This post is sponsored by Activia but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Balance. We all want to find a way to balance the things we need to do with the things we enjoy. When life is out of balance we are less effective, more stressed out and there can be health consequences. So how does one achieve the balance necessary for a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle? Here are some simple ways:
Live according to your priorities. I doubt anyone’s priority is to mindlessly surf social media or binge on Netflix, yet how many of us find ourselves doing exactly that? Bullet journaling, setting goals and action plans and setting intentions for each day are ways to be sure you stay on track and on task.
Balance your Microbiome. That word has been all the rage lately, right? Up until a couple of years ago I probably couldn’t have told you what the heck a microbiome was. Basically it’s the state of your gut. As you may know, your gut (intestines, digestive system) contains a blend of good and bad bacteria. The “environment” they create is called the microbiome. This microbiome comes under attack by common life factors like aging, stress, medications and poor diet. Adding back “good bacteria” is vital to maintaining a healthy microbiome. This can be done by taking a supplement, or eating/drinking fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, or sauerkraut.
For two weeks, I’ve been taking the Activia Dailies Challenge.
I headed to my local Walmart and found Activia Dailies Probiotic Drinks in the refrigerated section where the yogurt is located.
I grabbed 8-packs of Vanilla and the Blueberry/Strawberry combo. Use this offer to save on Activia.
The drinks are easy to take in, just 3 ounces and they taste so delicious even a kid would love them. They’re a super easy way to support your digestive health. For two weeks I enjoyed two Activia Dailies Yogurt Drinks per day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and quickly noticed the benefits.
After just a few days, I noticed less belly bloat, zero indigestion and overall, an increased sense of well-being. Be sure to head to Walmart to try Activia Dailies for yourself. Click here to save on Activia Dailies.
Distance Yourself from Energy Drains. We all know negative, needy people are toxic. What you may not realize, is that its perfectly okay…recommended even…to distance yourself from them. Negative energy saps yours. Interacting with those who are self-absorbed, critical, jealous, or insecure takes its toll. Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with people who build you up inspire, and encourage you to be your best.
Learn to Say No. It’s hard to resist taking on too much, but juggling too many big projects at once is a recipe for disaster. Its common to experience feelings of guilt or like we owe people explanations but that is not the case. The next time someone asks something of you, be sure it is aligned with your priorities before committing to it.
Take time for yourself. Even if it’s just getting up 15 minutes earlier to meditate and set intentions for the day, a few minutes of time every day bolsters your mind, body and spirit. Things like getting enough rest, exercise and eating healthfully sound simple yet they often get pushed to the side. It’s important to schedule in “you time” just as you would any other appointment.
How do you lead a balanced lifestyle? Do you have a hard time saying no?
I’m linking up with Meranda, Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five.
I need to get better at saying no! It can be hard to put yourself first but sometimes its important. I used to eat Activia but haven’t had it in awhile.
Great advice. I have learned to distance myself from some people who give off negative energy. I have found that I can’t pull them up, but they can sure drag me down. Love the idea of bullet journaling.
I don’t have trouble saying no but I definitely work in an environment that drains me. It is mentally exhausting at times, caring for others. Especially because I battle against Dr Google…
My microbiome has been out of balance since I had to take antibiotics after my bike crash. Slowly I’m getting things in order again.
I am constantly seeking balance and while I find it hard to say no and have over-committed myself to things or people, I see where I’m going “wrong” much faster and then I take action to rectify it. It’s a work in progress.
by the way I love Activia, regardless of the sponsored post or not, but my stomach/body doesn’t like cow’s milk very much so I have to skip it. every once in a while I will have a small activia figgy yoghurt… that one is my fave…
You know, I’ve tried to take probiotics but I guess I already get in enough because they tend to have a laxative effect on me. I take one every once in a while. I do eat a fair amount of greek yogurt and lots of asparagus. Seems to work for me.:)
I like my quiet, unrushed early mornings. Of course they aren’t always, but it’s part of why I’m an early to bed, early to rise kind of gal.
Trying to distance yourself from people who give off. Negative energy is of course great advice but I suspect often challenging to do at times.
I definitely take on more tasks than I should, and my sleep definitely suffers (as do other things) as a result. My surgeon had me on probiotics for a few months after my surgery last summer…maybe I should consider revisiting that regimen?
I’ve gotten better at saying no and carving out personal time. Sometimes work has to take priority but when it doesn’t it’s ok to say no. The impact of our microbiomes is fascinating — so powerful and bizarre if you think about it.
I do have a hard time saying no!
I’ve been trying to drink Kefir since I developed my anxiety, to help my stomach and not feel like I had multiple stomach bugs. It’s also a good source protein, and I’ll have some after a good lifting session.
These are fantastic points. I have become so much better at setting key goals and I love my 15 mins of “me time” where I just think of what I need to do and focus on during the week. It has honestly made such a difference in my life.
I need to add more good bacteria – I think that’s the change I will focus on this week!
Just so you know, my kid does love these lol!
Life is all about balance. I have my busy days, but I am also sure to take breaks, as well. I don’t have a hard time saying “No” exactly, but I do like to do the things I can do, and will sometimes push myself to the limits to get that done.
all good tips.
Balance is tough esp when life makes so many demands.
I do have a hard time saying no but I am getting better at it.
Sometimes you just need time to oneself.
I know all too well about the microbiome. My brother has Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis so probiotics and microbiome have been in my lexicon for years unfortunately. I’m hypersensitive to what’s going on inside me!
I may try these this week I am feeling quite bloated and off schedule after all my travels and eats!
It is the simple things in life that make me feel the most balanced.
I have been letting go of more and more toxic people in my life and it is so freeing!
Learning to say no was a game-changer for me! My microbiome could definitely use some work – may have to try these Activa drinks.
Saying no is hard, but I’m getting better at it!