Taking Care Of Yourself Doesn't Have To Be Expensive
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Guest Post: I’m always looking out for individuals who share my passion in helping others take care of all areas of their life so they can be at their best. The author of today’s post is Gabriel Patel. He is a cofounder of healthwellwise.com. Gabriel created the website with a group of friends who share is desire to help people live happy, healthy lives.
Between work, family, and personal commitments, it can be difficult to put yourself first, but it’s essential to take care of yourself in order to avoid illness and burnout. While research shows that nearly 90 percent of Americans value mental and physical health equally, one-third find it difficult to get care for mental health — including the fact that it’s cost prohibitive. But being responsible about your health and well-being isn’t limited to doctor visits alone. There are several cost-effective ways that will help you feel better in your mind, body, and soul all year.
Hire a Convenience Service
Managing multiple tasks on a regular basis can be exhausting, so let a pro handle some of your chores from time to time. Having a professional cleaner deep clean can make it easier for you to maintain your home on your own for the rest of the month. Meal delivery services are a healthier alternative than fast food when there’s no time to cook or shop. Consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter so you can sleep in or take a long weekend.
Go Holistic
The holistic approach treats the entire body, mind, and soul. One of the most popular treatments is massage because it can be extremely beneficial to long-term health and well-being. According to experts, regular massage can increase your range of motion, strengthen the immune system, and provide an improved sense of well-being. Other practices include acupuncture, meditation, Ayurveda, energy therapies, and relaxation classes. Many schools offer free or extremely discounted services, which make it easier to go more frequently.
Pay Attention to Your Gut Health
If you’re feeling fatigued, moody, or just plain “blah,” then you might have issues with the health of your gut. Maintaining a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria is essential to your overall well-being, so it’s important to eat foods that will enrich the environment of your gut. For example, if possible, try to limit the number of antibiotics you take, increase your intake of probiotics, and gravitate toward food with live cultures (kefir, yogurt, etc.). Before long, you’ll have everything back in balance — which will make you feel better all over.
Improve Your Bedroom
Statistics show that 40 percent of Americans get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep each night. Aside from following the basic rule of not using any electronics, give your bedroom a DIY makeover to help relax your mind so you can get some decent shuteye. Install light-blocking shades or curtains and paint the walls in a calming shade of blue, violet, pink, green, or gray. You can also bring in some plants, add dimmer switches for the lights, buy a new set of sheets and/or pillows, and clean up the clutter. Also consider aromatherapy pillow sprays or room diffusers with sleep-inducing lavender, ylang-ylang, rose, or chamomile.
Set Up a Home Gym
You need not purchase an expensive gym membership to stay fit. Create a comfortable place within your home where you can work out with the assistance of free online videos or a fitness app. All you need to complete the experience is a yoga mat, resistance bands, and a few sets of dumbbells. You can find most of this equipment used at a second-hand store or online. Make it a point to regularly switch up your routine so you don’t become bored. This will also help you to continue to gain strength and tone because you’re always challenging your body.
Give Yourself a Boost
If you’re getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and prioritizing good nutrition, you should feel energized and ready to meet each day. If you don’t, it might be time to consider a safe, energy-boosting supplement. While researching, look for products that address the causes of low energy -- like anxiety, depression, or long-term exhaustion -- instead of just the symptoms. And, as always, talk to your doctor before you add a supplement to your regimen.
Try Something New
Good mental well-being means you have confidence, can express a range of emotions, and feel engaged with the world around you. Keep challenging yourself by trying something new — be it a class, hobby, sport, recipe, or hairstyle. Anything goes. Many local community centers and businesses offer activities at a low cost.
It’s easy to have a short fuse and not feel your best when you’re overwhelmed. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself or allowing others to help you out once in a while. Not only will you have more energy and vigor, but it’s likely that you’ll see an improvement in your personal relationships because you won’t be as stressed.
