By: Emma Fleming

To have a sustainable life, balance is key.

Life can get crazy. I have always found that exercise and healthy eating were the first two things to go when I am faced with a busy schedule; many around me agree that it is the same for them. However, this is the most unhealthy way to deal with pressure.

Sustainable habits allow us to stay on track with our health. When exercise routines and good nutritional choices become non-negotiable aspects of our lives, everything else is just a bit easier to deal with.

I emphasize balance because, in the long-term, balance is a promise and commitment we can keep with ourselves. As someone who has seen some of the extremes of life, I understand the gravity at which I say that this balance is possible for everyone. I spent a year in nursing school; in that short amount of time, I saw and experienced the truth of unsustainable lifestyles. The grueling schedule of the hardworking and incredible nurses and the state at which the chronically ill patients were in while waiting for their prescriptions showed me the problems with our healthcare system. I recognize that a hospital is where one will see the worst of the worst, but the United States has had a healthcare system that readily prescribes pharmaceuticals and rarely recommends prevention. This is something that I want to change. Exercise and good nutrition are technically more difficult and time-consuming than taking medication, but the quality of life is so much better.

So, my challenge for this month will be for all of us to incorporate at least 30 minutes of easy to moderate exercise each day. At first, balancing and creating a new routine is difficult, but it only gets more and more satisfying. I find that movement and getting my heart rate up makes me feel so much better when going on with my day. Small changes can eventually lead to big changes for the community.

~ Exercise inspiration ~

Early morning yoga (just searching yoga on youtube brings up tons of 30-minute options!)

Morning walk/jog before work/school

Meet up with a friend if you have the time and go for a hike

Stop at the gym on the way home in the evening and hop on the treadmill

Walking after dinner is great for digestion and relaxation □

About the Writer

Emma is an AFAA certified group fitness instructor, who is completing her degree in Kinesiology at California State University Northridge. As an advocate for preventative healthcare who applies the in-depth knowledge of the human movement system into her everyday practice, she aspires to improve herself while helping those around her.