What does “finding balance” really mean? Is it an elusive goal — like perfection — that doesn’t truly exist, or is this something we can at least attempt to attain? We’re sharing a glimpse into what Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, and JVN do each day to find balance among the chaos of day to day life — psst… these are all simple, free, and actionable steps you can take each day too.
How Do We Find “Balance”?
Balance means something different to everyone, and it changes day by day. While it might feel impossible to manage at times, be kind to yourself, and remember we can do small things, a little bit at a time, to improve our wellbeing, health, and happiness.
What are some of those healthy, small things we can include in our day? We turned to some of our favorite celebrities at FitOn to get their best advice. And again: what may work for one person may not work for you, but we can all learn from each other.
Julianne Hough Dished on Her Favorite Morning Ritual
Dancer and all-around queen Julianne Hough asks herself each morning: “How do I want to feel today?” She uses this instead of asking herself what she wants to accomplish. Guiding yourself by a feeling — and thus, what actions would contribute to that feeling — can flip your daily routine on its head.
For instance: do you want to feel energized? What actions would contribute to that feeling? Perhaps doing a morning HIIT session, going for a walk, putting on pump-up music (à la Julianne style), eating energizing foods, and drinking plenty of water.
Do you want to feel more peaceful? You might want to meditate and take pauses throughout the day to breathe for a minute or so.
JVN Shared His Five Favorite Ways to Practice (Free) Self-care Each Day
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive! Finding balance can include free, simple, small actions each day that JVN uses himself, including…
- Affirmations
- Meditation
- Drinking water
- Exercising
- Facial massage
Even something as simple as affirmations — like JVN mentioned — can shift your mood. When the day is too busy, and you’re too tired to go for a walk or stretch or meditate, try telling yourself something positive and affirming. Have a little more time? Try a quick yoga session with JVN.
Gabrielle Union Talked to Us About How She Juggles Priorities
Finding balance is a matter of juggling priorities — including work and family or personal life. Gabrielle Union goes through this as well and has some sage advice.
Breathe, put yourself first, make a list of priorities (“write it down and visualize”), decide what’s important (i.e., identify your personal priorities), don’t let anyone put additional stress, and priorities on you, and be flexible. “Always remember that life happens; life is chaotic.”
She also suggests giving yourself five or ten minutes to “go to the bathroom” for some silence alone — you can breathe, sit, cry, meditate, and just release. “That gives me just enough oomph, peace, and calm to get through the rest of my day.” Again — this is free, simple, and easy to execute.
Finding Balance is About Finding What Works For You
Sometimes self-care is going to mean doing absolutely nothing. Don’t beat yourself up; just surrender to rest and restoration. Sometimes self-care will look like five minutes of breathing in the bathroom because life is so damn chaotic. That’s okay too! And on other days, you’ll have the equivalent of a wellness retreat in your living room. Take it day by day, one step at a time. You’ve got this.
