Who is ready to say goodbye to 2020?! COVID has forever changed the way we live, work, and play. I think everyone is ready to welcome the new year with renewed hope and expectations. The one thing that is on our minds more than ever is our health. While we usually focus on financial health – it really doesn’t mean much if you don’t have your physical health. Today we want to suggest small changes that can significantly impact your overall health.
It is often the little things that we do that make the biggest difference. Do you have unhealthy habits that you know you need to change? For example, do you eat fast food and then feel lousy about it? Try packing lunch and carrying a small cooler in your car with healthy food that you enjoy eating. Have you found yourself drinking more alcohol since stay-at-home orders were issued? According to a recent study by the RAND Corporation, binge drinking has spiked considerably since the pandemic began. Try to find healthy ways to cope with stress without alcohol – keep in touch with friends and co-workers, get outside, take a walk, read a book, take up a new hobby, do a project around your house.
If you want to start taking steps to a healthier you and are unsure where to begin, keep reading!
COVID
We can’t write an article about being healthy without including the recommended Coronavirus safety guidelines.
- Wear a mask – make sure it covers your nose and mouth
- wash your hand (for at least 20 seconds), especially after being in a public place
- social distance
- Limit trips outside of your home
- avoid crowds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touched around your home and work
Vaccination – Many are hesitant about taking the vaccine because it is so new. We recommend talking to your health care professional to get answers. There is an abundance of information available explaining how the vaccine works, what is in it, and what to expect; read up and be informed.
Physical exams
When was the last time you had a check-up with your doctor, dentist, or eye care professional? Many people have put off routine exams to limit contact with others, but it could be at the expense of your overall health. Make a commitment right now to call and get these appointments scheduled. Health care professionals have put protocols and procedures in place to keep their patients safe and protected, so there is no reason to avoid or delay your visits. Many health conditions can be detected before there are signs or symptoms. It’s important to find problems early when they are easier to treat before more damage can occur. Early detection means less testing, faster intervention, and a healthier you.
Exercise
How often do you fit exercise into your daily schedule? Consistency is key. We dropped our gym membership earlier this year and decided to work out at home. It takes effort when you are used to going to the gym where everything is there, waiting for you to use, but we are figuring it out. The key is consistency – working out hard one day a week is not as beneficial as taking time a little bit of time every day. Think of small things you can do to work fitness into your day. Instead of parking close when running errands, chose a space further away to get in extra steps. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Use an app to count your steps, setting a daily goal. Make exercise a priority, schedule it on the calendar, just like your other important appointments. Begin by setting aside 15 minutes a day. Find a fun YouTube for instruction and inspiration. Try dancing, stretching, yoga, hand weights. Make plans with someone else to take a walk or set up a fitness challenge. Exercise not only gives you more stamina and flexibility, but it also makes every-day tasks like climbing the stairs, carrying groceries, or doing housework easier.
Diet
It is no surprise that people are taking extra interest in boosting their immunity through diet because of the global pandemic. Do you know how many servings of fruits and vegetables you get per day? The CDC recommends that adults eat at least 1 ½ – 2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables daily. Very few adults meet these guidelines. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of many leading causes of illness and death, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity. Start by adding a couple of servings a day. Spend a little time chopping, slicing, and packaging your fruits and vegetables for the week. Put them front and center in the fridge, so they are the first thing that you see. Ask friends to share their favorite healthy recipes, learn about food prep, and batch cooking. Consider “Meatless Mondays” to increase your consumption of fruits and veggies. Reduce fried foods, and packaged, processed foods. Plan snacks and meals ahead of time – we tend to make the worst choices when tired, hungry, and unprepared.
Sleep
How much sleep are you getting every night? When you sleep, your body regenerates and boosts your immune system. When we don’t get enough sleep, we become tired and irritable. Lack of sleep also affects our body weight and increases our risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Establish a regular bedtime (we have an IBC client who sets the alarm to remind him it is time to go to bed!), reduce your caffeine intake during the day and make your bedroom as dark and as comfortable as possible. Lower your bedroom temperature and don’t allow TVs, cell phones, and tablets. Try deep breathing exercises or listening to soothing music to relax. The quality and amount of sleep we get has a profound effect on our mental and physical health. Reduce your stress and improve your mood by making sure you get the rest your body needs!
Have questions?
Just like your physical health, your financial health needs regular check-ups too. Things that worked for you in the past may not be the right choice for you today.
Give us a call at 574-234-1980 or contact us at hello@Neeserinsurance.com; we are here to help you make the little changes that can have a powerful impact on your financial health!