We live in a fast changing world and it is very easy to buy into the notion that we must be constantly busy. Busy people taking phone calls and sending texts and e-mails may make us feel more important but there should be more to life than work.
At the start of a new school year it is important to think about how busy you want your children to be. If you sign them up for multiple activities after a busy school day, are you giving your child enough time to play, make things and see friends? I remember a friend who would not allow her daughter to go to birthday parties on a day when she had a piano or tennis lesson.
Her daughter no longer plays either the piano or tennis and I am sure she would have been happier to have gone to the party with her friends. Many busy working mothers book their children in for lots of activities because they are not able to be there with their children. But maybe they could find a few hours to just relax, stay home and play with their children themselves. Children need a balanced life as there can be so much importance put on homework and testing that it can be stressful for them.
Leading a balanced life is very important, and so is being physically healthy and happy, and being able to enjoy life to the full. When your life is balanced, you are full of positive energy and confidence and most of all feel content. When you lead a balanced life, your children will learn from you how to handle this modern fast-paced world with patience and calm.
Life can be a real balancing act. I know there are times when I have many projects that I would like to take on but I need my time for my family, exercise and nature, as I produce my best work when I am leading a balanced life and I have had to learn to say no to some projects.
We occasionally need to do a little bit of life auditing to make sure we have a balance of the important things in life. Time for family, religion, healthy eating, work, exercise and time enjoying nature and time spent relaxing.
Being aware of an in balance is the first step to restoring balance.
Balanced nutrition
Many people have weight and health problems due to an unbalanced diet. Eating by routine a healthy balanced diet helps your body fight infection, keeps your weight stable and gives you a healthy glow. Contact me at [email protected] for a copy of my healthy eating plan.
Crash dieting and the cutting down on one particular food group is an unhealthy practice. Many of us eat too much sugar for the body to cope with and diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions amongst the middle aged. Try to have a sugar treat only once per day and cut sugar out of your tea and coffee. Skipping meals and relying on sweet snacks, cola, tea and coffee creates an imbalance in the body. Many dieters lack energy due to cutting down on carbohydrates. In richer countries, people tend to eat excess sugar protein and fat. This too can lead to fatigue.
When you enjoy a balanced diet and take regular exercise, you lose weight without sacrifice and you do not become dependant on food for comfort.
I wish you all a happy, balanced day!
Ask Alva
I cannot afford to join a gym. Can you suggest exercise I can do alone when I have a moment? — Mabel
Try to get into a regular routine of fitting exercise into your day. A daily walk has great benefits and burns 230 calories per hour. Videos and DVDs can be a great way to get started. But don’t be afraid to go at your own pace. Swimming is a great body toner and burns 410 calories. You can send to [email protected] for a copy of my mini-morning workout which is an overall body toner to keep you supple and make you feel great for the day ahead. — Alva
