This word has become the Holy Grail of modern life – we’re sure that if only we can find a ‘balanced’ way of eating, exercising, working and relaxing, we will be effortlessly slim, have endless energy, and feel calm and contented. But knowing what it actually means, and when we’ve found it, isn’t always easy. To make things more confusing, there’s a world of inspiration and advice now available at the click of a mouse. Should we be getting up at 5am to meditate or do a high-intensity exercise session? What about giving up gluten and sugar, or going alkaline? Or would we transform our wellbeing by juice-fasting once a week, or booking into a detox retreat?
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It’s human nature to be attracted to new ideas, but sustaining balance in the long term means avoiding highs and lows, says Dalton Wong, author of The FeelGood Plan (Ebury, £14.99). ‘Being super “good’’ is just as unhealthy as being “bad”. Quick fixes can seem appealing, but balance is a project for life – because the way you live now will impact on your wellbeing and quality of life in the future.’