Balancing Acts

As a yoga teacher, there are two things I hear all the time from new students, "I'm not flexible and I have terrible balance." My response to that usually goes something like this, flexibility comes with time and patience, it's a process. The more you come to class, learn to breathe and soften, your body will respond and your flexibility will increase. Trust me, I've seen it first hand many, many times.

Balance, on the other hand, is a funny thing. There are days when I see students float from pose to pose seamlessly and other days wobble and wiggle in an effort to get steady. But isn't that really just a metaphor for life in general? So many experiences we have on the mat physically are the same experiences we have outside the studio.

Why is it so hard to find balance even when our two feet are planted firmly on the ground? And why does it seem so effortless for some and such a struggle for others?

Last week, I sat on the beach staring at the sea and thought about this whole notion of balance for a long time. I find that my own balance is challenged on a daily basis. Finding balance between work and home, family and friends can be difficult. What's even more difficult is finding time for yourself.

Here are some easy ways to help you find more balance in your daily life:

1. Make time just for YOU! A little goes a long way. Maybe it's 5 minutes of meditation in the morning after the kids get on the bus. Sitting quietly, focusing on your breath, not your laundry list of things you have to do today. You'd be surprised how just a few minutes can create a feeling of calm that can last throughout the day.
2. Stop wasting time. Put down that phone and have real life conversations with people. I am as guilty as anyone of playing a little too much Candy Crush every now and then. Something as simple as putting down your phone or iPad will free up time to spend doing something meaningful, like playing a board game with your kids or going for a walk with the dog.
3. Consolidate your errands. Sounds simple enough, write down what absolutely needs to get done on a given day and do it all at one time. Running in and out all day is exhausting, creates unnecessary stress and wastes a lot of gas (and money!).
4. Exercise! It's really true that people who make time to exercise are happier. Not only have you done something good for your body, but you will feel more alert and ready to tackle what life throws at you.
5. Relax. Sure, sure, easy for me to say, but it's true. Pick up a good book in the evening instead of turning on the television. Take a yoga class! Trust me when I say, you will feel AWESOME afterwards.

These are crazy times we live in and it's easy to lose our balance. Sometimes all it takes it a little redirection. I'm pretty sure that at the end of our lives, no one will look back and say, I really wish I had done more errands.

About the author: Nicole Thornbrough is mom to two very active boys and teaches yoga at Hello Yoga in Wilton, CT. Visit www.helloyogawilton.com  to check out the class schedule and find out when she teaches.