a healthcare professional:
- Sign 1. Neck stiffness
- Sign 2. Skin problems
- Sign 3. Sleep difficulties
- Sign 4. Stagnant performance in training, or reaching a training “plateau”
What to remember
Find a sport or activity that truly motivates you, practice it in moderation, take breaks and weeks off to rest and explore other activities; when you return to your fav, you’ll be more than ready!