Enjoy this guest blog by Brad at http://selfcaring.info
As a society, we tend to focus on quantity over quality. This not only applies to stuff, but also to our work output, activities, and relationships. Unfortunately, in the quest for more, we often sacrifice our health and happiness without even realizing it. If you’ve found yourself feeling less happy, more stressed, and trying to turn your health around, keep reading. Here, we offer a few pieces of advice on how to prioritize what’s important, even when you don’t have time to spare.
Choose Quick Nutrition Over Fast Food
Fast food does not necessarily mean quick access to nutrition. Unfortunately, more than 15 million Americans turn to fast food every day to fill their stomachs. University Hospitals explains that much of the food plucked from the drive-through contains trans fats, which is known to cause high cholesterol. While your cheeseburger may contain real beef, lettuce, and tomatoes, it also contains additives, including sodium and, potentially, fillers with zero nutritional value.
Instead of heading grabbing fast food, make a plan to feed yourself well each day. If you don’t have time to prepare a healthy dinner each night, a pressure cooker can help you manage the task in less than half the time of traditional food preparation methods. Food cooked in a pressure cooker is flavorful, retains most of its nutrients, and can replace your fast food addiction. You can cook meats, vegetables, rice, and more, and it’s usually a more economical alternative than eating out. Just remember to look through review websites to determine which one will work best for you. During the day, keep healthy snacks handy. Snacknation recommends peanut butter, honey, roasted chickpeas, and apples with almond butter.
Exercise in the In-Betweens
If you don’t already exercise, you should know that physical activity comes with a host of benefits beyond weight loss and muscle definition. Len Kravitz, Ph.D. of the University of New Mexico explains that exercise can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin sensitivity, osteoporosis, arthritis, and much more. And you don’t have to dedicate hours at the gym each day to prioritize fitness. Consider exercising in the times between tasks. For example, when you arrive at work, park farther away and take the stairs instead of the elevator to your office. You can also combine exercise with social activities to make it more enjoyable.
Conversate to Recuperate (Your Mental Health)
Even if you are surrounded by people all day, you can still feel lonely. And loneliness can lead to many health conditions, including reduced immunity and poor sleep. Depression is another side effect of isolation. It can be hard to escape an emotional slump, but it’s not impossible.
One of the best ways to keep yourself mentally well is to spend time interacting with people you love. Self.com contributor Korin Miller echoes the advice of many therapists by saying to write out a list of “your people.” A quick conversation with a positive influence can provide you with a mood boost and the motivation to continue caring for yourself. Make a point to call your best friend, mother, sister, or adult children on your way home from work each afternoon. However, don’t just stop at the phone; make plans to socialize at least once per month.
Spend a Day at the Doctor
While you certainly don’t want to go to the doctor every day, plan to schedule one or two days each year for routine medical screenings. This should include a physical, gynecological exam if you are a woman, and dental checkup. Reader’s Digest goes into greater detail on the types of healthcare visits needed by people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. While it may not be pleasant, and you’ll most likely have a hectic day, knocking these things out in short bursts is more convenient than having to take time off work multiple times each year.
Your health is part of what makes you you. Treating your body well every day will give you a chance at keeping your health intact for the long haul. It’s not hard, and you can do things like eat better foods, exercise, and socialize, even while managing a full workload and family.
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