One particular sunny morning, in graduate school, I was in the cell biology laboratory looking through a powerful microscope.

I recall we were studying Cryptosporidium, which is a leading cause of waterborne disease among humans in the United States.

Looking through that microscope always felt kind of frustrating. My head seemed like it could never get close enough, and I couldn’t get the eye squint just right to see anything.

But a microscope is an important tool. A lens to look at things in the tiniest detail.

However, you can’t forget about the telescope.

I remember, as a kid, looking through a telescope at stars in the nighttime sky. But a telescope serves a different purpose. It’s looking out, it’s looking forward.

In life you need two lenses, microscope and telescope. There are times in your faith, fitness, family or finances that you need to look at things in depth and with great detail.

For me, maybe that's looking at my daily to-do list. Perhaps it's being mindful about how many calories I consumed, or what exercises I should do in a workout.

It’s the itty-bitty detail or the "small" rocks.

In my humble opinion, that microscopic view is only 50% of the equation because it’s balanced out with the broad telescopic lens.

You need to spend some time thinking about why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Your why might be to build your best life. Or maybe you want to be present with your family. Perhaps you want to complain less and focus on the positive.

You need to get really clear on what you want success to look like in 12 months. You need to look at how what you’re doing right now is impacting the future.

It can be daunting to monitor your calories or track your workouts (microscope). But you always know it’s worth it because those are just baby steps and details that bring you closer to the never-ending pursuit of happiness, hitting your goals, fulfillment, and a healthier life (telescope).

Remember that you need both lenses because they balance each other out. Take note of which lens you’re looking through right now and decide which one you need to spend more time on.

My humble suggestion is to be present and do what you can today. Focus on the fundamental things that most over-40 men and women overlook. Make it your best and take it one step at a time, one day at a time.

How to Find Balance

In this fast-paced, modern world, achieving balance can be quite challenging; however, it is the key to unlocking a truly fulfilling and sustainable wellness journey.

In this lesson you'll discover some practical strategies to strike that perfect balance and attain optimal health.

1. Embrace a holistic approach

When it comes to health, you must view yourself as an interconnected being—mind, body, and spirit. Embracing a holistic approach means nurturing all aspects of your wellbeing.

Prioritize not only your physical health but also your emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Regular exercise, wholesome nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management are crucial pillars of this approach.

2. Listen to your body

Your body is an incredible messenger. Pay attention to its signals, whether it's hunger, fatigue, or stress. Trust your instincts and make choices that support your wellbeing.

If a certain exercise routine leaves you feeling drained, it might not be the right fit for you. Finding balance means honoring your unique needs.

3. Nourish with real foods and plain water

Eating nutritious, whole foods is the foundation of optimal health. Focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Minimize processed and sugary foods that can disrupt your body's equilibrium. And drink your weight in ounces of water. Remember, a well-fed body and hydrated is a balanced body.

4. Move with joy

Exercise shouldn't be a punishment; it should be a celebration of what your body can do. Engage in activities that bring you joy—whether it's strength training, hiking, swimming, or yoga.

Regular movement not only keeps you physically fit but also elevates your mood and reduces stress.

5. Prioritize rest and recovery

In your quest for balance, you often forget the importance of rest and recovery. Proper sleep is essential for the body to repair, rejuvenate, and recharge.

Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and invest in a comfortable sleep environment.

6. Manage stress mindfully

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how you manage it makes all the difference. Engage in stress-relieving practices like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature.

Cultivating mindfulness and gratitude can also enhance your ability to handle stress in a more balanced way.

7. Build strong connections

Humans are social creatures, and fostering meaningful relationships is crucial for your wellbeing. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who lift you up and encourage your health goals.

Building strong connections can provide a sense of belonging and emotional stability.

8. Set realistic goals

Balance is not achieved overnight; it's a gradual process. Set realistic, achievable goals that align with your values and priorities. Remember, small steps lead to significant and lasting changes.

Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, and let that momentum carry you forward.

9. Practice gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool to shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Take a moment each day to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in your life.

Gratitude can foster a positive mindset and help you maintain balance during challenging times.

10. Be kind to yourself

Finding balance is not about perfection; it's about progress. Be gentle and compassionate with yourself. Acknowledge that setbacks are part of the journey and use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Celebrate your successes and embrace self-love in your health journey.If you're too busy to focus on the basics, watch out.

Some people believe that you will be happy only when you achieve the next big thing in your life.

• A better job
• More money
• A new partner
• A better car
• Kids/Grand kids
• A better body
• Going on vacation

Truth is, the level of happiness you think you'll achieve, well, it never really arrives. Then you go for the next thing.

The ancient Greek philosopher, Epicurus, famously said, "If a little is not enough for you, nothing is.”

But happiness comes from gratitude, it comes from being grateful. It comes from believing you have all that you need. It relieves you from future-based worry.

Write yourself a reminder note and stick it where you can see it every day: “You are enough, you have enough, you do enough."

This is so important, especially if your life is filled with whirlwind-paced activities. 

You'll always be "busy" with grownup responsibilities:

• "Gotta get my kids/grandkids to school."
• "Work is 'crazy busy' right now."
• "Retirement is 'crazy busy' right now."
• "So tired, with zero energy left at the end of the day."

To speak plainly, after 25+ years of coaching, the successful folks are the ones who are willing to prioritize their health.

Do you want to be "busy" or do you want to be excellent? Because there is a conflict in your mind.

It's a battle between your desire to be comfortable versus your desire to be outstanding.

And whichever one's the loudest and strongest ends up becoming the thing that dictates your life to you.

What does your body language say about you? More specifically, what does your actual body say about you?

I can tell you, Coach Sharon Arangio's physique says "confident and strong and powerful woman."

Sharon works hard to be a loving mom, supportive spouse, compassionate coach, and all-around Superwoman.

She practices what she preaches, following the habits of health.

• Positive mindset
• Mindful nutrition
• Smart training
• Quality sleep
• Stress management
• Accountability

I'm proud of her discipline and dedication to lead by example.

Perhaps, like us, you're over the age of 40. Maybe you're a married, professional man or woman with kids and tons of grownup responsibilities.

My daily coaching lessons are something that you open and read often.

In your mind you think, "One day, I'd like to finally achieve my goal of losing weight and having more energy."

Maybe you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to get off of some of your blood pressure medication (with your doctor's approval, of course).

Well, here's your chance to finally create the body you desire and deserve. Take a minute to share your priority-one goal now.

After that, pick a time to talk with me. I'll give you a proven plan to follow and guide you every step of the way.

Summary:

Achieving balance in your health is a continuous process that requires self-awareness, self-care, and self-compassion. By adopting a holistic approach, listening to your body, nourishing yourself with real foods, and managing stress mindfully, you can create a foundation for a balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, balance is not a destination; it's a daily practice. Embrace the journey, savor the moments, and be present in every step.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.