With 2023 just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to live your life. A balanced life is one that is full of different aspects that all work together to create a well-rounded individual. Today, we’re sharing seven of our favorite ways to live a more balanced life, including vagus nerve stimulation, improving your sleep quality, and more.
7 Ways to Live a More Balanced Life
Here are seven can’t-miss tips for living a more balanced life in 2023:
Get Plenty of Sleep
We all know that getting enough sleep is essential, but in today’s fast-paced world, it can take a lot of work to get the recommended seven to eight hours per night. If you’re finding it difficult to get enough shut-eye, you can do a few things to improve your sleep quality.
First, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. You should also create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before hitting the hay. This might include reading a book, taking a warm bath, or stretching. Finally, make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool—conditions that are conducive to restful sleep.
In addition to these tips, you can also try using a white noise machine or investing in a comfortable mattress and bedding to help you get a good night’s rest.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat plays a significant role in your overall health and well-being, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.
Fill up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat. Of course, balance is key, so don’t feel guilty if you indulge in your favorite treat every once in a while. Just make sure that meals full of unhealthy ingredients are the exception, not the rule.
Eating mindfully is also important by savoring your food and paying attention to hunger cues. For example, instead of eating in front of the TV, sit down at the table and take the time to enjoy your meal.
In addition to eating healthy foods, it’s also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for eight glasses a day and more if you’re active or live in a hot climate.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is another critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to living a balanced life. Not only does it boost your physical health, but it can also improve your mental well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
If you’re new to exercise, start small and gradually work your way up to more intense workouts. And, to stay motivated, find an activity that you enjoy and try to exercise with friends or family members.
Here are some examples of moderate-intensity exercises that you can try:
- Walking
- Jogging or running
- Biking
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Dancing
Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve
Your vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body and plays a role in everything from digestion to heart rate. One of the best ways to stimulate this vital nerve is through vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
Vagus nerve stimulation is often used to treat conditions like depression and epilepsy, but it can also be used to promote a more balanced life. This therapy involves sending electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which can help to release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
VNS can be accomplished in a number of different ways, but one of the most popular methods is using a wearable device that sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. Some of the benefits many users experience are a brighter mood, better sleep, and faster recovery.
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Neuvana is one such device to choose from. It involves wearing vagus nerve-stimulating headphones that connect to a handheld device. This device syncs with your smartphone, where you can control your VNS sessions, including the sounds or songs you listen to and the duration and intensity of the sessions.
Along with a VNS device, there are other non-invasive options you might try, including:
- Cold therapy: This involves exposing your body to cold temperatures, which can help to stimulate the vagus nerve. One way to try cold therapy is by taking a cold shower or ice bath.
- Hot-cold therapy: You can also alternate between hot and cold temperatures to stimulate the vagus nerve further. For example, you might start with a hot shower followed by a minute or two in an ice bath.
- Yoga: Certain yoga poses can help to stimulate the vagus nerve, including the camel pose and lion pose.
- Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice involves placing thin needles into specific points on the body. It’s believed that this helps to encourage the flow of energy, or qi, throughout the body.
Make Time for Relaxation
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to make time for relaxation. So whether it’s taking a few minutes to meditate each day or spending an hour winding down with a good book before bed, find what works for you and make relaxation a priority.
While you’re relaxing, try to focus on your breath and let go of any stressful thoughts that may be running through your head. If your mind starts to wander, refocus on your breathing.
Disconnect From Technology
Technology can be a great way to connect with loved ones and stay productive, but it’s important to disconnect from time to time. So make a point to unplug from your devices every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
And, when you are using technology, be sure to set boundaries, so you don’t get sucked into a never-ending scroll. For example, only check social media a few times per day or set a limit on how long you can spend online each day.
Spend Time Outdoors
Lastly, spending time outdoors is a great way to reduce stress levels and improve your overall well-being. So make an effort to get outside for at least 30 minutes each day, and try to spend time in nature as much as possible.
