Guest Author: Shelia Olson
Staying healthy has a number of benefits beyond just your physical wellness. Treating your body kindly and taking time to care for yourself from head to toe can help ensure you're feeling fit, in a good mental state of mind, and can reduce stress. This is especially important for those in the LGBTQ community with autism spectrum disorders. Mazak ETS can be an exceptional resource when it comes to learning how to prioritize yourself and advocate for your overall well-being.
Physical Health
It can be tricky to build in time to exercise every day, but according to Health.com, activity is good for your heart, helps reduce stress levels, and can give you more energy. Look for ways to build physical fitness into regular routines. You might create a habit where you walk every morning before work or get your fitness via organized sports, hiking, biking, yoga, or dance. You can even set a timer and do jumping jacks in your office once an hour.
Physical health doesn’t have to mean an hour at the gym every day. Even taking the stairs at work, parking far from your office, or playing with your dog can give you the benefits of an increased heart rate. But if working out in a gym is more your style, consider outfitting a dedicated space for a home gym. Unless you want to go over the top, creating the area doesn’t have to mean going broke – equipment can be as simple as a few weights, resistance bands, and a step machine. If you make any upgrades, be sure to keep track of them by saving receipts, as home improvements can actually increase your home’s value.
Eat Well
As the saying goes, you are what you eat. The American Heart Association recommends eliminating processed, fatty, and sugary foods, and instead, focus on whole grains, lean meats, fresh fruit and produce, and plenty of water. Limit fast food with meal prep, and pack your lunch rather than order in. Go one step farther and be mindful of overindulging in caffeine or alcohol as both can have negative mental and health effects when overused. Always have healthy snacks on hand so you can avoid the temptation to hit fast food joints when you're tired or in a hurry. Even granola bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a protein shake are better than a greasy double cheeseburger.
Sleep Soundly
Adequate rest is essential to rejuvenating our bodies. Too little sleep means you have the potential to be tired and sluggish, which makes it difficult to focus. It can also impact your mood and your mental health. Try to establish set sleep and wake times for quality rest. Slumber occurs best in a dark, cool, and quiet room. Utilize a white noise machine or light-blocking curtains if you find you’re regularly disturbed or wake frequently during the night, and don't let things like snoring or sleep apnea go unchecked. These don’t just disrupt your sleep – they can also be potentially dangerous disorders.
Mind Your Mind
Stress reduction is important for everyone. Help reduce your anxiety by participating in tai chi, yoga, or meditation as a way to reduce stressors in your life. If work has you on edge, consider the benefits of a change in your career. You might even think about going back to school as a way to expand your horizons and find a more fulfilling occupation, perhaps in business, education, or healthcare. Most online education programs allow you to study from the location of your choice, on your own schedule, which allows you to continue working and caring for your family at the same time. When you’re exploring different options, make sure you find an institution that’s accredited and priced competitively.
Taking care of ourselves, mind, body, and soul, can lead to a better quality of life, improved personal and work relationships, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Remember, staying healthy doesn’t mean you have to turn your life upside down. Many beneficial activities can be worked into a regular everyday schedule and give you a renewed sense of self.
Mazak ETS specializes in aligning, centering, and energizing you physically, mentally, and spiritually, which allows you to reach your full potential. Connect with us today to find out more! (210) 426-8328 or (512) 537-0808.
