Balance: The Program Running In The Background

Your computer, phone or other technology that you use has things going on right in front of you. You make calls, work on documents, send e-mails or other things when you make use of that device. You don’t need to know how exactly your device works to know that there is usually something else going on the background. We usually realize that when things slow down because the program in the background is affecting the main task at hand.

Shifting the focus from your technology to your own body – let’s think about the technology of you. You are out to run errands. You walk out to your car and while shifting something in your hands to free the others you then open your car door and get in. You get to the store, shop and come back home.

The entire time. Every step. The program of balance was running. It ran in the background keeping you steady and on your feet while moving, shifting your weight and carrying things.

Usually, we only notice that a program of balance running when it becomes the main focus or concern of a movement. For instance, you are walking on a narrow surface and want to avoid stepping off of the edge. Or you are balancing with one foot raised to see how long you can do it. Especially when you trip on something and are trying to avoid falling it is a focus. Your focus is all about your balance and moving without falling over. On the flip side, we also notice our balance when our ability to keep our balance while moving has eroded. For example, you notice when you have to really concentrate on not falling when changing direction quickly, getting in and out of a chair or just walking quickly.  All of these instances could be a signal that your balance has eroded.

There is no need to wait until you notice the signs. There is no benefit to waiting and increasing the risk of falling. Also be aware of other things to check like your vision, medication you take or even your hearing. They can negatively affect your balance.

Click here to read about a study that reported how impaired vision can affect your balance.

Click here to learn about how medication can negatively affect your balance.

Be proactive. Find ways to dynamically challenge and improve your balance.

Click here to go to the Balance Video Series and find ways to improve your balance.