Mia Gordon
Reporter, Host, Content Creator, Blogger

5 Essential ways to take care of your physical health

Every since becoming a mom things have gotten quite hectic to say the least, and sometimes it’s really hard to find enough time in the day to get all my chores and tasks done. It has become easy to let my physical health slip. It’s not always easy to find time for the gym or make healthy meals from scratch let alone with a baby to take care of. However, taking good care of your body is just as important as taking good care of your mind. Here are five ways you can take better care of your body and feel great about yourself.

Exercise regularly

Exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy, with multiple benefits. It can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers. It can also help reduce stress and improve your mood. Exercise can take many forms, so you don’t have to join a gym. Instead, you can go for a walk, swim, ride a bike or do gardening or housework. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and build up. You don’t want to injure yourself. If you have health issues, check with your doctor about the best types of exercise for you.

 

Make your own meals and eat together as a family

Healthy eating is an easy way to stay healthy. Make your meals from scratch, rather than buying processed or junk food. You will know exactly what’s in your food and what’s not. If you have children, make mealtimes a family affair. It’s a great way to bring your family together and get everyone talking. If your children are old enough, get them involved in making their own meals. This will help them learn about healthy eating, which is essential, as teaching your child about healthy eating from a young age will help instill good eating habits in them. It is also vital to make your own meals, as you know exactly what is going into your food and what isn’t. You can use organic produce, free-range eggs, and low-fat, low-sodium ingredients.

 

Use alternative healing therapies

Sometimes we get so busy that we don’t even notice how stressed we are. Stress is terrible for our health and happiness, so it is essential to find ways to manage it better. There are many different alternative healing therapies you can use to reduce stress, including yoga, meditation, massage, and even going to physio for specific injuries and ailments. These are all forms of self-care and will make you feel calmer and happier. They are also great for your physical health, easing pain, reducing blood pressure and boosting your immune system.

Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. It helps us manage stress and improves our mood. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. If you are struggling to get enough sleep, try a herbal sleep remedy. Make sure you have a peaceful, dark environment and switch off your phone an hour before bed.

Don’t forget to breathe and have some mindfulness time.

This was one that really helped me throughout my pregnancy and now I am working on continuing my breathing practice postpartum. Breathing exercises can help you cope with stress and anxiety. They are great for your physical and mental health. They can lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your mental health. Try having some mindfulness time every day. Use this time to meditate, do yoga or just be still. Use this time to reflect on what you have achieved and what you would like to achieve the next day.

Taking care of your physical health can be just as important as taking care of your mental health. Luckily, it’s easy to do all of these things, even when you’re busy. From going for walks to making your own meals, there are many ways to improve your health. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one thing, and over time you’ll build a health routine that works for you.

xo

Mia

What you can do about work related health issues

I have shared quite a bit on my social media channels how much I love my job and how lucky I am to be part of a team I care about doing work that  I am passionate about. One’s job should have a positive impact on one’s life, but let’s be honest, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. And sometimes, when we don’t take the time to check in, the work life balance can tip a little too far one way and impact your health. It might not be a physical impact, but more so a mental one that you might not even know is effecting you until it is a little too late. So I wanted to share with you some ways that you can make sure your work doesn’t impact your overall health.

Photo by energepic.com from Pexels

Start Moving More 

It’s easy to forget, especially since many of us have had to pivot to working from home and may be at a computer for longer hours than usual, but humans were really not supposed to sit down as much as we currently do. While it can be comfortable to sit, comfort in itself is probably overrated! Here is the thing, many of us are now going from our bed to our office chair to the couch in the evening and then right back to bed, and that is too much sitting! Research suggests that this might have severe long-term health consequences. The solution? Move more. You can take regular walks throughout the day, get a standing desk, or even cycle or run to work. I also wear an apple watch to remind me to get up for at least a minute each hour. 

Better Work Set Up

As well as sitting, humans were also not really designed for typing all day long. We get used to it, but it can have a harmful impact on certain aspects of our bodies, most notably our wrists and hands. Mine is doubled because of a previous life as a tennis player. If you’re feeling pain in this part of your body, then visit a hand surgeon. I recently booked an appointment and found out that I have a cyst in my wrist. Other common concerns could be carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a common consequence of typing in an incorrect position. Beyond that, it’s about reviewing your work setup. There are ergonomic keyboards and mouse setups that are easier on the wrists. 

Work/Life Balance

It’s normal to feel a little bit of stress at work. But if you’re feeling overly stressed, then there’ll be a problem. This level of stress can have short- and long-term impacts on your health, not to mention your overall enjoyment of life. If you can’t see how your working life will calm down, then it’s important to take steps to improve your work/life balance. Having a cut-off time for work, doing relaxation activities, and taking time throughout the day to get some headspace will all prevent a build-up of stress. Whenever I think I have a busy or stressful day ahead I try and start my day with meditation to clear my head and get me ready for the tasks ahead. 

Maybe it is time for a career change 

I must say I am so lucky to have a job I love, but trust me before working at the Weather Network I had many jobs I did not love. Sometimes I was working several jobs at once and the stress was just overwhelming. I understand making ends meet, I bought a condo straight out of university and so money and finances is important, but it isn’t everything. Sure making a steady income can take a lot of the stress away. You know that you can pay your bills each month, you can invest in activities that have a positive impact on your overall health, and you can do things that do create a healthy lifestyle like purchasing a gym membership or healthier (and usually more expensive meals). Maybe it is time to ask for that raise that you know you deserve. Or if you don’t think it is the right fit and it isn’t benefiting you both financially and emotionally, than maybe it is time to move on.

 

 

 

My love/hate relationship with ‘Shredding for the Wedding’

He liked it so much he put a ring on it. That is right I am a fiancée, at least for another three weeks. The moment we got engaged I started looking at venues, dresses, oh and I finally got a gym membership because I had to start “Shredding for the Wedding.”

I had heard that term before used in magazines and by other friends that have gotten married and would always joke about it but now it was my turn and I was determined to shred some pounds for the big day.

I started hitting up the gym at least five times a week, combining my favourite SoulCycle classes, Kondi HIIT classes, F45, you name it I was trying it all, doing it all, and sweating it all out.

On top of upping my fitness game, I was also paying more attention to the food I was eating. Cutting out carbs and sugars and eating smaller more nutritional portions and meals.

In just a matter of weeks I was starting to see the pounds fall off but I also started to notice other changes. I had more energy, my skin was clearer than every before, I was in a happier mood, and feeling more confident about myself overall.

It was in that moment that I didn’t need to shred anything for the wedding, I needed to start living a healthier lifestyle in general for my own well being and personal relationships.

After quitting tennis, I had always been a bit of a yoyo dieter and had always struggled with self image and confidence because I wasn’t the athlete I used to be. However when the wedding came up, I had real motivation to stick to a plan and to better myself.

I am not going to lie, I was disappointed that it took a proposal to motivate me, I should of wanted to do this for myself but at the end of the day at least I got the push I needed and can start this journey back to a healthier me.

The best part about it all, is it has been relatively easy. Sure I wish I could drink an extra glass of wine or indulge in another scoop of ice cream but I haven’t done any actual dieting. I have let myself have cheat days, eat chocolate, drink wine but just in smaller portions. I also enjoy working out but would always make excuses if I got to busy. Since I got engaged I have stopped making excuses and have been making time.

Now the last thing I want anything to do while reading this is think that you need to lose weight if you are getting married, or need to lose weight period. What I want people to realize is that life can get busy and we can get distracted and lose sense of ourselves and that is ok. What is not ok is if we don’t check in every once in a while and reconnect with ourselves and make sure we are taking care of ourselves and if we aren’t well then it is time to make the changes. For me that change was leading a healthier and more active lifestyle and that might not be the same change for you but no matter what it is important to be aware.

I am three weeks away from my wedding and I have lost 20 pounds and am back down to a healthy weight. But besides the pounds I lost I have gained energy, confidence, and overall happiness. So while I don’t necessarily agree with shredding for the wedding, I do agree about shredding for yourself, or really anything for yourself if it is going to improve yourself.

xo

Mia