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Lifestyle

Ways You Can Create Balance Every Day

by Kayla Christine1 Comment on Ways You Can Create Balance Every Day
Ways You Can Create Balance Every Day

I gotta be honest, I have a really hard time slowing down and resting. I have a tendency to go go go, ALL OF THE TIME. The act of doing nothing doesn’t quite exist in my brain, yet (work in progress…). To me, there is always something to be doing. Anyone else feel like this? I know I can’t be the only one, so if that’s you, keep reading 🙂

The start of the new year is a time of new beginnings and a time to just really reset. And although the world seems a bit monotonous these days, it’s still so important to keep on keeping on. This year I really wanted to make it a priority to slow down in order to really get ahead and leave room for all of the things that truly bring me joy. Often times when we are “so busy,” it’s due to lack of efficiency. Finding ways to create balance in my life has been a GAME CHANGER. Of course like anything, some days are better than others. But for the most part, I can tell I have made progress to cultivate a better balanced life by sticking to the ways below:

  • Slow down through meditation: I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t have time to meditate,” or “I can’t sit still that long.” What if I told you it only took 5 – 10 minutes? Of course there are more lengthy versions of meditation. But I don’t have time for that either! I do however have 5-10 minutes to set aside every day. My favorite meditation is actually a Podcast, and it’s called Daily Meditation Podcast by Mary Meckley. I turn this on in the mornings, with zero distractions, and I just sit with the stillness, which allows me to focus on my breath and kinda get lost for a second. For me, it has helped bring me to a more grounded state (less of the go, go, go mentality) and re-center my thoughts about whatever my to do list for the day entails.
  • Write your to do list down, in the morning: Do you ever feel like throughout the day, your mental to do list just continues to get longer and longer? Ya, me too. The days where I find myself the most balanced are those days where I actually wrote my to do list down, in the morning, before actually getting my day started. I keep a specific journal for this, but you can write it down wherever works for you! Except in your phone 😉
  • Make it a priority to do ONE thing a day that makes you happy: This can be hard for a lot of us, as we may not feel unhappy. What I mean by this is to do at least one thing, deliberately, that is not of priority for someone else (i.e., work, kids, spouse, pets, etc…). It could be as simple as running yourself a bubble bath, free of distractions or treating yourself to a coffee from your favorite coffee shop. For me, I find happiness on my yoga mat (I know, big surprise LOL!).
  • Take social media breaks: Remember, balance is not found, it is CREATED. So how can we be our most efficient self if we are constantly loosing hours by scrolling through Instagram, or TikTok? I know I am completely guilty of this. That’s why I have had to start being deliberate with when I am going on social media. I will set alarms or timers, so I don’t catch myself over scrolling, or I will turn my phone off for an hour at a time. I know it sounds so silly to have to do these things, but trust me, it helps! Especially since this pandemic has increased majority of our screen times.
  • Be in the present moment: For me, this can be one of the hardest ones. I’m a forward thinker, so being intentional about being exactly where I am in each moment is something I struggle with. As I’ve become more mindful of this, it has actually helped a lot. Next time you are with friends or family, try putting your phone away for a few hours. I guarantee you will catch yourself enjoying the moment that is right in front of you just by this one small little step.

I would love to hear from you if you have any tips and tricks to creating balance! Feel free to share in the comments below ❤

Lifestyle

Staying On Track With Home Workouts

by Kayla Christine2 Comments on Staying On Track With Home Workouts
Staying On Track With Home Workouts

Between working from home, gym closures, and social distancing rules, I’m sure quarantine has discouraged a lot of our workout routines. In the beginning I know it definitely through me for a curve ball. I went from going to the yoga studio 1-2 times a day, to having to completely restructure my routine. It can be hard to keep yourself motivated and stay consistent during these times – yet now more than ever it is so important to incorporate some form of exercise into your day. Here are a few ways that have helped me stay on track:

SET SHORT TERM GOALS

There’s nothing better than seeing your hard work pay off – this is why I like to make attainable goals to help keep myself motivated. These goals don’t need to be huge, for example, if I was only able to work out for 30 minutes one day, maybe the next day my goal is to make it 45 minutes. Or upping my weight for certain exercises if the day before I only did bodyweight exercises. Whatever your goal may be, I guarantee if you write it down and see that progress, you will feel that much better.

SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS

Sticking to a schedule during these crazy times is so so so important, I can’t stress that enough. Not only does it help you achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself, but it keeps you accountable to yourself. I plan my workouts for the week (M-F), and I leave the weekend open because that is what is attainable for me. Since I never really know what my weekend will consist of, taking away the pressure of having to workout on these days has helped me stick to my weekday goals.

CHANGE IT UP

Repeating anything day in and day out is a recipe for boredom. It’s no different when it comes to your workouts, that is why it is crucial to keep your routine fun and interesting. For example, if I did a youtube workout one day, the next day I’ll do a workout from The Sculpt Society (TSS) App. The good thing about TSS is that I know each week when the new workouts will come out, so those are the days that I will schedule these. The rest of the days I schedule my IG or Youtube workout accounts I follow.

REST

If I’m being completely honest, this one is the hardest for me. As much as I know rest days are just as important as exercising, it’s tough for me to do “nothing.” What has helped me become more okay with rest days is literally telling myself that these are the days my muscles get to recover in order to come back stronger and prevent fatigue. Sounds silly, but hey it’s what works for me! Rest days look different for everyone, so do whatever your body is telling you.

How do you stay motivated? I would love to hear your tips!

Lifestyle

The At-Home Workouts I’m Into

Featuredby Kayla ChristineLeave a Comment on The At-Home Workouts I’m Into
The At-Home Workouts I’m Into

If there has been one good thing about quarantine it is that everything you need to stay in shape is online now. From IG and youtube accounts with easy-to-follow workouts, to more intense workout programs through apps with new, live content daily. If you’re anything like me, you like to keep your workouts fun and have a variety to choose from depending on the day. I’m a firm believer on listening to what your body is telling you and moving accordingly. Some days I just stick to my (self taught) yoga practice and other days when I have more energy, I incorporate one of the workouts listed here. Keep reading to learn more about my go to at-home workouts I’ve been into:

THE BEST FREE HIIT WORKOUT ON YOUTUBE:

Heather Robertson

Heather is a certified personal trainer with free workout videos you can do right from your home. She offers a variety of full length HIIT videos with dumbbells or other workout routines that require only body weight. Her youtube channel is updated with new videos weekly which keeps things fun and fresh. If you are looking to target certain muscle groups, she has specific shorter length workouts just for that as well.

THE BEST PAID FOR WORKOUT APP:

Megan Group – The Sculpt Society

Megan’s approach to fitness is unlike any workout routine you’ve probably done. She is all about making fitness fun, through a variety of easy-to-follow dance based cardio, light weight resistance, and sculpting sequences. Her workouts range from 10-50 minute routines (yes, I did say only 10 minutes!) so you can fit in a workout no matter what your day may entail. She is also just great energy, and always has the best music to push you through the workout. This has hands down been my go to quarantine workout.

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THE BEST IG WORKOUT:

Lauren Gleisberg

Lauren is a fitness blogger who writes her workouts based on targeting certain muscle groups through supersets and counting reps. Her workouts are posted on her IG feed and stories for free, and also on her blog where you can purchase her full weight training plans. All you need are dumbbells and resistance bands for majority of the workouts and about 30 minutes to spare. She is also just a super positive, down to earth mom of two who shares real life with all of her community.

I hope this has helped give you different options to either start a new workout routine or just add to your current fitness regime. I’d love to know what at-home workouts have been getting you through quarantine so feel free to comment below!