by Cup Of Nurses | Oct 31, 2022 | Fitness
Savvy Tips for Saving Money and Staying Healthy
We often hear people as tips for saving money and staying healthy only to be met with excuses.
“It costs too much to eat healthily.”
“I don’t have the time or money for regular exercise.”
“Even if I change how I eat and move, it probably won’t make that big of a difference in my life.”
These are common statements we tell ourselves when facing the prospect of changing our lifestyle. After all, fast food is the cheapest option, and working out would mean less time for your work and personal life, right? And when you’re a nurse or medical professional, free time is very precious — why complicate matters when all you want to do is recharge?
Here’s the thing: When you make a plan, you can actually save money and eat nutritious foods. You can also figure out a fitness routine that accommodates your specific schedule. And when you do, your physical, mental, and emotional health will benefit. In other words, it’s entirely practical to live healthier and happier while improving your financial standing.
Plan your meals
Many people perceive meal planning to be incompatible with their lifestyles because of the time it takes to strategize for the week. But the truth is it can save you significant time (and money) once you get in a rhythm.
Research nutritious foods that interest you, and list the ingredients you need to prepare them. Then, go to the grocery store and buy only the items on the list. Once you have your ingredients, use a meal planning template to prepare your foods for the week. The entire process should only take a few hours, and you’ll have healthy meals and snacks to grab from the fridge during busy workdays.
Eat greener
Some experts believe that eating less meat can improve heart health. And it’s no secret that buying less meat can help anyone save money. Fortunately, there are plant-based proteins like legumes, nuts, grains, and seeds to provide you with energy throughout the day. When you do choose meat, opt to have it once a day on a salad or chopped in a hot dish.
Edit your living environment
If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time at home. Even if you’re only there for a few hours out of the day, it’s essential that it’s a restful time. You can make simple changes to your home environment that support a healthy lifestyle.
For example, creating a cleaning routine, adding plants, and replacing your lighting can significantly reduce stress and boost energy. Also, keeping healthy foods in your fridge and using everyday items for exercise can help you stay fit and healthy.
Seek sunshine
Exposure to sunshine comes with well-documented benefits. Look for more opportunities to do things outdoors, whether it’s going for a leisurely walk, doing a HIIT workout in the backyard, or even sitting on the patio while reading a book. The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, and you can quickly yield a plethora of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits by spending a little more time outside.
Take extra steps to live healthier
It’s hard to exercise consistently when you’re always busy. But you can still find ways to fit in a bit of exercise no matter how much you’re working. Take the stairs, go for a walk on your lunch break, or park a bit further from the building. You might be surprised by how much these practical acts can positively impact your overall health and well-being.
Stop bad habits
Sometimes, we allow bad habits to harm our health and finances. For example, smoking cigarettes is the leading culprit of lung cancer, which is the most deadly cancer in the U.S. When you consider that the average pack of cigarettes costs nearly $7, it’s easy to see how much money they can waste. Consider any harmful habits you can kick for a better, more fulfilling life.
Meanwhile, if you’re trying to cut down on sugar, one of the first places to start is by stopping or reducing your intake of sugary drinks. You might be surprised how much sugar is hiding in your morning coffee or afternoon soda. Switching to unsweetened iced tea, water, or seltzer water can help you slash your sugar intake and improve your overall health.
Another unhealthy habit that’s easy to break is mindless snacking. When we eat mindlessly, we tend to eat more than we need and make poor food choices. If you find yourself snacking out of boredom, try occupying yourself with another activity. Taking a walk, reading a book, or calling a friend are all great ways to fight off temptation and make better choices for your health.
Finally, if you’re trying to improve your sleep habits, one of the best things you can do is turn off electronics an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt our natural sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. So instead of scrolling through social media before bed, try reading a book or taking a relaxing bath. You’ll sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Check-in with the doc
As a nurse, you probably know that too many people cancel doctor’s visits or neglect to fill a prescription because they think it can save them money. But in reality, ignoring health concerns can cost you significantly in the long run.
Getting the care you need can help you avoid exorbitant medical bills down the road, not to mention help you feel better in the short term. Look into your insurance options to determine how to keep up with your checkups and maintain your health.
Choose water
If you want to save money and get healthier, drink a lot of water. Soda, juice, sweet coffee drinks, and other sugary beverages are more expensive and can lead to obesity and countless other health conditions. Keep more money in your pocket and give your body what it needs by choosing water throughout the day!
In addition to saving money, you’ll also be contributing to your health. A can of soda typically contains around 39 grams of sugar, which is well over the recommended daily limit for adults. Drinking just one can of soda per day leads to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other serious health problems. In contrast, water is a calorie-free way to stay hydrated and promote a healthy weight. It also helps to flush toxins from the body and aids in digestion. For these reasons, choosing water over soda is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your health.
Pay attention to your mental health
Finally, remember to take your mental health seriously. Psychological issues can drastically lower your quality of life and negatively impact your finances. Some conditions make it challenging for individuals to maintain work performance, and some increase the risk of various chronic health issues. Poor mental health can also make you more susceptible to substance abuse.
Thankfully, the world is becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and happiness. If possible, get counseling, therapy, or any other treatments necessary to maintain your mental well-being. And take practical steps to improve your lifestyle each day.
No, getting fit and healthy doesn’t mean you have to drain your bank account! Following the tips on saving money and staying healthy above can quickly put you on track for an all-around more nutritious, more fulfilling life. But keep researching other ideas and strategies for boosting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Your body, mind, and wallet will thank you!
For more great content like this, check out the other articles and blog posts offered on Cup of Nurses.
Post solely for the use of cupofnurses.com By Roxanne Brent
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