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Time and Budget-Conscious Self Care Tips
by Kimberly Hayes
We all like the idea of taking care of ourselves, but sometimes having room in your schedule and budget to do things the “right” way can seem challenging. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend half your day at the gym — or half your income — to be healthy. Here are some simple strategies you can work into your lifestyle, without dedicating funds or time you don’t have.
Good Night, Sleep Tight
When it comes to self-care that is simple, inexpensive, and effective, little can beat solid sleep. While we sleep, our bodies and minds perform restorative processes to recover from the previous day and prepare us for the next.
Reader’s Digest explains there are several ramifications when we don’t get enough sleep, potentially making us forgetful, foggy-minded, and irritable. We’re more vulnerable to depression, car wrecks, and weight gain as well. It’s easy to see how insufficient slumber can drain your health and your wallet.
Thankfully, getting better sleep is one of the easiest self care tips. Oftentimes, the bedroom is a key in whether you sleep well, so turn a critical eye to your sleep environment. Ensure it’s uncluttered, soothing, cool, and dark. Your bedding should be comfortable, with appropriate pillows, a well-chosen mattress, and smooth sheets. If you need to upgrade something, stretch your dollars by shopping with a promo code and other online savings. They offer everything you need, and with the savings opportunities, you’ll sleep even more soundly.
Add More Activity
There are many reasons we don’t exercise. For instance, it can be uncomfortable and time-consuming, and some gym memberships are expensive! However, there is good news: Some studies indicate just 10 minutes of steady exercising is enough to improve your fitness level. It can be as simple as walking with your dog or cycling, which are both inexpensive and fun activities that can get your heart rate up. If you are recovering from an issue such as knee surgery or have other joint or mobility concerns, gentle yoga is a terrific option.
Investing in workout gear doesn’t need to strain your budget. For your convenience, you can even shop online and have it shipped to your home, so you save both time and money.
Protect Your Smile
Oral health is getting a lot of attention these days, and for good reason. Oral health appears to mirror problems throughout the rest of your body, and it can even indicate serious health conditions. Diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, and cancer are just a few of the many systemic issues that might show up because of what’s happening in your mouth.
With that in mind, make sure you take good care of your teeth and gums. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, use an antiseptic mouthwash, and floss daily. Visit your dentist twice a year, and if you spot trouble in between those checkups, be sure to make an appointment so you can nip it in the bud. Not only will it help you stay healthy, in the long run, but it also means less medical expenses and time spent at appointments.
If the affordability of care is holding you back, Fox News points out there are ways to cut dental care costs. You can do things like ask for a discount program, visit a dental school for care, or contact your state dental association for low-cost or free clinics. When it comes time to stock up on dental hygiene supplies, you can look online for special offers from well-known brands like Crest. You can easily find everything you need to keep your mouth looking and feeling its best, and the savings will give you plenty to smile about.
Proper self care doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Get a good night’s sleep, stay active, and take care of your oral health. You can live a healthier life without spending a bundle thanks to these simple strategies.
The X10 Meta-Blog
We call it a “Meta-Blog.” In these articles we step back and give you a broad perspective on all aspects of knee health. We explore surgery and recovery and such subjects as ‘Self-Care Tips’.
This is a one-of-a-kind blog. We gather together great thinkers, doers, and writers. And it is all related to Knee Surgery, Recovery, Preparation, Care, Success and Failure. Meet physical therapists, coaches, surgeons, and patients. And as many smart people as we can gather to create useful articles for you. You may have a surgery upcoming. Or in the rear-view mirror. Maybe you just want to take care of your knees to avoid surgery. In all cases you should find some value here. Executive Editor: PJ Ewing (info@x10therapy.com)