Working healthy habits into your daily routines is an important part of growing older, but it can be challenging for many women to find the time. Trying a new workout, preparing well-balanced meals, and practicing self-care are all great ways to take care of your mind and body, but when you have a busy schedule it’s often difficult to work it all in.
Rather than creating stress for yourself where your health is concerned, look for some easy ways to make better lifestyle choices. Give yourself the tools you need to maintain them, such as providing a small home gym area where you can get active in between work meetings or household chores. Set a few goals and keep track of your progress so you’ll be more inclined to stick with them. You can also look for some online resources that will help you answer questions about topics related to menopause, sex, and women’s health issues; Redefiningmenopause.com is a great place to start.
Here are a few things to consider when you’re ready to make some healthy changes in your life:
Carve time out of your schedule for a workout
When you’re pressed for time, the last thing you want to think about is getting into your workout gear and hitting the gym. The good news is that your physical activity level isn’t defined by how often you run on the treadmill. In fact, you can carve time out of your schedule for a short workout every day if you break it up into segments rather than doing it all at once. Take the stairs at the library, or go for a walk around your office building during your lunch break. Anything that will get your heart rate up for a few minutes is good. You can also think of a few sneaky ways to get moving while you’re at work, such as performing desk stretches, sitting on an exercise ball rather than in a chair, or utilizing a mobile, standing desk.
Get better sleep
Many women who are going through menopause find that they have more trouble getting good rest than they used to. There are many contributing factors, and while daily exercise can certainly help you sleep better, you can also help things along by skipping caffeine, chocolate, and red meat for two hours or more before bed. Along with the things you should avoid are a few things you should add to your diet, including tart cherry juice, and making sure your bedroom is ideal for quality sleep. Getting outside for a little while every day can also make an impact when it’s time to lay down for the night.
Reduce anxiety by reducing triggers
Daily exercise and the right diet can help you sleep better and can even boost your mental health, but if you’re living with an anxiety disorder–or even if you’ve just been feeling stressed more than usual lately–it’s important to find ways to minimize the things that trigger you. While the causes of anxiety are different for everyone, a few general ways you can reduce it are to:
- Declutter your home, car, and workspace and get organized
- Keep a planner, set some goals, and write out tasks so you can see what’s coming next
- Practice self-care, including deep-breathing or meditation when you’re feeling anxious
Think about some of the things that make you feel the most anxious, and work out a way to navigate them that makes sense for you.
Incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle can take some time, so be patient as you try different methods to see what works and what doesn’t. By giving yourself the right tools, finding support through online resources, and working daily activity into your schedule without stress, you can start feeling better in no time.
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