Self-compassion and balance

Achieving self-compassion and healthy balance is possible, even in challenging times. Focusing and centering for a few moments each day can help. Our Pilates approach at Go Pro Pilates highlights this - by simply showing up, we can find self-compassion and balance through movement. The key is to show up for ourselves in life, as we do on the mat. Apply the Pilates mindset to daily life to attain a healthy balance and tap into self-compassion.

1. Foster Healthy Healing Environments

The time spent on your mat offers a chance to connect with your mind and body, leave judgment behind, and move in a way that nurtures and strengthens. Bring these experiences into your home by creating spaces that support a healthy balance. No need to revamp your living room as a yoga ashram or eliminate technology. Instead, try the following: 

Repaint your bedroom with calming colors such as Palest Pistachio, Simply White, Porcelain, Yarmouth Blue, Natural Cream, Black Pepper, or Silver Fox. Use low-VOC paint for a healthier environment.

Keep your phone charger in the kitchen. Don't bring your phone to the bedroom at night to avoid morning stress. Use those first moments to focus on gratitude or take deep breaths.

Remove unnecessary mirrors. Mirrors can cause self-objectification. Removing them throughout the home can help you focus on self-love.

2. Embrace Simplicity for Reduced Stress

Achieving a healthy balance amidst life's challenges requires simplification. Pilates is a perfect example, as it's a simple movement practice that can be done with or without equipment.

To simplify in any aspect of your life and reduce stress, adopt the Focus, Modify, Compassion approach by asking yourself these three questions:

1. Focus: What must be done urgently/today/this week?

2. Modify: How can I make life easier/more enjoyable while still getting things done?

3. Compassion: What can I temporarily let go of and come back to later?

For example, if you have a busy week with an upcoming deadline (Focus), you can use quick and easy meals or a slow cooker (Modify) to still take care of your mind and body, and put off a large grocery shopping trip for later (Compassion).

Apply this simple framework to find balance and self-compassion in any situation. Listen to our podcast episode on the 3 D's (Do, Delegate, Delete) for even more tips on simplifying life and reducing stress.

3. Get Intimate with Your Body's Needs

Creating a healthy balance is unique for everyone and that includes Pilates. It's important to offer modifications and options for a variety of needs, abilities, and fitness levels.

You too can make it personal by becoming an expert on what your body needs and giving it the modifications or options it requires to feel nourished. However, in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to disconnect from our bodies. To reconnect, try these practices:

Breathwork: Use breathing to connect with your body. At Go Pro Pilates we spend a lot of time on the breath. It is our measuring tool to see if the body is in stress in the beginning and during class and to see if we improved the breath by the end of class.

Mindful movement: Move mindfully to reduce stress, release stagnant energy, and strengthen the mind-body connection. Instead of just walking or doing Pilates, focus on the sensations of your body as you move. Over time, you'll learn your body's unique language.

3-minute centering: Take three minutes each day to center yourself. Sense your muscles, notice your breathing, and tune into your emotions. Over time, you'll learn exactly what you need, when you need it, leading to more balance and self-compassion.

Cultivate a Healthy Balance and Self-Compassion

Life's ups and downs can be challenging, but you can find balance and self-love through it all. Use these tips and strategies to create a healthy balance and tap into your self-compassion, so you can feel good no matter what life throws at you.