A method of steady-state free precession MR imaging is provided that includes the steps of: (a) providing a balanced steady-state free precession imaging sequence that includes a plurality of phase encoding steps, wherein each phase encoding step comprises a phase encoding gradient and a slice selection gradient; and (b) acquiring imaging data by performing the plurality of phase encoding steps in sequence, wherein the imaging data is acquired is compensated for one or more effects due to eddy-currents, flow, or motion related artefacts due to the implementation of one or more artefact compensation strategies that consist of (i) "pairing" of consecutive phase encoding steps and of (ii) "through slice equilibration" of eddy-current and motion or flow related signal oscillations.