Mental health is not a new issue, but is only recently being recognized, and proactively destigmatized. Mental health disorders now affect 1 in 4 people in the world at some point in their lives. Think of that… a quarter of the world’s population has battled, or is currently battling, mental ailments. But the thought that's even scarier is how many are actually reaching out for help? How many actually feel safe enough to reach out when they know they need help?

If our students gather any wisdom from what we teach here at Balanced Bodies, I hope they understand that our intention here is less is more. The majority of people are overstimulated, overstressed, and overworked. The philosophy of what we do here – in the massage room, in Yoga, in Jiu Jitsu, on and off the mat – is that when we exert less, we get more out of our experience.

Sitting has been deemed the new smoking.

That may seem like a heavy accusation but let’s address where we currently are. Modern society encourages inactivity, and sitting for extended periods of time. We are sedentary, of course not evolutionary, just socially. We sit to eat, poop, work, drive, travel...and even exercise...I’m talking to you, cyclists. Sitting is not only linked to chronic disease but it wreaks havoc on your spine. Raise your hand if you work at a computer! That’s what I thought. We can clearly see that there is an imbalance here.

Holidays stressing you out? Still Christmas shopping? Need some inspiration for Christmas gifts? Well you’re in luck, because I’m a great gift giver. I have made a super easy gift guide for under $30! Of course you should get a gift card for massage for your someone. And yes, you should send them to Yoga or a Jiu Jitsu class, but if you really want them to open something check this out. This Guide has affiliate links through amazon so when you shop through this guide, amazon gives us a little kick back so thanks in advance. Happy shopping! Merry Christmas.