My 3 go-to elements for a balanced life

Hi!

I'm Madison Jules
Here's what I believe: everyone deserves to have access to the knowledge they need to understand what's best for them so they can make informed choices about their life.
READ MY STORY

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

Every day, we’re bombarded with the latest ‘must-try’ health fads. Fancy new diets, TikTok fat-burning hacks, and more types of ‘cleanses’ than I can count. 

So today, I’m dialing it back to the essentials. We’re talking about the must-have trifecta for a balanced life: Movement, Nutrition, and Soul.

How I Found The Trifecta

Finding balance is a journey, and mine began in an unexpected, life-altering moment—a serious car accident.

I was left with a choice: Get risky surgery that may or may not help or heal on my own.

I chose to find healing on my own.

It was tough, let me tell you. 

But within that struggle, I found my way by embracing what I now call the Trifecta. 

As I began to reverse-engineer my recovery, I realized that feeling better was the result of a synergy of three: regular movement, a mindful diet, and nourishing my soul. 

Let me break each of them down…

Element 1: Movement

After my accident, I learned that movement was essential not just for physical recovery, but for mental resilience.

Whether it’s yoga to start the day, a brisk walk during lunch, a full gym workout or stretching before bed, incorporating movement into your routine is a key part of the trifecta.

Here’s a few ideas for adding extra movement into your day:

  1. Morning Yoga: Even a short yoga session can invigorate your body and calm your mind. It’s not about perfect poses; it’s about connecting with yourself.
  2. Midday Walks: Take time during your lunch break for a walk. A brisk walk is a simple way to reset your mind and energize your body for the rest of the day.
  3. Evening Stretching: End your day by releasing the tension with some gentle stretches. It’s a loving way to thank your body for carrying you through the day.

You don’t have to do long or extreme workouts every day – although you can if that’s your jam (give yourself at least one day of rest every week) – but I’ve found that getting consistent, daily movement can lift your mood.

Element 2: Nutrition

Nutrition isn’t just about eating healthily; it’s about nourishing your body and soul with the right foods.

Mindful eating played a huge role in my recovery.

I realized that each bite we take is a chance to nourish ourselves in more ways than one.

Embracing a diet rich in whole foods, high in protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables helped me bounce back both physically and mentally.

I realized that diets aren’t about restricting yourself, but about making thoughtful choices that fuel your body and taste delicious.

Element 3: Soul

Finding practices that nourish your soul is just as important as taking care of your body. 

Keeping a daily gratitude journal helps me to stay grounded and keeps me focused on the important things in my life.

There are so many ways to enrich your soul. It’s about discovering what resonates with you.

Here are just a few ways you can nourish your soul…

  1. Mindful Moments: Even simple activities like sipping tea or watching the sunrise can become soulful experiences. It’s about being fully present and savoring the moment.
  2. Creative Outlets: Whether it’s painting, knitting, or gardening, engaging in creative activities can be incredibly fulfilling. It’s a way to express yourself and find joy in creation.
  3. Connecting with Others: Sometimes, our soul is nourished by the company we keep. Sharing laughs, stories, or even a meal with loved ones can uplift our spirits immeasurably.
  4. Quiet Reflection: Spending time in quiet reflection can help you reconnect with your inner thoughts and feelings. It’s a chance to listen to your heart and gain clarity on what truly matters.

Putting It All Together

We’ve talked about the individual elements of the Trifecta – Movement, Nutrition, and Soul.

Now, let’s chat about weaving these threads into a beautiful tapestry of well-being. 

It’s all about habit stacking. This means stacking small, manageable habits on top of each other to create big changes over time.

Think of it as Intentional Living. When you align your mind, body, and soul, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. 

Here’s how I like to think about it:

  • Awareness: Start by recognizing the value of each element in your life.
  • Implementation: Add small habits targeting each area into your daily routine.
  • Consistency: Keep at it, adjusting as you go. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.

Budget vs. Boujee

  • Movement: Home workouts, walking, a low cost gym, or free online classes. 
  • Nutrition: Cooking with seasonal produce, and home-cooked meals. 
  • Soul: Free meditation apps, nature walks, DIY spa days at home.
  • Movement: Personal training sessions or joining boutique fitness classes.
  • Nutrition: Organic food subscriptions or dining at health-focused restaurants.
  • Soul: Retreats, professional wellness coaching, or art classes.

 

Share:

RELATED POSTS