Look after your Well-Being.
With the winter months firmly in your grasp it’s a good time to turn your attention to health & well- being. When its cold and snowy outside you naturally want to eat foods that are both warming and comforting. Over time eating a diet that is unhealthy can have a negative effect. I believe there’s no reason why you can’t have comforting foods and still maintain a healthy lifestyle without resorting to cold salads when it freezing.
Wherever we live there is usually a farm shop selling local produce or you can find organic vegetable box delivery schemes in your area. Budget can play a large part in what you choose to eat and dictates shopping habits. But if you sought some local meat and vegetables even just once a week you would be doing something positive for yourself and family. Having a selection of different coloured vegetables ensures a varied diet. Include lots of pulses like lentils and beans such as kidney which are cheap to buy and make your meals stretch. If you are making a shepherd’s pie for example be creative and add some they are full of fibre and iron.
Exercise for Body & Mind.
You know exercising it’s good for you and especially so in winter months as this helps to keep your immune systems in top shape. With the best will in the world not everyone likes going to the gym. The key is to find what works for you and what you enjoy doing is important. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune either so here are a few simple ideas to begin with.
• Try running up and downstairs a few times at home.
• When you are at work use the stairs if there are any.
• When you do the housework really throw yourself into it.
• Go for a brisk walk for 20 minutes and raise your heartbeat.
• If you have time consider volunteering at an animal shelter and walk the dogs.
• Go for a walk at lunchtime.
• Join a weekly class Pilates is great for stretching and flexibility and it’s inexpensive.
• Share the cost of a workout DVD with your friends and exercise together
Relaxing the Mind.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to spend some quiet time in some form of meditation. It’s not an airy fairy idea and is used by many top level professionals in business and something I personally practice daily. Regardless of who you are and your time restraints spending just 15 minutes a day can help to make you feel more focused and refreshed. If you have children take it in turns to watch them so everyone has time to to it.
On a physical level some of the benefits of meditation include.
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks
• Decreases tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, and insomnia.
• Improves the immune system
• Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy
On an emotional level some benefits include.
• Anxiety decreases
• Emotional stability improves
• Creativity increases
• Happiness increases
• Intuition develops
• Gain clarity
• Problems become smaller
• Meditation sharpens the mind by gaining focus and expands through relaxation
Whilst it may seem a chore to do, taking care of your well-being will reap rewards in the long term. A few simple lifestyle changes make all the difference, so doesn’t it make sense to begin right now and invest in yourself. If you need support to achieve this you can contact me for a complimentary session to discuss how coaching can make this possible.
