Balance and Moderation

Moderation is key.

This is a primary message of chiropractic, and the basic principle I (attempt to) practice every day in the chiropractic office and in my life.

We know that extremes can be dangerous to the human body. Overly intense exercise can be counterproductive; no exercise can lead to obesity, degenerative disc disease, congestive heart failure, and other conditions. Taking fifteen or twenty medications can have unintended side effects and interactions; taking no medications may be dangerous if medications are required for your condition. Sleeping 20 hours a day will disrupt your metabolism and weaken your muscles; sleeping 3 hours a day will disrupt your metabolism and cause extreme stress. Overeating will stress your body and possibly cause diabetes; undereating will stress your body and possibly cause your body to begin consuming itself for fuel.

Moderation is key. Moderate exercise, three times a week. Taking medications when required. Sleeping 7-8 hours a night and waking well-rested. Eating a moderate amount of food for a moderate number of meals.

If you wish to live a truly healthy life, you do not need eight gym memberships and only the finest nutritional supplements. It means living in moderation, walking, drinking enough water, eating whole foods and supplementing when necessary. It means listening to your body. It means visiting the chiropractor when your body is in need. Chiropractic puts nothing into the body nor removes anything from the body: it is a moderate course of action.

It is much easier (and cheaper) to live a balanced life than it sometimes appears.

But if your life is currently out of balance, it may take some effort to regain that balance. The video below features Nigel Marsh, who discusses a few observations that he has made regarding work-life balance and what it means to him to have a truly healthy life.