3 WAYS TO HELP YOU STAY IN THE PRESENT

It’s easy to get lost in our busy day-to-day schedules and forget to stay in the present. And that’s when we lose touch with the little things that can help us stay good to ourselves. Here are 3 ways to help you stay balanced and in the present.


BY: LAUREN AHOLA, MS, RDN

1. EAT NOURISHING FOODS

Food is fuel for the body; so feed it well! I like to think that we are our own best friends. When you start to love yourself and treat your body as if you want to be its friend everything changes. By including complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean protein into our diet  we have more energy to be our best selves.

2. BE ACTIVE

Even on busy days, walking for 15 minutes can relieve an incredible amount of stress and get the blood pumping.  Physical activity is essential for weight management and to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Whether it’s walking, biking, running or taking a group fitness class…find something you enjoy and can stick too. Consistency is key.

3. BE MINDFUL

Take time to relax and reflect on your day. Shut off the TV and put your phone away…your brain needs to rest to function at its best. Take time to ask yourself, how are you feeling? What makes you happy? What do you truly want? It’s amazing how things will start to connect and make sense.

What are the little reminders that I tell myself to stay in the present when my week is busy?

I honor and remind myself to be grateful when I have a Saturday free in my calendar. I start my day off with a bowl of steel cuts oats and coffee with almond milk. My kitchen table is clutter free, with fresh cut flowers, and the sunlight shining through the window.  I take time to be mindful of every bite…noticing the delicious honey and cinnamon smell of the oats. I take small bites making sure to enjoy all flavor and textures of the nutty oats and sweet berries. I hold my warm cup of coffee and savor every sip.

It’s going to be a good day.

After taking some time to digest, I lace up my running shoes and head out for a run by the beach. The breeze it cool, but as I get moving I am sweating in no time. I feel the sunshine on my face and hear the waves crash and the birds chirp. I see surfers, runners, a mother and father pushing a newborn baby in a stroller, and a large yoga class at the park.

I feel lucky to live in a place where an active and healthy lifestyle is embraced.

I end my run with a yoga practice on Crown Point Park on Mission Bay. I love this location. From here I am able to see the ocean, mountains, and city all at the same time.  It’s the perfect ending to a run to stretch out and calm my mind. Through my yoga practice, it helps me become even more mindful and understanding of how my mind and body connect.   When your body and mind stay connected, fueled by nutritiously powerful foods,

I feel truly empowered to do anything I want in life.


Lauren Ahola, MS, RDN is a San Diego-based Registered Dietitian and Yoga Instructor with a core philosophy that flexibility is the key to a healthy and happy life. Through her private practice, she focuses on mindful eating to guide others to stay flexible in their busy lives to find enjoyment through a balanced, fulfilling life. Stay motivated with Lauren and visit her at the Flexible Dietitian.