Are You Out of Balance?

In fiscal terms, the phrase, out of balance, typically applies to numbers; however, it can refer to your lifestyle as well.  An easy way to determine whether your life is out of balance is to simply ask yourself whether you are making time for exercise and for relaxation.  If the answer is no, this is a good indicator that it may be time to reset some of your priorities.  However, let’s first understand why these two elements are so important to our overall well-being.

Let’s begin with exercise.

 Of course, you are already aware of the many benefits of physical exercise.  The media, your friends, your family, your doctor, and even the government, remind us of its advantages on a regular basis.   You also know that you need to exercise to avoid becoming part of the overwhelming 95 percent of adults who do not partake in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity.  In fact, only one out of every three adults, actually meet the recommended required amount of weekly physical exercise.  This information is according to statistics listed by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.

If you find you cannot harness the incentive to exercise for the sake of your body, consider exercise as a way to improve your brain.  Len Kravitz, Ph.D. explains that the components of the brain which control executive central command, such as planning, multitasking, working memory, and deciphering ambiguity, are found to garner the largest positive effects from exercise.  In short, exercise can improve key areas of brain cognition.   If your life has been virtually void of physical exercise for a long time, the first step is to confer with your physician to ascertain what type of exercise program is best for you to begin with.

Relaxation is also important.

On the other end of the spectrum, relaxation is also vital when attempting to regain balance in your life, both physically and mentally.  How can your body regain energy if you don’t ever allow it time to rest?   Relaxation can take many forms; such as getting a massage, applying progressive muscle relaxation, listening to calming music, taking a nap, or even taking a vacation.  The key is to schedule in some form of relaxation on a daily basis.  According to a blog by Royal Coachman, recent reports have indicated that more than 90 percent of business leaders have confirmed taking even a short break has assisted in their overall stress-reduction.

In Closing.

In terms of exercise and relaxation, you are your own auditor.  If your findings indicate that the scales are tipped in the wrong direction, then it is time to implement your own corrective measures to include a consistent exercise program, as well as effective relaxation techniques that will work for you and your lifestyle.

Then, be sure to give yourself credit for recognizing the areas of your life in need of improvement and committing to your decision to enhance your personal well-being.  Like any good auditor, reassess your findings every six months to a year, making sure you are continuing to follow through with your decision toward personal wellness.  This is also a good time to make any necessary adjustments to your plan.  With your life finally in balance, remember to do one more thing — add “internal auditor” to your ongoing list of job functions!

by, Fred Coon, LEA, JCTC, CRW

Stewart, Cooper & Coon, has helped thousands of decision makers and senior executives move up in their careers and achieve significantly improved financial packages within short time frames. Contact Fred Coon – 866-883-4200, Ext. 200

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