Healthy living is easier than you think. One fabulously easy way to start is by examining your "to do" list. Most people are busy everyday with action-packed schedules. But, none of us is too busy to take control of our health. It's our most important asset; one that will help us reach all other goals and can enjoy the fruits of our labor down the road.

Right now. Look ahead at your schedule for next week. Are exercise, relaxation, quality sleep, time for meal planning and building nourishing relationships on there?  If not, you might need a slight adjustment in priorities. Reflection is time well spent. Building in health-supportive activities will bring your whole life into greater focus. Here are a few more reasons to consider bringing a healthier balance to your everyday life.

- Making time for regular exercise actually gives us more energy. Cardio strengthens our immune system which can translate into less downtime due to illness. Exercise also floods our bodies with healthful, mood enhancing endorphins which have been shown to boost our peacefulness for up to twelve hours. New research is showing it can be done in as little as 10 minute bursts of activity three times per day.

- If you experience any amount of stress in your day, it's important to balance it with relaxation. Extreme stress is associated with the age-advancing biochemicals namely cortisol. When we relax deeply on the other hand, our bodies are flooded with health-enhancing chemicals that help offset damage from the day's stresses.

- Stress is catabolic. It breaks down our body's tissues. Sleep is anabolic. It is part of our body's natural process of rejuvenation. Life is much more fabulous with a balance.

- The amount of time you spend planning your meals for the week, say on a Sunday, is a huge investment in your health. Answers to these questions will show you how. How many times have you been caught hungry with only vending machine sugary or salty choices available? What does extreme hunger and poor choices do to your blood glucose level? Extreme swings in our blood glucose level (hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia) is anti-Aging Fabulously! Planning to have your own healthy snacks on hand will keep your blood sugar level low and stable. Light, healthy snacking will also keep you energized throughout the day.

- Lastly, part of being an adult means dealing with people. If our days are filled with frustrating people who are so difficult to deal with that we just want to holler, we definitely need to balance this with some serious fun. Who or what is on your schedule that you look forward to boundless, healthful anticipation? If nothing fun is there, start planning today to blend in some fun. Make it a priority!

We know a lot people freak out when they hear the word "balance".  Some think it's over used. Not! Think about your schedule this year. Can you make it more balanced?  Ask yourself, what you really, really want. Chances are, being healthy enough to enjoy your hard work will be at the top of your wish list. This makes the balancing act much easier.
 
Here's to more balanced, healthy living in 2011!