Hey there, wellness warriors and life enthusiasts! Are you finding it difficult to strike a balance between the weekend activities ruining all your hard work on your health and being so rigid about your routine you become anti-social?
Then you might want to hear about a magical formula that strikes the perfect balance between health and happiness, and one that I stick to—the 80/20 guide.
Imagine a lifestyle where you’re eating kale salads and hitting the gym 80% of the time, but still indulging in eating out and Netflix binges for that remaining 20%. Sounds like a dream, right? Well buckle up because this dream is your new reality and is a way to help maintain your health, for life.
What is the 80/20 guide to a balanced life?
The 80/20 guide is a simple yet powerful concept. It means dedicating 80% of your time and effort to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while allowing yourself a 20% buffer to enjoy life's little pleasures without guilt. It’s like having your cake and eating it too—literally!
Why follow the 80/20 guide?
Balance is key: Life is all about balance. Following the 80/20 guide ensures you don’t swing from one extreme to the other. No more yo-yo dieting or extreme fitness regimens that leave you exhausted and craving everything you’ve deprived yourself of.
Sustainable lifestyle: This approach isn’t just a fad; it’s a sustainable way of living. By giving yourself a 20% buffer, you’re less likely to abandon your healthy habits because you’re not feeling overly restricted. It's the ultimate cheat code to a healthy lifestyle.
Mental health boost: Restrictive diets can be a mental drain. The 80/20 guide helps reduce stress and anxiety around food. Knowing you can enjoy your favourite treats in moderation makes sticking to a healthy diet much easier and enjoyable.
Social life saver: Ever declined a dinner invite because you’re “on a diet”? With the 80/20 guide, those days are over. You can now enjoy social gatherings, dinners out and holidays without the guilt. Your friends and family will thank you for being more present and fun to be around.
Increased productivity: Believe it or not, having that 20% leeway can boost your productivity. When you’re not obsessing over every calorie or step, you have more mental space and energy to focus on your work, hobbies and relationships.
How to implement the 80/20 guide
Set your goals: Start by defining what the 80% looks like for you. This could include eating whole foods, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. Make sure these habits are realistic and sustainable.
Identify your 20%: What are the things you love but usually avoid because they’re “unhealthy”? It could be chocolate, wine, a lazy Sunday morning or skipping the gym for a movie night. Allow yourself to enjoy these without guilt during your 20% time.
Plan ahead: If you know you have a social event or holiday coming up, plan your 20% around it. This way, you can indulge without feeling like you’re straying from your goals.
Listen to your body: The 80/20 guide is flexible. Some weeks you might find yourself at a 90/10 split and other weeks a 70/30. The key is to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance and long-term achievements.
Enjoy the process: Remember, the 80/20 guide is designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Embrace the flexibility and don’t beat yourself up if you occasionally slip. It’s all part of the journey, so get back on the bike!
A fun outlook on the 80/20 guide
Think of the 80/20 guide like a dance party. For 80% of the time, you’re grooving to your favourite healthy beats—smoothies, salads and yoga flows. But then that 20% hits and it’s time to break out the funky moves—think ice cream sundaes, pyjama days and high-carb Italian dinner with friends. It’s all about having fun and not taking life too seriously.
Life’s too short to miss out on all the things you love. By embracing the 80/20 guide, you’re giving yourself permission to enjoy life to the fullest while still prioritising your health. It’s a win-win!
So go ahead, blend that green smoothie and then treat yourself to a slice of cake – just not every day. Hit the gym but also enjoy that lazy Sunday brunch. You’ve got this, and with the 80/20 guide, you’re on your way to a balanced, happy and healthy life for the long-term.
Cheers to living your best life, 80/20 style! ☺️🚲🥦🍆🍉🥳🎉 🫛🥕🍇🏃🏼♀️