When you’re constantly busy with work and life, it can take its toll. It can be hard to make time for yourself and your health. These quick tips will help you incorporate healthy practices into your day without taking up too much of your time.
Eat healthily
Eating healthily on the go can be a problem for many busy people. Do you reach for a takeaway or a fatty restaurant meal because you don’t have time to shop or cook? Try shopping online – you can do it in half an hour at your desk and have the food delivered,
Buy foods which are quick and convenient but still healthy. For example, a quick ten-minute supper could be pasta with a sauce made from tinned tomatoes and veg, with a bagged salad on the side. Even baked potato with beans or egg on toast is better than getting regular takeaways.
Try to take lunch to work and snack on fruit – it’s portable and easy to eat on the go.
De-stress
Make time to de-stress each day. Even if it’s just a walk on your lunch break or a few minutes alone in silence, it will help you focus for the rest of the day. Try to make a decent chunk of time for yourself at least once a week – do whatever relaxes you, whether that’s playing sport, watching TV or cooking.
Invest in health insurance
Very busy people are more likely to avoid going to see a doctor and to ignore health problems and symptoms. Often, they are put off by NHS waiting times and inconvenient appointments. With private medical insurance you’ll be seen quickly by a specialist and have far more choice over when and where you’re treated.
Some workplaces offer private health plans as part of their employee benefits package so do investigate this too.
Exercise
When you’re busy, exercise is often the first thing to go. However, exercise will boost your energy levels and you can build it into your packed schedule. Small things can make a difference, for example, take the stairs instead of the lift and go and speak to colleagues rather than emailing.
Additionally, you might not be able to fit 20 minutes exercise into a day all at once, but could you fit in four five-minute blocks?
Limit alcohol and caffeine
Avoid turning to excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption when you’re stressed. It will make you feel worse in the long run. Drink more water when you want a drink to keep you feeling refreshed and energised.
Taking care of your health can seem impossible when you’re busy but with a few tips and tricks you can take small steps to gain big health improvements.
Patient Choice is a medical organisation providing cost-effective private health plans for individuals and businesses in the UK. For more information visit the Patient Choice website