15 Ways To Spring Into Action and Achieve Balance

Spring is here and with any season we witness change. Daylight lasts longer, flowers bloom, the air is warmer and the streets are filled with families walking and riding bikes. Spring can be a wonderful time to get rid of old habits and adopt long lasting healthy behaviors that allow you to reconnect with loved ones and reclaim your sense of well being.

“I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.” –Anne Lamott

Listed below are 15 ways that you can reignite your soul and create the inner balance and calm that you desire:

1.Take a vacation
Professionals who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience chronic stress and burnout. Taking a vacation allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take time to recharge. Start planning your next vacation.
2.Go for a walk
Not only will taking a walk allow you to have some quiet time, it can also serve as a form of exercise to help you reduce stress, increase your energy level and help keep off the extra pounds.
3.Volunteer
Volunteering leads to increased physical activity which is good for your heart and blood pressure and it can also reduce stress by providing positive feelings when helping others. Find your favorite organization or go to www.volunteermatch.org for ideas.
4.Listen to your favorite tunes
Music has the power to make you feel happy and has many health benefits like lowering your stress level and blood pressure. Music is healing.
5.Count to 10
Take a time out. Counting to 10 will give you time to take a break, think about what you’re going to say or do and refocus. Try it and watch the tension melt away.
6.Meditate
It’s been scientifically proven that meditation can reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels, and improve immune health. It’s easy to learn. http://flip.it/Awmcqp
7.Hug
The touch of a hug instantly brings about calm. Think about the hug from a loved one and the sense of peace and joy you feel without words. Open your heart and hug someone today.
8.Journal
Writing in a journal helps to keep you in the present, increase self-awareness and can help you keep track of your goals and dreams. Give it a try. A gratitude journal is a great way to remember all that we should be thankful for.
9.Pray
The effects of a spiritual practice have not only been found to increase focus and concentration but it also reduces a calming effect that can lower stress, heart rate and blood pressure.
10.Eat healthy
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry can lead to a healthier immune system.
11.Think positive
Positive thinking is a great way to reduce stress as it gets rid of the negative noise inside your head. Keep positive affirmations nearby to read when times are tough or when the negative chatter creeps in.
12.Organize
Organizing your time means that you will have more time to devote to family, friends and leisure. Choose the most important priorities daily to complete first. By organizing your day, you will be more productive and less stressed.
13.Get plenty of sleep
Getting an adequate amount of sleep, 7-8 hours a night, can reduce stress levels, increase your level of happiness and reduce your risk of anxiety and depression. Try getting to bed an hour earlier this week.
14.Ask for help
We can’t do it all. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness and can reduce the overwhelm we often feel when there isn’t enough time in a day to complete all our tasks.
15.Learn something new
Learn a new skill or hobby and start to feel the excitement that comes from exploring a different interest or challenge.
What change or new habit will you incorporate this spring to bring you closer to achieving balance in your life? Comment below.