Technology has made the world more connected, but it also means that there is always something or somebody vying for our attention. In the past it was easy to disconnect from all the chaos and relax, but this is something that is becoming harder by the day.
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As our gadgets become smarter, faster and more efficient we expect the same from our bodies to keep up. However, while we can simply replace our smartphones or tablets each year for a newer and better model, the same cannot be said about our bodies.
Ironically, we often take good care of our devices because they are so important, but rarely spare a second thought for the hardship that we are putting our own bodies through. Although it is possible to push your body to its limits, it is not something that is sustainable in the long run, and in reality our health should be our number one priority.
Realizing The Importance Of Your Body
Before any changes can happen in your life you first need to realize how important your body actually is. Sadly, we usually take the fact that our bodies function correctly for granted, and even tell-tale signs of overexertion are ignored.
We try to drown fatigue with more caffeine and keep pushing our bodies to the limit while trying to maintain our busy lifestyles. There is always one more appointment to race to, one more call to make, one more email to read, and we just assume that our bodies will be able to cope.
All too often the realization that we are not taking adequate care of our bodies only dawns when illness strikes. This is because the hectic pace we often maintain starts to feel like normal, and we simply assume that our bodies will adapt to the constant pressure.
Even worse, we can start to feel that it is selfish or conceited if we spend too much time on the well-being of our own bodies. Being able to value your own body and acknowledging the importance of taking care of it is an important first step that everyone must take.
The Time To Take Action Is Now
Taking care of yourself can feel like a luxury, and it is this mindset that often causes us to postpone taking action. However, we must make a commitment to take better care of our bodies and to pay attention to signs it sends us when we are pushing it too hard.
Our bodies are tough and resilient, which means it is never too late to start making a difference, but there are consequences from not taking proper care. We tend to plan for everything important in our lives, so why not do it for the well-being of our own bodies?
If something is not scheduled it is easy to overlook it in favor of other important things, so commit to taking care of yourself. Adjust your schedule to prioritize activities related to self-care, and you’ll soon find that these are not a guilty pleasure, but a necessity.
Eating Properly Is Not A Luxury
Cars need fuel, electronic devices need electricity and our bodies need food. We would never try to take long journeys without refueling our cars, but all too often deprive our body of the energy it needs to function properly. Food is the fuel our bodies need to work properly and without it we are often left feeling irritable and tired.
The most important thing to do is to eat healthily and not skip any meals. Eat enough fruits and vegetables and your body will be thanking you for all the nutrients. Caffeine is often used as a substitute as it can provide a quick energy boost, but watch out for overdoing it. In the end you’ll only end up feeling anxious and have trouble sleeping.
Another energy quick fix is sugar, but too much is not good for your body. Once that initial burst of energy wears off, you’ll end up feeling even more tired. Sugar can also affect your mood and leave you feeling irritable.
It goes without saying that alcohol is another substance that should only be enjoyed in moderation if you value your body. While alcohol might be effective at smoothing over problems in the short term the underlying issues will still have to be dealt with eventually, and it is not worth the related health issues.
Finally, fast food is tempting because of the convenience, but it definitely doesn’t do our bodies any good. Preparing a nutritious meal yourself might be a bit more time consuming, but is better for the body in the long run.
Exercise Is Good For The Body
While it is important to slow down and not overwork your body this doesn’t mean that you should skimp on the exercise. A workout isn’t only just good for helping your body cope with stress, but will also decrease anxiety and lift your mood.
In addition, exercising is also a great way to boost energy and helps with sleeping better at night. Best of all, regular exercise helps us to feel better about our bodies, which boosts our confidence and motivates us to take better care of ourselves.
Exercising doesn’t even require a huge sacrifice in time, either, as just 30 minutes per day will already make a huge difference. It is even better if you can get a friend involved and connect with them while exercising. This provides a physical and mental boost, plus you can keep each other motivated.
Less Sleep Does Not Equal More Productivity
Sometimes it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in a day to get everything done, which makes it tempting to sacrifice a few hours of sleep. Unfortunately, this takes a toll on our bodies and often results in fatigue the next day. Without enough sleep it is also harder to get everything done, so in the long run it actually does more harm than good to cut back on sleep.
Emotional Well-being Is Just As Important
Nobody can be strong all the time, and keeping all your feelings bottled up inside is not healthy for the body. If you are sad don’t be afraid to cry instead of trying to hide your emoti
ons.
We all feel fear, frustration and anger, but not expressing these emotions can take a physical toll on the body. One study found that emotion suppression actually increases the risk for earlier death, so don’t be afraid or ashamed to express what you are feeling.
Sometimes Less Is More
It is a common belief that multitasking is wonderful because it allows us to get more done at the same time, but it is also something that takes a big toll on our bodies. Instead, try to scale back and focus on being present in the moment.
Even ordinary activities, such as eating, are more enjoyable when you are present in the moment instead of hastily cramming it in along with something else.
