Little things to do to be healthier when busy/stressed

[MrsGatsby99]

Any ideas on this? A little bit stressed and time-poor at the moment. Getting older and feeling i should be doing more to help my health. Any quick win ideas for how to do small things that aid health. I know it's common sense really, drink lots of water, exercise, nutrition, sleep(insomnia atm so that one is a bit tricky) but i would like some inspiration and maybe some accountability.

One thing i am trying to do is take in fruit/veg to work every day for break.
Walk up four flights of stairs instead of taking lift.
Get 10,000+ steps in at work most days but don't do any real exercise apart from this.

Getting your steps in most days is a great help

I have a six month old! So I'm busy and stressed at times I take vitamin D tablets, vitamin C + zinc tablets and go on walks with DS (you already tick that box!). Also pilates/stretches while waiting for the kettle or for five mins while waiting for a cup of (decaf) tea to cool down...sometimes DS allows this even just standing on one leg or some squats while waiting for the kettle etc helps me.

Get to bed an hour earlier. Makes everything easier the next day.

Drink water
Little movement breaks
Extra fruit veg

There's lots of 10 minute youtube workouts that mean you can fit in some strength or aerobic work fairly easily.

Watching with interest!

BUMP

Can you change how to get to work to get in more fresh air/exercise?

How about mental health? Prioritising yourself in any free time you do have? Or once a month you set aside to make plans with a friend (can be different friend each time, and they don’t have to know they are part of a plan!) - can be hugely beneficial to wellbeing.

Have a look at Dr Chatterjee’s Feel Better in 5, all about introducing small positive changes throughout your day.

Have a listen to Michael Mosley’s podcast ‘Just one thing’ it’s about exactly this.

Meditation. Download the headspace app

• consider fasting / intermittent fasting (less food to worry about prepping / cleaning and lots of health benefits)
• glass of water next to your bed so you can easily rehydrate yourself in the morning
• 4-7-8 breath a few times a day, particularly if stressed (in for 4, hold for 7, out for 8)
• have things to look forward to and make time every week for the thing/s that make you happy (e.g. I read every night in bed, or DH has an extravagant Sunday bath with a bath bomb 😂 basically communicating to yourself your well-being and happiness matters).

Intermittent fasting, 5 portions of fruit and veg a day, reduce sugar, regular exercise, take time out for yourself without screens.

I read that you should drink two pints of water in the morning before you do anything else. That's all very well but it's always an awkward dash into work on a cold morning!

Yoga or Pilates for flexibility. Lots of options on YouTube
Gratitude diary for mental health
Vegetarian meals at least 2 days of the week

Thank you. Great ideas in general and will listen to the podcasts.

I don't like the term self-care but do think I now need to start practising it more (as we all probably should). It feels self-indulgent, navel-gazing if you get what i mean but i am starting to really understand the expression 'you can't pour from an empty cup'.