Practice these balance postures 10 minutes a week to help your balance, stability, and concentration.
Recently I have come to think of my health a little differently. I imagine the different areas of my health like a garden full of a variety of plants. Every few days, each plant needs a little water to stay alive and keep growing.
Now and then, they also need fertilizer and occasionally weeds need to be pulled so that the garden doesn’t become overgrown. In a nutshell, all my plants need small doses of ongoing care or else they will perish.
If I had to do all of this maintenance in one day, it would not be possible. I would feel overwhelmed and would not attend to it at all, and before I knew it, my garden would shrivel and die.
Our well-being and lives are they same. If I think about all the different elements that need to be maintained, it can sometimes become too much to deal with. That’s why I keep my to-do list realistic and give all the areas of my health small yet regular amounts of attention—allowing myself to continue to thrive.
Take a moment to think about the different elements of your health and fitness that you need to nurture in order to feel balanced inside and out. My list includes a combination of cardio exercises, strength exercises, Pilates conditioning, stretching, and eating well.
In order to make sure I’m doing all these exercises, I simply plan time in my week to complete a minimum of one of each type of session. Even if I don’t feel like it, I do it anyway because I know I will feel better after I do it, and I almost always start to feel good just after I start.
I’m a naturally healthy eater, which I’m very grateful for, but I still need to make sure I have the right foods at home so I don’t end up eating high-fat, low-nutrient convenience foods.
When it comes to clean healthy eating, the rule is simple: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Stock up on lots of vegetables, including salad fixings, and lean meats for meals, and low-glycemic fruit like strawberries for snacks.
Of course, health is a much bigger picture than just exercise and nutrition, but these are fundamental elements and will affect the quality of all areas of your life. The other plants in the garden are family, career, spirituality, charity, work, and the list continues. The key is to keep watering and nurturing each part consistently, and not to get overwhelmed by what sometimes feels like a jungle in front of us.
Try these movements to help your balance, stability, and concentration. Completing this balance-orientated workout will only take about 10 minutes. Your aim is to do it once a week to see a marked improvement in each pose. A little bit goes a long way. Ten minutes each week is very little, and the reward is worth it.
(Willis Lim/Brisbane Australia)
Tree Pose. Place your right foot onto the inside of your left thigh. The higher it is, the more difficult it is. If it’s too hard to balance at first, keep your foot under your knee or even just beside the opposite ankle. Place your palms together above your head. Hold this position for at least 30 seconds and then switch sides.
(Willis Lim/Brisbane Australia)
Dancer’s Pose. Bend your right knee, and bring your right foot up behind you. Grab the top of your foot with your right hand. Press your foot into your hand, as you reach our left arm out in front of your body. Gently lean forward and keep pressing your foot into your hand. Hold for at least 30 seconds and then change to the opposite side.
(Willis Lim/Brisbane Australia)
Karate Balance. Extend both arms out forming a T-shape with your upper body. Lift your right thigh up and hold your leg at 90-degree position for 30 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side. Repeat both sides again with your eyes closed.
(Willis Lim/Brisbane Australia)
Toe Balance. Lift both heels up at the same time and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat the movement three times, trying the last two repetitions with your eyes closed.
Emma-Kate Stampton certifies Pilates Instructors and is a certified personal trainer. With nine years of industry experience, she is passionate about sharing the gift of health and well-being. Emma-Kate is based in Brisbane, Australia.
