Clever (And Affordable) Ways To Care For Yourself
Article from guest author Jennifer McGregor
If you’re a busy working parent, you spend much of your time devoted to others. However, when it is time to take care of yourself, you are probably falling behind. Don’t let time or money keep you from prioritizing self-care. Not catering to your own needs can leave you physically and mentally depleted, and this can affect your job performance. Fuelyourgainz.com offers some great ideas to help you take control of your self-care practice without straining your bank account.
Get To Know Yourself
It’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside when life gets extraordinarily busy. Over time, however, this can lead to a host of issues, namely, illness, depression, and a bad mood.
Start paying close attention to the activities you do each day, as this can help you get a better idea of where you have a self-care deficit. Taking the time to do this won’t cost you a dime but can provide invaluable insight into yourself.
Learn To Love The Kitchen
One of the best things you can do to give yourself a health boost is to stop eating frozen meals, takeout or highly refined or processed foods. Set aside a few hours at the beginning of your week to meal plan, and then prepare portable lunches or dinners for the next few days. Look for reusable (and dishwasher-safe) bento boxes or microwave-safe food containers. You can find these on Amazon or Walmart for a few dollars each.
If you find that you still don’t have time to cook the food you love, invest in a pressure cooker. The Instant Pot Duo, for example, is usually less than $100 and can cut your cooking time in half. Plus, many models — including the Duo — can also serve other purposes, such as a slow cooker, yogurt maker, or rice cooker, meaning you can replace other small appliances to make room for your meal prep supplies.
Make Exercise Fun Time
You obviously already know the importance of exercise, but it’s worth mentioning if you aren’t getting in at least 30 minutes of activity every day. If you’re not, plan to get moving. Running, jogging, and hiking are just a few ways to fit fitness and fun into your day. If you prefer something different that’s customized for you, try out the Fuelyourgainz.com Limited Equipment Resistance Training Program, developed by fitness coach and athlete Bryan Sellers. This program offers 12 weeks of phased programming, in addition to nutritional advice. Plus, you can do all of your routines from the comfort of your living room!
Use Your Phone to Your Advantage
We all carry a powerful computer in our pockets pretty much at all hours of the day. Your smartphone is a great resource that can help you keep track of your health and fitness needs. Apps, such as My Fitness Pal or Cronometer, are usually free and are often available for both android and iPhone users.
Upgrade Your Sleep Situation
When sleep is a struggle, don’t stress yourself out overthinking about why you can’t rest. Instead, make some changes to your bedroom to make yourself more comfortable. Bedding is expensive, so don’t be afraid to look for deals. Alternatively, if you’re crafty, you might consider making a new duvet cover or pillow slips out of breathable material so you don’t get overheated through the evening hours. Blackout curtains and a sound machine are affordable additions that can help reduce light and noise, respectively. Investing in a cooling pad, like the one offered by Chili, can regulate your body temperature throughout the night while under the warmth of your covers.
Remember, in order to fulfill your professional and personal roles successfully, your health must come first, and you can’t afford to sweep yourself to the sidelines. These budget-friendly ideas are just a starting point toward finding optimal ways to be the very best version of yourself.