http://www.staybalancedwithsam.com.au/

Stay Balanced with Sam, Murray Bridge (2025)

26/05/2024

Back in March I published a blog on my website about burnout and how yoga could help. In that blog I talked about some of the signs and how to recognise if you might be experiencing burnout.

Little did I realise at the time that most of what I was writing about also applied to me and what I had been feeling. However as I started to experience an increase in symptoms of some ongoing health issues I have been dealing with for the past 10 years, I eventually had to acknowledge that it was time to slow down and simplify my schedule and my life.

Sadly that meant the difficult decision to press pause on teaching regular weekly Mat Pilates and Yin Yoga classes - for the second time since I had begun teaching both on a regular basis.

This decision has brought up a variety of different emotions and some not so helpful self-talk, but I know that at this time, I have made the right decision for my physical and mental health.

As much as I loved teaching the in person classes and seeing my regular clients each week, all of the "behind the scenes" tasks that come with running a business (even a very small one like mine) alongside managing a full-time job and ongoing health issues was starting to have a negative impact on my health and wellbeing.

So it was time to make some tough decisions and start to practice what I have been preaching and take care of me.

I am not posting this for sympathy or pity, it is a post for others out there that may be feeling overwhelmed or burnt out themselves.

To let you know that you are not alone.

That it is 100% okay to press pause or even stop on whatever you need to to give yourself some space and time to rest and regroup. for as long as you need to.

17/04/2024

"REST" is not a 4 letter word!

It is also not an indulgence or a luxury.

Taking regular time out to rest and recharge is necessary for your physical and mental health.

In case you needed reminding 🩵🩵🩵

15/04/2024

Practicing yoga and other forms of mindful movement like Pilates helps you learn to get to know your body better.

This helps you know when to adjust and modify your practice to best suit your body on the day. Whether it's easing off to allow for lower energy levels, or taking care of a part of your body that is feeling vulnerable, or perhaps increasing the challenge to help move you closer to your movement goals.

By working with your body and listening to its signs and signals, you are better able to create a balanced approach to movement and exercise, keeping you feeling fit, healthy and energized.

12/04/2024

Now that the weather is starting to cool down, I am finding myself drawn to a slower, quieter style of yoga in my personal practice.

I am finding myself focusing mostly on yin yoga and restorative yoga. I am also using props a lot more to create a feeling of comfort and support.

That's not to say that I am not still including Pilates and strength work in my weekly movement menu, it's just that I am noticing that as the seasons change, so do the needs of not only my body, but my nervous system as well.

Does anyone else find that their movement and exercise routine naturally changes with the seasons? Or do you pretty much stay the same all year round?

Let me know in the comments below 😊

10/04/2024

Just a heads up that my Mat Pilates & Yin Yoga classes will be finishing up this Thursday for the end of Term One.

I will be taking a short break and classes will return in Term Two on Monday April 29th.

All classes are general level, and completely beginner-friendly, and designed to help you create balance and ease in body and mind.

For class booking or to find out more, visit my website https://www.staybalancedwithsam.com.au/

05/04/2024

To all those perfectionists out there...

Give yourself a break.

Your best IS good enough!

Just in case you needed reminding today 🩷

04/04/2024

Have you ever wondered what some of the benefits of practising Yoga are?

Below are 5 common benefits;

● Improves balance and flexibility
● Reduces stress
● Improves memory and concentration
● Helps with anxiety disorders (like PTSD)
● Can ease symptoms of pain

What are some of the reasons why you do Yoga?

01/04/2024

No matter how you choose to exercise your body, make sure that it's something you enjoy to do.

Something that suits your personality and easily fits into your lifestyle. Something that you look forward to doing because it makes you feel good. Both while you are doing it and the times in between.

That way you will be more likely to stick with it even on the days that you don't really feel like it, or feel like you don't really have time.

For me, it's yoga, Pilates and strength training.

What is it for you?

31/03/2024

Some of my regulars might be wondering if my unusual Monday night classes are on due to the public holiday.

If you are one of those regulars - or an interested newcomer - the answer is "Yes!"

Classes will be held at their regular times at The White Park Community Clubrooms, Murray Bridge.

~ Mat Pilates at 5.45pm

~ Yin Yoga at 6.45pm

I look forward to seeing you there and helping you relax and rebalance after your long weekend😊

31/03/2024

When you are experiencing burnout, it can be difficult to take time out to allow yourself the rest you so desperately want and need.

Even though you are feeling drained, exhausted, or overwhelmed. Even though all you want to do is stop and take some time for yourself. even if it's only for 5 or 10 minutes.

But when you do, you feel guilty. Or lazy. Or like you are wasting time or letting someone down. Or not "pulling your weight”.

Does this sound like you?

It has definitely been me at various times in my life. Although, eventually, after it started affecting my health in some not so great ways, I got the message that I needed to make some changes both in my behaviour and the way I thought.

I am sharing some of the things I have learnt along the way that can be helpful in both managing burnout and moving beyond it.

These tips are in the following slides....

If you have found any of these helpful, don't forget to like, save and share 😊

31/03/2024

Strangely enough, when you are experiencing burnout, it can be difficult to allow yourself the time and space to rest.

Even though you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed.

Even though you are secretly wishing for even an hour where you can do absolutely nothing.

Without any interruptions.

A lot of the time those of us who get to the point of burn out feel guilty for taking a break.

Or lazy.

Or like we are letting someone down.

Or similar, unhelpful (and completely inaccurate) thoughts that prevent you from prioritizing regular down time.

Sound familiar?

That is one of the good things about long weekends. They give you the opportunity to take a break from your regular routine of balancing work and home life for an extra day or two.

A chance to slow down and take things easy if you choose to.

To rest and recharge. To rebalance.

So if you are someone who is feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed and you have the whole Easter long weekend off of work, give yourself permission to spend some time ignoring your to-do list and do something just for yourself.

Even if it's only for 15 minutes or so - although ideally you can make day of it. No pressure, no deadlines, no interruptions.

And especially no guilt!

29/03/2024

Have you been thinking about coming along to one of my Mat Pilates or Yin Yoga classes and were not sure what you need to bring along?

Here is a list of what you will need below;

Mat Pilates:
~ Yoga mat or other non-slip mat
~ Water bottle
~ Optional extras: Gym towel & grip socks

Yin Yoga
~ Yoga mat (you can use the same one you use for Pilates)
~ Yoga bolster or firm pillow (not absolutely essential, but highly recommended)
~ 1-2 blankets
~ Optional extras: water bottle, socks, yoga strap/belt, eye pillow

Most of this equipment can be purchased at reasonable prices these days from the local sports stores or even places like Kmart & Big W.

There are also lots of online suppliers to choose from, or you may even have suitable alternatives at home that you can use (it's amazing what you can improvise with if you use a bit of imagination!)

Hopefully that helps clear up any questions you have about what to bring along to class.

If you have any other questions about my classes, feel free to get in touch via my website www.staybalancedwithsam.com.au

27/03/2024

With the Autumn weather starting to make an appearance here in South Australia, it has been quite chilly here the past few mornings.

Even so, I am making the most of taking my yoga mat outdoors to practice as much as possible before it gets too cold.

Practising outside feels different to being indoors, more relaxing somehow - or maybe it's just me?

It also helps keep my energy more balanced throughout the day if I spend time outside in the morning before I start my day. Even if it's only for 15 minutes.

Having experienced burnout at various times in my life, I find that it's adding in little things like this that help manage some of the symptoms that come along with it (fatigue, feeling irritable or impatient, easily stressed, trouble sleeping, etc), as well as helping you start to feel more like yourself again

25/03/2024

Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted?

It might be time to prioritize self-care and combat burnout with yoga!

Here are some of the ways that yoga can help:

🧘‍♀️ Stress Reduction: Learn mindfulness techniques to manage stress effectively.

💪 Physical Well-being: Improve flexibility, strength, and energy levels.

🌈 Emotional Resilience: Cultivate qualities like compassion and gratitude to navigate challenges with grace.

🤝 Community and Support: Join my yoga community to feel seen, heard, and accepted.

Ready to to learn more about Burnout and how Yoga can help, check out this month’s blog

www.staybalancedwithsam.com.au/blog/burnout-what-is-it-how-yoga-can-help

24/03/2024

Have you scheduled in some "You time" for the week ahead?

If you haven't quite gotten around to it yet, now might be a good time to plan it into your diary 😊

Balancing your time between doing the things you need to get done and the things you enjoy doing can be a bit of a challenge sometimes, but it it worth making the effort to schedule them in.

Do you regularly schedule time for yourself each week, or do you get caught up in just checking off your to-do list?

Let me know in the comments below

24/03/2024

Are you feeling physically and emotionally drained lately?

Has this been going on for a while, and you just can’t seem to catch up on sleep or get your energy back?

Have you noticed a decline in your performance and motivation, or started experiencing a disconnect from work, relationships, and friendships?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be experiencing burnout. But here's the good news - yoga can help! Read more about how in this month's blog

www.staybalancedwithsam.com.au/blog/burnout-what-is-it-how-yoga-can-help

Have you ever tried yoga to manage burnout?

Share your experience in the comments below!

Image credit: Canva

23/03/2024

Your yoga practice doesn't need to be complicated or look a certain way.

You don't need to have a specific body type, or any special clothing or fancy equipment.

It's all about tuning into what your body (and your mind) need on that particular day, in that particular moment to fell more balanced and at ease.

Sometimes it may be a slow and mindful type of practice, sometimes it may be something more physical and energetic.

Sometimes, it might be a combination of both.

Other times it might look like stretching out in a supported Savasana pose for 10 or 15 minutes and taking the time to stop, breathe and truly rest.

Learn to listen to and trust your inner guidance and you can never get it wrong.

21/03/2024

The term "Burnout" has been around since the 1970's and back then it usually was linked to ongoing workplace stress. It was particularly noticeable among people working in "helping" or "caring" professions, such as healthcare or emergency services for example.

Now the term is more broadly used and can refer to anyone undergoing long term work or personal stress that is having an impact on your daily motivation or energy levels.

Below are 6 Signs & Symptoms of Burnout:

🔹Fatigue
🔹Headaches
🔹Insomnia
🔹Detachment or Disconnection from work, relationships and life
🔹Irritability
🔹Difficulty with memory and concentration

Are you experiencing any of these 6 signs, and have ruled out any other reasons for feeling this way? It may be a sign that you have burnout.

To learn more about what burnout is and how yoga can help ease some of your symptoms, have a read of this month’s blog;

www.staybalancedwithsam.com.au/blog/burnout-what-is-it-how-yoga-can-help

Stay Balanced with Sam

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