Mixing Fitness with Self-Care: How to Find Balance

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For many people, finding the time and energy to devote to self-care and fitness every day seems impossible. As our lives get busier, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with keeping ourselves looking and feeling good. However, fitting in a workout and caring for your mind, body, and soul doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right balance, you can ensure that you’re at your best at all times, which will help you be more productive when you need to be and more relaxed when you’re ready to unwind. Finding the right tools to help you succeed is key, as is making sure you have the proper motivation.

For more help, read the following tips from TAC Fitness & Performance Center on creating a health plan that works for you.

Fit in a Workout While You Work

If you work from home, have a busy schedule, or suffer from a health issue that doesn’t allow for the amount of exercise you’d like, consider an under-desk elliptical. These small machines don’t take up much space, so you can use one while you’re working and get the benefits of a much bigger workout no matter your size or abilities. The elliptical is great for your heart and for toning the muscles on the lower part of your body, especially if you sit for long periods of time during the day. It can also be used while standing, which is even more beneficial for your health.

Another great option is to work with a personal trainer or check out group classes at TAC Fitness & Performance Center. We offer in-person and online options, and we can customize a workout to fit your specific needs. Check out our single classes, or look into our memberships today!

Try Something New

If you feel daunted by trying something new when it comes to self-care or fitness, start small. You might give a new yoga pose a shot, or wake up 10 minutes earlier than usual so you can relax before everyone else wakes up. Taking even just a few minutes to yourself during the day can make a huge difference in the way you feel; it can boost your confidence and help you find motivation you didn’t even know you had.

Take Up a Hobby

Hobbies are wonderful for our self-esteem, and in some cases, they can boost our physical health as well. If you can mix something you love to do with an activity that gets your heart rate up, you’ll get major benefits to your mind and body. And who knows? Perhaps you will decide to turn your hobby into a new career, so consider getting an online degree to get the process started.

Also, think about a sport you might like to play or an activity that can be done outside (which has its own set of benefits for your mental and physical health), like gardening.

Older adults might enjoy doing something that allows for more social interaction, such as joining a book club or a swim class geared toward seniors. The more you can do to keep your mind and body active, the happier you’ll be.

Focus on Healthy Meals

If you’re single or are a busy parent, it can be a challenge to find the energy or time to cook a healthy meal every single night. One strategy is to try and fit in other tasks like exercise during downtime when cooking, but many people rely on fast food or quick, frozen dinners to get them through the week. All the calories, sugar, and fat that comes with these options are responsible for more than the way you look; it can also take a toll on how you feel, both physically and mentally.

If you learn to meal-prep, or if the budget allows for meal delivery, you’ll be able to put together a healthy meal that makes you feel good every night without relying on fast food. Not only that, taking a few minutes to prepare food with fresh or healthy ingredients for your loved ones can help you feel better about yourself.

Treat Yourself

Sometimes we all need a reward. This can be a fun form of self-care as long as you don’t go overboard! The idea is to do something nice for yourself, with or without strings attached. Maybe your goal is to make dinner every night for a month, so you invest in a digital pressure cooker to help make that happen. Or if you’ve worked out five days this week, why not book a massage while your partner takes care of the kids?

Self-care treats don’t have to be expensive, either. It could be a new journal or a cute strap for your watch, and it can also be an hour of watching your favorite TV show or going for lunch with a friend. It simply comes down to doing something nice for yourself.

Get Better Rest

Good sleep is a crucial part of feeling your best, but many of us aren’t getting the rest we require. Whether it’s due to anxiety, stress, or outside factors, if you aren’t getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, then you need to make some changes. Not only is sleep essential to your mental health, but a lack of it can also have serious physical effects.

Think about your sleep situation and how you might improve it; would it help to make some changes to your bedroom, such as adding soft lighting, removing technology, or upgrading the bedding? If you’re living with a mental health disorder that makes sleep elusive, you might look for a counselor or a support group that can help you overcome some of those challenges.

Finding a good balance between your mental and physical health may seem overwhelming, but with a few small lifestyle changes, you can learn how to make the most of your overall health and find a good balance. These changes can benefit you for years to come.

By – Stephanie Haywood