Living in moderation is a philosophy with deep historical roots – but one not widely practiced in modern times.
Frequently uttered words in passing conversation these days are, "I just don't have time for (fill in the blank with words like exercise, pleasure reading, date night…)."
That's because most of us are over-committed, over-worked and over-eating while under-rested, under-leisured and under-exercised. How in the world can we balance our lives and realize a sense of well-being?
"The advice I most often give is to live a life of moderation and to go about making this change at a moderate pace," Dr. My-Nghi Lo of South San Francisco Medical Center said on her Kaiser Permanente "Living a Life of Moderation" webpage.
Moderation living means achieving a balanced life by living as many aspects of life as possible "in the middle" rather than balancing extremes, such as long work hours and a busy family schedule.
In ancient times, Aristotle advised moderation in all things, counseling that gluttony is a path to self-destruction and rationality is the path to fulfillment.
First-century playwright Petronius and second-century playwright Terence both were known for using the phrase "moderation in all things."
Moderation is one of the three jewels – or virtues – of Taoism (the other two are compassion and humility).
Even the Bible teaches living in moderation. For example, Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your moderation be known unto all men."
The modern model, however, is not one of moderation. Instead it's one of fad diets, extreme goals, trendy parenting techniques, intense exercise programs and a rat-racer mentality that all throw good intentions off kilter. The result: workaholics, drug addicts, exhausted parents and young people with eating disorders.
Moderation living means avoiding extremes and focusing on every aspect of life, not necessarily equally, but appropriately. The objective is to exercise routinely, eat nutritiously, work smart, make time for play, parent effectively, socialize regularly and get regular checkups.
Naturally, applying moderation living can be different for every person, depending on many factors such as personality and stage of life. People who aren't born with a moderation-amenable personality, one that can be coerced toward moderation, might have to go through processes in order to develop a healthy lifestyle.
"You should not attempt to change lifelong habits overnight, because such drastic changes are quite simply difficult, if not impossible, to achieve," Lo said. "Instead, set realistic goals for making small changes every day, and then continue to incorporate additional small changes once you get used to those you have already made."
Transitioning toward moderation living requires the conscious awareness and decision to make a lifestyle change. Sometimes learning to say "no." "No, I can't have a meeting at 5 p.m., my family has plans."
Other times, it's learning to say "yes." "Yes, I will commit to 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week."
Imagine the relief from physical exhaustion when you set and enforce limits on your work and waking hours, the joy from committing to regular social or family time and the health benefits from regular exercise and a nutritious diet.
An optimal moderation living experience can be achieved.
•Instead of exercising obsessively, select a balanced workout routine that provides stress relief, cardiac benefits and strength enhancement.
• Instead of trying every new fad diet, eat a little bit from every food group without over-eating or denying moderate consumption of favorite foods.
•Instead of working away extra hours every day, plan a more efficient daily work routine or ask for help with heavy workloads.
Be sure to nourish your spiritual, emotional and intellectual well-being, too.
You don't have to give up entirely on life's little pleasures (think junk food, cocktails, Facebook). Just don't overindulge.
The key to feeling balance and happiness is living somewhere in between all of the human extremes – in moderation.
Finding your balance is likely to be an ongoing process. It takes an "all things in moderation" attitude and personal forgiveness for shortfalls in every aspect of wellness – and in life in general – as well as personal celebration of all successes infinitesimal to vast.
Avoid extremes. Live moderately. Be Well.
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