Today the world constantly tries to throw you out of balance and sometimes no matter what we do, you still feel like your life is going in the wrong direction. Balanced living might seem like one of those theoretical terms that nobody can put into practice, but in fact, there is nothing simpler than living a balanced life.

It might take some work at first, buy once you get in the flow and discover the simple ways to steer your life in your desired direction, you will feel empowered. You will be inspired and energized by every day of your life. Your life will be full of amazing adventures and events that will make every day memorable. You won't be wasting your life anymore or spending gloomy hours contemplating the misfortunes that have happened on your way. 

Does balance life mean that your days will be full of only positive people and events that will bring you happiness every moment of your life? Not at all. 

Balanced living is when you can offset negative events in your life with positive ones. It is also when you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Balanced living is when you are happy working and playing equally. If you picture happiness and everything great in your life as a diamond, the the negative things that happen are just the setting that makes this diamond shine only brighter. 

If you want to live a balanced life, develop these five essentials habits.

1. Awareness and mindfulness.

Awareness is the key to balanced living because it lets you see every moment of your life and appreciate it. A mindful person lives in the present and does not get obsessed with the future or the past. It's important to plan for the future and learn from your mistakes in the past, but it is even more important to appreciate who you are right now and find job in this state.

When you are aware of this moment you are calm and you do not make any decisions you may regret later. When you are mindful you are in balance with the universe.

2. Appreciate of your body. If you are grateful for the very first gift that you received in your life (your body), then you must take care of it. This means making healthy choices, exercising, and being generally active, eating a balanced and healthy diet, letting your body rest when it's tired, and pampering it every once in a while. 

Your body is the tool that lets you experience so many wonderful moments in life, and you need to do your best when taking care of it. Balanced living is not possible without a balanced body. 

3. Creativity. Each day we face challenges and choices in life. If you approach each of your challenges with creativity, your life will be filled with adventures. Creativity is a wonderful tool that let us turn our dreams into reality, turn play into work and work into play, and enjoy life - even when it seems empty. Creative people are the ones who can make the exquisite setting for the diamond of their life. 

4. Patience. With patience we can overcome almost anything. Without it, we can ruin almost anything. 

Patience can help us turn our dreams into reality (losing weight, starting a business or blog). It can help us better parents, spouses, friends, and even strangers (sometimes a smile from an understanding stranger can make the biggest difference when you are having a bad day). If you are patient you do not have to worry about the minutes you spend in traffic or in the line at the grocery store. With patience, you can results in all your endeavors and you do not have to spend the precious time of your life getting mad or infuriated.

Patience leads to mindfulness, and mindfulness brings you in balance. 

5. Simplicity. Simplicity is probably the most important part of life balance. When you build your life around simplicity, you reduce the number of out-of-balance things that can disrupt your happy living. In balance everything is simple. There are two opposites (like black and white) and you just have to pick something in the middle.

• Simplify your work schedule so you do not have to think about a hundred things at the same time.
• Simplify your relationships by connecting with people you truly care about and getting rid of the ones you don't.
• Simplify your diet by choosing simple healthy ingredients that are part of balanced nutrition.
• Simplify your social media exposure and enjoy living life and getting things done rather wasting time online.

Simplicity makes life balance simple. 

These habits have been my lifeline for many years, and I cannot imagine a balanced (and happy) life without them. Living in balance is easy and very rewarding because your life becomes one of joy, happiness, and serenity. If you put some time and effort into turning your life into a balanced direction then you too will live a truly Zen life.