For many of us, our lives are really busy. As a result, it gets even harder to find balance and time for ourselves.
But, we really have to start taking better care of ourselves. This is especially true for those of us who are breaking out of the summer mode and returning back to school.
For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, we’re going to offer you five quick things that you can start doing to not take control of your wellness, but to also start being a better you. These are really simple tips that you probably already know.
However, in case you are failing at following them, we wanted to give you some reminders as to why you should.
1. Get the right amount of sleep.
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Sleeping too much or not enough are both not good for the body. However, getting the right amount is the key. You need sleep to function better and to have a better mood, so don’t deprive yourself of it. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that adolescents should get anywhere from 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep each night to help them function better in the classroom. And as for adults, WebMD states that 7.5 and 8 hours of sleep is good. However, it also emphasizes that some people’s sleep hours range- some may only need 6 hours of sleep, while others may need 9 hours. Experts say you should try allowing yourself to wake up without an alarm clock to figure out what amount of sleep you need to feel your best.
2. Exercise, EXercise, EXERCISE!
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Interestingly, studies clearly reveal that taking time out of the busy day for exercise is hard for many of us. According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, only about 30 percent of adult Americans say they exercise regularly in their spare time, while 40 percent of Americans say they do not at all. Whoa! Pretty scary, but also clearly indicates that we also must develop better habits. Studies show that exercising regularly not only helps you to relieve stress, but it also helps your body to function properly, protecting you from developing illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure overtime.
3. Drink plenty of water and eat right.
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Of course, this goes along with exercising, but again, we wanted to remind you. Everything is all about balance. If you want to live a great life without tons of illnesses and unwanted issues, then make sure you eat right and drink plenty of water. According to Beverage Institute dietitian Joan Koelemay, water is a core element needed for your body to function properly (especially after and during exercise). “Think of water as a nutrient your body needs that is present in liquids, plain water, and foods,” she told WebMD. “All of these are essential daily to replace the large amounts of water lost each day.”
4. Take time out for yourself.
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We often keep going for so long without having time to ourselves that we burn ourselves out. Sometimes sitting back and taking a moment to breathe and think can be more beneficial to your overall balance and perception of life than continuously trying to be superman or superwoman. So just like how you schedule to take time to meet with your friends and family, schedule to have time to yourself.
5. Read a good book each month.
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Oh, the joys of reading! Reading is great because it not only provides you with wisdom, but it’s also a good outlet. Reading is essential for finding purpose and for learning more about yourself. Whether you like action-packed books or motivational ones, take some time each month to read a good book. Also, to get yourself even more excited about doing reading, put together a bucket list of books you hope to read during your lifetime. You’ll be surprised at how quick you will be at attacking them.
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