We are happy to have our guest writer again on our blog today, Dana Brown. Dana is the creator of HealthConditions.info, which aims to provide Internet users with helpful content and resources that will lead them to making healthier decisions. We really appreciate his time in helping teach people how to create healthier lives. Thanks Dana!
As busy female professionals, we aim to improve, grow and become better in all aspects of life. However, we are often so busy crushing our professional goals that we forget to reward ourselves now and again. Rather than giving yourself the proverbial pat on the back, why not combine your busy lifestyle with a reward that offers relaxation, improved quality of life, and a much-needed break? Here are some ideas of things you can reward yourself with:
Meditative and relaxing activities. Stress is a common, everyday feeling, especially for a professional, and it’s important to find ways to reduce that stress and enjoy life amidst the periodic chaos we experience. Consider some of these items:
- Yoga mat. Of course, this is perfect for yoga, which is incredibly relaxing, but other fitness activities as well – all of which can be done at home. Stretching, strength and core exercises all give you something to focus energy on to help relieve some of that stress. After a workout, you feel relaxed and physically tired, which helps you sleep more soundly. The best kind of sleep comes from a fulfilling day of both mental and physical exercise.
- Free weights. They are also called dumbbells, but they are a great staple to have around for a small home gym. They come in different sizes and weights, and can be stored easily. Doing even light weight-training with these can help you take your mind off of work and strengthen your body. This all goes hand in hand with relaxing your mind and your body. As a bonus, having a home-based gym may help you find motivation to squeeze in a workout even on your busiest day, since you don’t have to travel to a fitness studio and you can fit in a sweat session whenever is convenient. For additional tips on fitting exercise into a busy schedule, check out this guide from Plexus.
- Coloring book. This may not be physical exercise, but it’s mental exercise. Don’t think of this as a kid’s activity, but rather a way to relax. It’s almost like therapy. There are certain meditative qualities to coloring in all of those shapes in a coloring book. Adult coloring books have really complex designs which offer a lot distraction for the mind. As you color in the shapes, you feel a sense of completion as you move along. You can use a rainbow of colors in every picture, and take your time with each one. No one is looming over you wondering when it will be done, and you can do it at your own pace. When you’re finished is when you decide you are. It’s a very freeing process, and a superb way to burn off some of that tense energy so you can start your next day feeling lighter and fresher.
Time-saving, healthy food choices. That all sounds fantastic, but when you’re so busy with work and potentially taking care of a family as well, it’s difficult to make the best food choices. You’re hungry and you find something to eat, but it’s not always the best option out there. There are so many fast food restaurants and other unhealthy, quick options available that it’s easy to make all of the wrong choices – especially when you’re hungry. Sure, there are some things you can have at home that are healthy, and maybe you’re good about making dinner each night and eating what you should, but what about during the workday?
Lunch time is prime time to make food mistakes. What about adding a healthy food delivery service to your wish list? Most cities have these services available now, and they’re generally not more expensive than grabbing something at a restaurant – and sometimes, they’re even cheaper. They offer different diet accommodation options including gluten-free, plant-based, and fitness-fueling choices. You can sign up for automatic delivery, pick your ideal menu, and have meals brought right to your door.
There are a lot of things we can do to improve our lives and better ourselves. Adding some of these things to your list of rewards or splurges can make accomplishing your professional and personal goals that much more fun. It’s really a win-win situation.
Dana is the creator of HealthConditions.info, which aims to provide Internet users with helpful content and resources that will lead them to making healthier decisions.