3 Self-Care Tricks to Help You Manage Your Mood and Budget
Rates of mental illness and obesity are on the rise. It’s no wonder then why so many of us want to get healthier. However, healthier lifestyle choices can feel overwhelming when you’re a beginner. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. There are plenty of easy, affordable steps you can take to start caring for your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Here are some health strategies you can easily add to your daily routine to help your body, mind, and soul:
Keep Your Healthcare in Check
Regular doctor checkups can help catch health problems before they get worse. Find trustworthy medical professionals, stick to your appointments, and follow up as needed.
You should also keep regular tabs on your health insurance. With insurance plans frequently changing, it’s up to you to ensure you’re getting the most out of your coverage. Analyze your benefits annually to ensure you’ve chosen the best coverage for your lifestyle. For instance, seniors might benefit from specific Medicare Advantage plans, like the ones Humana offers, which have additional coverage for dental and vision along with access to national fitness centers. Even if you’re not a senior, you’ll still want to use your insurance coverage to the max so you’re enjoying all your benefits.
Add
Movement to Each Day
Physical activity is one of the most effective forms
of preventive care. Through regular exercise, including aerobic activity or
strength training, you can improve your circulation, reduce your
chances of heart disease, and even boost your mental health.
You might purchase a gym membership, attend a class, or even hire a personal
trainer to boost your physical activity. Try to find an activity that you enjoy
and can commit to, like running, swimming, kickboxing, or even yoga. Try
recruiting a friend, colleague, or partner as a workout buddy to help hold you
accountable and keep you on track each week.
Choose
the Right Workout Attire
Once you’ve decided on a specific type of physical
activity, you’ll want to make sure you have the right workout attire. When it
comes to working out, you’ll need comfy, loose-fitting clothing. Instead of
choices like sweatpants, which will only make you feel sweatier, opt for
lighter materials that will help reduce your body temperature and keep you dry.
Leggings, like the ones sold at EnjoyLeggings.com,
are an excellent choice for almost any athletic activity. They allow a full
range of motion, and some leggings are even made from special fabrics that help
pull sweat away from your body, keeping you dry during your workout.
You’ll also want the right type of footwear for the specific type of activity
you’ll be doing. For example, yoga is typically done barefoot on a yoga mat.
Most forms of dance, on the other hand, require a particular type of dancing
shoe. Athletic shoes are best for running and other aerobic exercises. When in
doubt, visit a shoe store or sports store for sizing and recommendations.
Get
Enough Sleep
One final tip for boosting your mental and physical
health: get enough sleep. Exercise is one great way to ensure you get
better sleep, according to Johns Hopkins, as will a solid bedtime routine.
Healthy sleep habits can also prevent Alzheimer’s disease and
dementia.
Still struggling to get enough shut-eye? Consider yoga nidra, the “yoga of sleep,” a safe and appropriate yoga
practice for all ages, physical conditions, and experience levels. There’s no wrong way to practice yoga nidra. Guided
videos are available for free online so you can start getting better sleep
tonight.
Remember, getting healthier doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re just starting out or are on a limited budget, there are plenty of affordable options. Many churches and neighborhoods offer free fitness centers or other recreational areas that might be available for you to use. You might also consider getting a few extra steps each day by taking your dog for a walk, taking a few extra laps through the aisles at the grocery store, and choosing a parking space that’s farther from the entrance. Whether you’ve been working out for a while or are just getting started, every step is a healthy step in the right direction!
Author: Jennifer McGregor
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