5 Tips To Get Back On Track

After my spring cleanse I was feeling great—lighter, more energized, inspired and motivated. Shortly after, my schedule ramped up and things got out of control. Commitments and tasks seemed to fill every moment of my day and I started eating on the go, dropping parts of my daily routine and forgetting about self-care. I was feeling exhausted, heavy, overwhelmed and at capacity. Even worse, my occasional migraines started to occur more often and intensified. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for my full schedule but I quickly realized I was spinning out of balance and needed to get back on track.

When life gets out of control here are five ways Ayurveda can help to get you back on track.

Forgive and Move On – Living your life on the go means that there will be times when you’re just too busy to make the best choices—this happens to most of us. In Ayurveda, this is known as prajnaparadha, which means ‘crimes against wisdom’. I do my best to eat well, and when I can’t, I don’t worry about it. I forgive myself for poor food choices, eating on the go and marginalizing my self-care and then I move on. We know something is not the best choice for us, but we do it anyways. When this happens forgive and move on.

Establish Boundaries – Setting priorities and saying no is essential. Getting back on track is a matter of taking a stand for ourselves and committing to taking the steps required to return to balance. This often means doing less, and creating firm boundaries by saying, “no” to those things that are feel overwhelming, and by saying, “yes” to those things that affirm your own health.

Fundamentals – The foundation of good health in Ayurveda is your daily routine, dinacharya. When I cut corners on my daily routine my health suffers. Getting back on track begins with eight hours of sleep each night, eating simple whole foods at regular times and defending my morning routine, which includes meditation. Consistency is the key. After two solid weeks of reestablishing my daily routine I have more energy, I am lighter and I am feeling inspired and motivated once again.

Accountability – Find a friend, family member, or co-worker and ask them for support. I have a couple of accountability partners, but my husband is my biggest champion. He encourages me to make time to play, and calls me out when I am on the computer well past our bedtime or if I try to have popcorn for dinner (a terrible choice for this pitta/vata girl). My accountability partners’ encouragement and support are essential to getting back on track.

Make Time to Play – Balancing work and life is always a challenge. Our culture trains us to fill up every second of every day. It’s a constant struggle to remind ourselves that vibrant living is reflected in joyful experiences, time with family and and friends and in doing more of what you love.

Life has ebbs and flows—there are times we are more on track and times we are not. If you find yourself off track start fresh today, and use the five tips above to get yourself back on track.

Wishing You Vibrant Living,

Kate