Embrace the Wobble
Balance is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but when it comes to our health and wellness, it’s often misunderstood. Balance doesn’t mean being perfectly in sync all the time; it means allowing yourself to wobble, bend, and, yes, even fall down, and still keep going. This is important because when we expect perfect balance every day, it sets us up for failure. And failure can make it harder to stick with the habits that help us feel our best.
Research shows that when we allow ourselves to be flexible without judgment, we actually build resilience over time. Expecting ourselves to be "on" all the time is simply unrealistic. Balance is dynamic, and learning to recover from the wobbles is necessary for long-term success in when it comes to our holistic wellness.
The Science to Back Me Up
Did you know your brain is designed to adapt and learn through trial and error? This is called neuroplasticity. When you allow yourself to wobble, make mistakes, and try again, you’re actually rewiring your brain for growth and success. Isn’t that cool? Basically, each time you recover from a fall, your brain is reinforcing the pathways that support your new habits to make you successful.
This means that every time you get back up, even after a tough day, you’re making progress. Your brain isn’t focused on whether you were perfect, it’s focused on whether you’re trying and showing up. So, don’t beat yourself up over setbacks! See them as opportunities to strengthen your ability to find balance over time.
How to Support Yourself in Finding Balance
Let Go of Perfectionism: Balance doesn’t require you to be “right” or at your best 24/7. You’re going to have great days and rough ones, and both are okay. Focus on consistency over perfection and celebrate the small wins along the way because they matter.
Create Small, Flexible Habits: Rigid routines are tough to stick to, so build in flexibility. Instead of saying, “I have to exercise for an hour every day” try “I’ll move my body in some way today”. This allows you to adjust based on your energy and needs.
Mindfulness Practice: Accept the Wobble: When life feels off-balance, take a moment to pause. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and breathe deeply for a minute. As you breathe, say to yourself: “It’s okay to wobble. I am learning. I am growing.”. This simple practice brings awareness to your body and calms your mind, helping you accept that balance isn’t about being perfectly still, it's about how you recover.
Check In with Yourself Regularly: Life is always changing, so regularly check in with yourself without judgment. Ask yourself questions like, “What’s feeling off-balance?” and “Where can I make small adjustments?”. This mindfulness habit helps you stay tuned into your needs and avoid burnout.
Celebrate Progress, Even When Expectations Aren’t Meant: Instead of fixating on what didn’t go right, celebrate what did. Maybe you fell off your wellness routine for a few days but you got back on track. Guess what, that’s a win! Small progress is still progress, and it’s what builds long-term habits.
Tips to Make Things Easier
Start Small: Focus on one area of your life where you want more balance, like your morning routine or self-care practices. Then, pick one step in that one area to really hone in on. Once you’ve established a habit, move on to other areas by building off this new foundation.
Set Realistic Expectations: Balance doesn’t have to be achieved daily. Look for balance over a week or month. This prevents the all-or-nothing mindset and allows flexibility for the ups and downs of life.
Mindfulness Practice: Embrace Pivoting: When your day goes sideways, take a mindful pause to re-center. Ask yourself questions like, “What’s one thing I can do to move toward balance right now?”. It could be taking a walk, drinking water, or stepping outside for fresh air. Allow yourself to pivot, knowing balance can look different from day to day.
Embrace Rest: Rest is as much a part of balance as action is. Listen to your body and trust that it knows what’s best. Sometimes choosing rest over action is exactly what you need to keep going in the long run, and I promise you deserve to rest.
The Take Away
Finding balance is not about achieving total harmony every day; it’s about accepting the natural wobble that comes with life’s ups and downs. It’s the act of showing up for yourself, adapting, and readjusting as needed. When you embrace the wobble, you build strength, resilience, and consistency. So keep moving, keep trying, and most importantly, give yourself the grace to fall and get back up again! That’s where the real growth happens.
If you want to share your thoughts, send Kiley an email at info.khhllc@gmail.com
