Have you ever met someone who seems to have mastered the art of balance? They always seem calm, in control, thoughtful, and observant. They're healthy, youthful, energetic, and lighthearted. Are some just born with these traits while others struggle daily to find any kind of peaceful balance in their lives? In my opinion, the answer is yes and no. Yes, there are some who naturally possess the gift of insight and a peaceful demeanor, but those characteristics still had to be nurtured so as to become ingrained in their character. Yes, there are some who have been healthy and fit their entire life, but there are many more who have had to overcome some serious health obstacles and follow a strict regimen to maintain it.

Here are some things that help me refine my character a little and stay healthy as I try to live a balanced life....

1 - Exercise Like You Mean It

There's no substitute for a good kick of endorphins. Running, cross-training, and yoga are my top three go-to workouts.

*Cardio helps to oxygenate the body - more oxygen means more clarity of thought. Whether you're training for a marathon or just going for a long walk, focus on observing the beauty around you and being grateful for it.

*Nothing feels as good as accomplishing something, lifting more, doing it faster, or just doing it at all when you didn't think you could. Overcoming the limitations in my head while lifting weights has boosted my confidence (and muscle mass). Weightlifting can also strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis later.

*Even if it's just on your living room floor, doing yoga stretches your muscles, relieving built up tension, increasing blood circulation, and rejuvenates body and mind. (Here's a great Yoga Burn program I do at home). Kids can benefit from yoga just as much as you so let them join in.  Breathe deeply and realize how blessed you are.

2 - Healthy, Purposeful Eating

We are what we eat and our mental and physical well-being is directly effected by that.

Whole food, homemade, less processed, less sugar, and always more water. Purposefully making good choices with what we put into our bodies will do wonders both physically and psychologically. Trying to feed a child with celiac disease, I've had to learn a lot more about how and why the body works. If there's one thing I've learned it's that a properly functioning and happy digestive system means a properly functioning and happy individual. Probiotics are a great way to help keep your gut happy.

Probiotic Juice (Kefir Water)

*1 quart jar of filtered water (1 cup separated and heated)

*1/4 cup coconut sugar, organic cane sugar, or real maple syrup (no honey since it has anti-bacterial properties).

*Kefir Grains (Live Active Culture)

Heat 1 cup of the water and add the sugar. This will allow the sugar to dissolve easier.  Add it to the other water in the jar. When the water reaches room temperature add the kefir grains (they aren't actually grains at all). Cover with a clean cloth and hold in place with a rubber band. Sit the jar in a dark pantry or cupboard for 2-3 days. Strain the kefir water into a pitcher, add another quart of filtered water to it and some fresh citrus slices. Store in the fridge and enjoy a cool refreshing and healthy way to drink more water and get your probiotics.

 3 - Nurture The Spirit

This may one of the hardest parts of staying balanced because it requires constant application. It requires some faith. I've found that when I keep a prayer in my heart as well as kneel and pray as a family, read scripture and inspired words, and find opportunities to serve others that I am more able to be calm, in control, thoughtful, and observant. I'm more motivated to stay healthy, youthful, energetic, and lighthearted. As we work to nurture our spiritual health we may find that the most balanced life can only come through gratitude.

"A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being." James E. Faust