For years I have struggled with having balance in my life. There was always something more important to do than taking care of myself and there was never enough time to do everything I have to.

Have I become less busy?

Did I find the magic cure for ?I have so many things to do??

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

But it became very clear to me, that I always have a choice, even when it feels like I don’t.

My business is more demanding than ever before. I am a lot busier, but I know that there are a few things I should always choose to do, no matter how busy I am. Before I tell you what they are I want to make sure you understand that these are the things that keep ME balanced. It doesn’t mean that same things will keep YOU balanced

Even when things are tough, I always:

1. Eat Healthy

I was heavy and unhealthy most of my life. Swinging between loosing and gaining weight, I finally found a program that worked for me. Almost 7 years ago, I lost 90 pounds and I maintain the weight since then. I plan ahead; I cook in advance, always make sure I have ?emergency healthy food? in my freezer and I spend a few hours a week working a program of recovery from food addiction. Is there a room for improvement? Of course! I try to eat mindfully, sitting at the table and not doing anything else while eating. I still have meals that I eat next to the computer or while reading an article to get inspired for my blog? I would like to improve that and always eat mindfully because not only that the food tastes so good but I’m more satisfied and I also enjoy and relax at the same time.

2. Exercise.

I exercise 3 times a week. If I have an extremely busy week I exercise only twice. I love walking in nature but it is not enough for me. I integrate walking with exercising at the gym. When I sweat doing aerobics , when my heart rate rises, it clears my head. Many of my more inspiring ideas were born on the treadmill. There is something about the movement and the sweat that automatically releases tension for me (physical tension as well as emotional one). I do not use my iPhone to listen to music while training so I don’t get tempted to check emails. I use an iPOD that has only music, and some teleclass recording. Exercise is a great way for me to balance body and mind.

3. Get centered

I get centered no matter what is going on in my life. Getting centered means different things to different people. What does it mean for you? It might be yoga or meditation, walking in nature or inspirational reading. Whatever it is ? if you do it daily, it changes the way you react to life. I get centered a few times a day: 20-minute meditation and self-Reiki early in the morning, 20-minute guided visualization nap some days in the afternoon and gratitude centering before bed. Throughout the day I remind myself to breath and I use affirmations when something feels off.

4. Do things I love

Many of you know how passionate I am about my work. I truly wake up excited to start my day every morning. Being a life-coach is not what I do, it is who I am. Very easily I get carried away to over work and do more than I want. I have to be very conscious about my choices. I don’t want to feel like it’s all about work and nothing else. Eventually it will drain me. That’s why I remember to do other things I enjoy. This is an important balance factor in my life. And I’m really talking about simple things: ?listen to music rather than a recorded teleclass, watching a movie in the theatre so I can ?turn off? my thoughts, taking evening walks with my husband and our dog, going out with my husband at least once a week, watching plays, meeting friends for tea (I stay away from coffee). It’s those small enjoyable moments that make all the difference.

Is it perfect? No. Some weeks are better than others. Some days are better than others. These 4 areas are at the top of my priority list. They are very important for me. And of course there are other balance actions that I take when I choose: getting a massage, going away, reading a fun book, resting, taking a workshop and many more fun activities.

It ‘s all about having less stress and more balance.

What are your non-negotiable balance actions? Please share!