Why (Almost) Everything is Okay in Moderation

In our lives, we know a wide range of people. There are those who do nothing but work, go to the gym, and eat healthy. Then we have acquaintances who seem to desire only staying out late, drinking a bunch of alcohol, and sleeping-in till it’s the afternoon. People such as these are living their life in extremes, and extremes are never good. Whether it is trying too hard to be healthy or dedicating an inordinate amount of time to recreation, both are not at all conducive to mindful living. What is helpful, however, is practicing moderation. Discover the many benefits of moderation and find out why everything is okay in moderation.

Choosing to Moderate

Countless articles from professional entities have been written about the importance of moderation. Because we are either overly-focused on the short-term (“I really want to eat a bunch of ice cream and don’t care how it makes me feel later”). Or ignore how some pleasure is okay in the short-term and obsess over long-term possibilities (“If I don’t work-out today I may quit working-out completely and get obese and sick”). Instead, it is all about choosing balanced behavior and knowing that doing things you like to do, as well as things you need to do is the key to having a healthy and happy life.

Make Moderation Your Mental Destination

The popular UK website, “Psychologies,” has an article that makes it clear that when it comes to an individual trying to practice moderation, one of the biggest elements is changing one’s mindset and attitude. A person has to realize that life is not all, “black-and-white,” but can instead have many metaphorical shades of gray. Yes, eating nothing but chocolate is bad for you, but having some chocolate when you really are hankering for some sweets is perfectly alright.

After all, if you deny yourself any pleasure in life, in the end, it will make you more upset, miserable, and sick than if you had done some, “less healthy,” things in order to feel like a well-balanced person. Train your brain to realize it is about balancing the things in life that are desirable and the things that are necessary. Once you mentally accept the importance of moderation it is a lot easier to practice it.

Putting Moderation into Action

In order to experience the benefits of moderation in your life, it is important to evaluate just where this moderation is needed. Are you someone who works too hard and doesn’t let yourself have fun now-and-then? Or do you have the opposite concern where you are prone to over-partying and need to buckle down to a greater degree so tasks you’ve been putting off get accomplished?

Examine your life and note-down where you already are practicing moderation and where you could benefit from it further–e.g. “I eat a healthy and well-balanced diet but need to work less overtime and take more time for my hobby of hiking.” Once you choose to practice moderation and put it into action you will be well on your way to a happier and overall-healthier life.