If you are like most there always seems to be a never ending to-do-list. This may mean juggling not only your own life but multiple others and the need or time to look after your health can be pushed into the background. This is a common mistake of many, in fact the busier you are in life the more vital it is to put your health first.
Think about it this way, if you are the motor of a car running the whole machine but you are faulty or worn down the rest of the car’s performance is affected. Without making the time and commitment to your mental, physical and nutritional wellbeing your health is suboptimal. Leading not only to you living a suboptimal life but you short change yourself to what you can give to others and to other parts of your life like your job, social commitments, sports and recreation or family. It is a sound and worthwhile investment which leaves you and all components of your life benefiting.
So, what can you do to make health a lifestyle, try these tips to get you started:
The key is to schedule the time to look after your health like any other important appointment. You wouldn’t not show up to your job so treat your health with the same if not more commitment.
- Exercise
Make time for exercise each day such as hitting your local gym which can be very appealing especially in the cooler months. Or even simply getting outside and walking or running on your lunch break. At the gym or anytime fun is key! Choose classes or types of exercises which are fun and make you want to come back. To cover all your components of fitness, try to include cardio, strength and stretching in your weekly activities.
- Nutrition
When creating your optimal diet preparation is key. Try making a day or two to meal prep and shop for the week. This means you won’t have to fall into easier and often less healthy alternatives for your health and your waistline. When you meal prep you can cook for both lunch and dinner for up to 3 days stored in the fridge and the rest your freezer. Make a list of recipes for the season which are both delicious but also not too time consuming. Your meals do not need to be Instagram gorgeous to taste delicious. The internet can be your best friend as there are loads of different recipes to select from.
- Social
Your mind matters. By exercising and eating well you are looking after your mind but your mind also needs socialisation with friends. A gym can be a great environment to support mental wellness and develop a strong group of friends which will help you stay on track with your health goals. This is another reason group fitness is fantastic as you are also looking after your social wellbeing.
Take home message: Investing in yourself and your health is not a selfish act. It is a necessity to live to your best and to be able to give more to those around you. You deserve to live a life which feels good and allows you to shine.
