5 Essentials to Finding Balance in Health and Business
By Victoria Yates, Guest Writer
You’re trying to start a business, or maybe you just got the promotion and it requires late nights at the office. You feel like your life is a bunch of juggling balls you’re doing everything you can to keep up. Maybe you just lost your job and you’re trying to get back on your feet. But with everything, you just can’t seem to find that balance between health and business.
Finding time for your health is important, but I’m not going to tell you to get to the gym every single day or prep all your meals on Saturdays for the rest of the week.
First off, because I know first hand that’s not always possible. And second, they’re not necessary to be healthy. But I will help you find balance in health and business with these 5 essentials.
Prepare, But Be Reasonable With Yourself
Like I said, this doesn’t mean prepping everything on Saturday, because let’s be honest, you’ve worked hard all week and prepping on Saturday for another long week just doesn’t sound fun. I get it! That being said, you need some kind of preparation to be ready for long nights at the office or that meeting that’s bound to go long and cause you to miss your lunch break. But be reasonable with yourself. Plan meals on weekends around your schedule for the upcoming week. Keep at least a couple easy, throw-together-in-five-minute meals on hand for those unexpected late nights. Always have snacks in your desk for when the munchies come unexpectedly-- and when you’re choosing snacks, choose satisfying, filling snacks with a balance of healthy fats, carbs, and protein.
Eat Regularly
Talking about snacks, be sure to allow yourself to eat regularly. I know you’re busy, but not taking breaks to feed your body and mind will surely compromise your work as well as leave you famished by the time you do get home. Suddenly you find yourself standing in the kitchen with the refrigerator door open nibbling on everything in site. Your body needs to be fed at least every 4-5 hours. Notice I said, “at least”. You may need to eat more regularly. But taking time to listen to your hunger cues and responding to those with satisfying, not diet, foods will promote better work and energy for all that you have to do.
Eat a Variety, Mostly Plants
When choosing what to eat, keep this little phrase in mind. Eat a variety, mostly plants. Whole foods will best nourish your body to keep your energy up and your mind sharp. They’re full of vitamins to keep you feeling your best, fiber to keep you full, and color to keep you visually interested. With planning out meals, change your thinking from meat being the main course and instead as a side to veggies and grains.
Make Time for Joyful Movement
Notice I say “joyful” because those late nights at the gym running aimlessly on a treadmill after an exhausting day are just not what you probably want to do. Exercising when our bodies are exhausted causes extra stress, and when our bodies are stressed, they release cortisol into the bloodstream which can lead to poor health. Instead, use your lunch break to go for a walk. Just put on some sneakers, maybe listen to a podcast, and move. On days off you may want to go to the gym or go for a run or bike. But if your work week is chaotic, it may actually be detrimental to your health to go to the gym. The best thing for you may be to go home, unwind, and get some rest.
Give Yourself Permission for Indulgences
Giving yourself permission to indulge is super important to finding balance with your health. It means allowing yourself that hamburger and fries when you crave them. Or enjoying a donut if that’s what you love. Letting yourself indulge does a few things for you. First off it takes away the guilt and “forbidden fruit” mentality that often associates with those foods. When you allow yourself freedom to enjoy whatever those indulgences are for you, you’ll find that they’re less tempting. But also, “giving in to your indulgences” is a part of a healthy relationship with food which leads to a healthy relationship with your body. When you have a healthy relationship with your body, you’re going to be more excited to take care of it.
Meet our guest writer, Victoria Yates:
Y'all, this girl is killing it! Victoria is a RN currently residing in New York with her husband & pup. She also is a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and is launching Victoria Yates Nutrition which will be more geared towards providing you with better education and knowledge of how to eat and live healthily, free from diets or restrictions. She's hilarious, shares great recipes, and makes wellness attainable. Find her on Instagram @victoriayates.nutrition .
