Maintaining balance in your life enables you to be more fit, have better overall health and embrace a better attitude toward life. Balance helps us feel more peaceful and at home in just about any situation.

We often forget to notice and give thanks when our body and soul are in balance. When we're out of balance, however, we definitely notice the symptoms -- having an illness or injury, feeling anger, fear or jealousy, or being burned out, unmotivated or stressed.

Here's what you'll have in your life when you learn to restore balance. You'll wake up excited and happy for the day. You'll have time for others. You'll be in harmony with the outside environment. There will be less worry in your life, and you'll feel motivated more often than not. There will be measurable improvement in fitness and health.

If you want more of the good stuff, you need to pay attention to these aspects of your life that may be out of balance:

1. You would rather pull the sheets over your head than march out the door to tackle the day.

Solution: If this is your overwhelming feeling, it might be a good idea to take a break and have some down time. Rest is just as important as productivity and action.

2. There is always a burning feeling of stress or anxiety that just won't go away.

Solution: Focus on trust. If you need renewed enthusiasm for the road ahead, whether it's a marathon race coming up or a work assignment, remind yourself of your goals and what you want to achieve. Let these be your inspiration. Trust in your ability to get it done and do it well.

3. You can hardly stand it when people want to talk with you or need your help, because you're barely able to take care of your own life.

Solution: Take some moments to disconnect from whatever gives you the stress, and do something positive for yourself. Take a short walk, watch the sunset -- anything to increase the positive "readings" on your meter. In other words, find and nurture your higher self.

4. You don't have time to be in nature.

Solution: It doesn't require a lot of time in nature to restore balance to your life. Drink your morning tea or coffee outdoors. Take a walk at lunch. Go outside before bed and look at the stars. When you check in with nature and you're aware of the seasonal changes, the temperature changes and all the transformations that are going on around you, it "resets" your equilibrium.

5. You have ongoing injuries and/or frequent illnesses that recur or don't seem to go away.

Solution: Do a life stress reality check. What parts of your life are using up the energy you need to nurture your own health? Find fixes that energize you, whether it's getting more rest, having more alone time, saying no to demanding people or taking on less work.

6. You feel too overwhelmed or lack the motivation to exercise.

Solution: Do what you need to do to clear your plate a little bit so there is time. Our bodies want and need to move in order to stay healthy. Everyone has 15 minutes a day -- even you! Plug in to your community of support for help and motivation. Get a walking buddy, join a canoeing group or take a dance class.

Seeking and appreciating the balance you do have can be part of your journey in life. Consciously take note when negative thoughts aren't present. Notice events in nature -- such as the sun rising yesterday or the phase of the moon. Give yourself kudos when you've been consistent in your workouts, and appreciate how good you feel when you're active. Acknowledge moments when you feel generous, and be grateful when you feel healthy.