Tag healthy habits

The Year of You: Seasonal Self-Care Rituals to Stay Balanced, Energized, and Joyful All Year Long

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Image via Freepik

Camille Johnson of Bereaver.com has done it again with another fantastic article which is full of tips to honor and nurture yourself as the new year approaches.

Each season carries its own rhythm, subtly shaping our bodies, moods, and routines. When we honor those natural shifts, we cultivate steadiness, energy, and calm — even as life changes pace. This guide is your personal almanac for balance, offering simple ways to align your habits with the seasons and keep joy in motion year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Each season calls for a unique form of care.
  • Move, eat, and rest in rhythm with nature.
  • Build daily joy rituals and grounding habits.
  • Use tools like calendars to remind yourself to pause and reconnect.
  • Small adjustments create big emotional dividends.

Seasonal Self-Care Essentials

SeasonFocusSelf-Care BoostActivity Ideas
SpringRenewalDeclutter mind and spaceGardening, journaling, morning walks
SummerEnergyHydration and social joySwimming, picnics, sunrise yoga
AutumnReflectionNourishment and gratitudeLong walks, warm meals, goal review
WinterRestDeep rest and warmthCozy reading, candlelight baths, stretching

Tune Your Nutrition and Movement

Shifting your habits with the seasons keeps energy and mood stable. Eating seasonally means savoring what nature offers: crisp greens in spring, berries in summer, root vegetables in autumn, and hearty stews in winter. Matching movement to the weather helps too — from outdoor runs in warm months to gentle indoor yoga when it’s cold.

For customized guidance, explore StaceyNaito.com, which offers fitness and nutrition plans that align with seasonal rhythms and personal goals.

Quick Self-Care Checklist

How to Create a Grounding Ritual

  1. Set a cue — perhaps lighting a candle or stepping outside.
  2. Add a sensory anchor — a scent, a sound, or a sip of tea.
  3. Pair it with breath — inhale calm, exhale tension.
  4. Close intentionally — write one line of gratitude or intention.

Do this daily for a week, and your nervous system will begin anticipating the calm before you even begin.

Keep Joy in View

Visual reminders keep wellness top of mind. Design a personalized calendar filled with quotes that lift your mood, favorite photos, and gentle self-care cues. Many online tools make it simple: choose a template, upload images, tweak colors or fonts, and order in the format you love. Select a printing service that offers premium paper, custom sizes, and the ability to mark personal milestones like birthdays or reflection days.

Product Highlight: Cozy Earth Bamboo Throw

Evening rituals feel richer with comfort items that invite stillness. The Cozy Earth Bamboo Throw is soft, breathable, and ideal for quiet moments of rest — a tangible cue to slow down and reset. Any similar high-quality blanket will do; the point is softness that signals safety.

FAQ: Common Questions About Year-Round Balance

Q1: What’s the easiest way to start seasonal self-care?
Begin with one anchor habit per season — hydration in summer, stretching in winter, journaling in autumn, walking in spring.

Q2: I can’t keep routines consistent. What helps?
Link them to daily cues — like brushing your teeth or brewing coffee — to build natural reminders.

Q3: Do I need special products?
No. Nature, structure, and attention are the best tools. Products just help reinforce intention.

Q4: What if I miss days or weeks?
Gentleness is key. Life has seasons too. Start again without guilt.

Balance isn’t a destination — it’s a rhythm. By tuning into what each season offers, you stay in harmony with the world around you and the world within you. Whether it’s a nourishing meal, a mindful pause, or a reminder pinned to your personalized calendar, these small acts keep joy not just in reach, but in motion.

Everyday Health Made Easy: Small Shifts That Build a Better You

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Image: Freepik

Here’s an article with easy tips to get your mind and body in gear! It was written by Camille Johnson of Bereaver.com

Improving your health doesn’t have to mean turning your life upside down. It’s not about chasing extreme diets or waking up at 4 a.m. to train like an Olympian. Real wellness lives in the everyday stuff — how you move, what you eat, the way you breathe when life gets chaotic. When you stack up the right small habits, they start to carry serious weight, and before you know it, you’re showing up for yourself in a way that feels solid, not stressful.

Start the Day on Your Terms

Waking up just fifteen minutes earlier can be a game-changer, especially if you’re usually scrambling to get out the door. That short pocket of quiet lets you center yourself without jumping straight into reactive mode. Maybe it’s sipping coffee while watching the sun rise, maybe it’s journaling, stretching, or just sitting with your thoughts before the day floods in. Whatever you choose, starting slow gives you more control over how the rest of your day unfolds.

Prioritize Hydration

You’d be amazed at how often what feels like fatigue, hunger, or brain fog is actually just dehydration in disguise. Water isn’t flashy, but it’s fundamental. Carry a water bottle you like, refill it often, and drink before you feel thirsty. When you’re hydrated, your joints feel better, your digestion works smoother, and your mood steadies itself without much effort.

Invest in Career Fulfillment with an Online Degree

It’s hard to feel truly well when your work drains more than it gives. Career fulfillment isn’t just a luxury — it’s a major pillar of overall well-being, and sometimes, leveling up means going back to school with purpose. Choosing from an array of accredited online programs makes the process accessible and flexible; for example, online healthcare programs are readily available if you’re interested in healthcare administration. Online programs are built to support working professionals who want to grow without putting their lives on hold.

Protect Your Mental Bandwidth

You only get so much mental energy in a day — guarding it isn’t selfish, it’s survival. Say no when you need to, mute notifications that suck you into pointless scrolling, and don’t feel bad about opting out of drama. Protecting your peace helps you stay focused on what actually matters. You can’t do everything, and pretending you can is just a shortcut to burnout.

Begin a Fitness Routine That Works for You

The hardest part of any fitness journey is usually just getting started, especially if you’ve been out of the game for a while. Forget chasing fads or forcing yourself into workouts you dread — the key is finding something you don’t hate showing up for. You might begin with bodyweight moves at home, join a local walking group, or enroll in an online exercise program led by Stacey Naito, who brings both expertise and encouragement.

Eat With Intention, Not Restriction

Food doesn’t have to be complicated or joyless to be nourishing. You don’t need to give up the things you love, but it helps to check in with how meals make you feel, not just how they taste. Aim for balance — colorful produce, good fats, clean proteins — but leave space for treats without guilt. The goal is to enjoy food that fuels you, not follow a rigid plan that makes you dread your plate.

Create a Sleep Ritual You Actually Look Forward To

Scrolling your phone until your eyes burn isn’t exactly a bedtime strategy, even if it feels like wind-down time. Building a simple sleep ritual trains your brain to transition out of the chaos. Maybe it’s dimming the lights, reading for ten minutes, or running a hot bath before crawling under the covers. Sleep is when your body repairs, and if you treat bedtime like an afterthought, it’s going to show up in your mood, energy, and focus the next day.

Lean Into Joy and Human Connection

You’re not a machine — you need joy, spontaneity, and people who remind you who you are outside of your responsibilities. Grab coffee with a friend, take a weekend road trip, belt your favorite songs while driving. Laughter, touch, shared experiences — those aren’t extras, they’re part of feeling whole. When life starts to feel mechanical, reconnecting with others can shift everything back into color.

Well-being isn’t some far-off summit you have to claw your way up — it’s woven into the tiny, doable decisions you make every single day. When you show up for yourself with habits that support your mind, body, and spirit, you’re not just surviving — you’re building a life you actually enjoy living. Don’t wait for a perfect Monday or some magical motivation to strike. Start now, with what you have, and let those choices carry you to a version of yourself that feels stronger, calmer, and more alive.Elevate your wellness journey with expert nutrition and fitness plans from Stacey Naito—start transforming your lifestyle today!

Staying Well Amid Chaos: Tips for a Healthier, Balanced Lifestyle

drstaceynaito 1 Comment

Image via Pexels

I hope you enjoy reading this wonderful article, written by Camille Johnson of Bereaver.com

Maintaining healthy habits often feels like an impossible task when life is filled with constant demands. However, a busy lifestyle doesn’t have to stand in the way of your well-being. By incorporating practical, time-efficient strategies, you can make healthy choices part of your daily routine without added stress. The key lies in finding small, actionable steps that seamlessly fit your schedule, helping you prioritize health even on the busiest days.

Enhancing Your Routine with Time-Blocking

Incorporating time-blocking techniques into your daily routine can significantly improve your ability to maintain healthy habits. By dividing your day into dedicated time slots for specific tasks, you ensure that each activity receives the focus it needs. For instance, setting aside time from 9 am to 10 am for exercise can help prioritize this important habit. This approach not only provides structure but also aids in organizing and prioritizing tasks, transforming a hectic schedule into a more manageable one.

Energizing Your Morning with a Nutritious Smoothie

Kickstart your day with a vibrant super greens smoothie that not only boosts your energy but also enhances mental clarity. By blending nutrient-rich greens like spinach and parsley with almond milk, you create a wholesome alternative to caffeine. When selecting a greens powder, prioritize those made from organic vegetables and free from artificial additives to ensure purity. Additionally, review the best greens powders and find one that includes probiotics to support gut health. This simple morning ritual fuels your body and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

Strengthening Your Brain and Energy with Smart Nutrition

Incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your daily meals can significantly boost your cognitive abilities and energy levels. Essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin D, probiotics, and polyphenols improve memory and reduce inflammation, crucial for optimal brain function. By ensuring a steady intake of these nutrients, you provide your brain with the necessary fuel to stay sharp and focused. This not only aids in better decision-making but also supports your ability to adhere to new routines.

Embracing Mindful Eating for a Healthier Lifestyle

Mindful eating offers a refreshing approach to cultivating healthier eating habits, especially for those with busy lifestyles. By immersing yourself in the sensory experience of food, you become more attuned to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. This awareness can lead to better portion control and a reduced tendency to overeat. Unlike traditional dieting methods, mindful eating encourages you to savor each bite, promoting satisfaction and reducing stress. This approach, rooted in the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, fosters a positive relationship with food and supports a balanced dietary lifestyle.

Building Habits That Reflect Your Core Values

Incorporating self-reflection into your routine can be a powerful strategy for developing habits that align with your core values. By understanding what truly matters to you, you can make intentional choices that resonate with your authentic self. This practice supports personal growth and enhances decision-making skills, allowing you to invest in habits that support your long-term goals.

Discovering Patterns Through Journaling

Journaling is a powerful tool for uncovering the behavioral patterns that influence your daily life. By consistently recording your thoughts and experiences, you create a personal narrative that helps identify why certain habits persist. This practice can illuminate emotional triggers, such as stress or anxiety, that might lead to intense reactions. Embracing journaling as a means of self-discovery boosts your emotional intelligence and empowers you to cultivate healthier habits.

Prioritizing Meaningful Habits for a Balanced Life

To truly enhance your daily life, focus on habits that genuinely boost your well-being and productivity. Start by evaluating your current routine and identifying activities that offer little value. By eliminating such non-essential tasks, you create space for pursuits that align with your personal goals and values. This approach boosts efficiency and enhances overall happiness, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Building healthy habits within a busy lifestyle isn’t about drastic changes but about creating routines that work for you. With consistent effort and a focus on small, achievable goals, you can seamlessly integrate wellness into your daily life. Remember, every positive choice adds up, and even minor changes can have a significant impact over time. By staying committed and flexible, you can cultivate a healthier, more balanced life regardless of your schedule.

Elevate your wellness journey with expert nutrition and fitness plans from Dr. Stacey Naito – your destination for transformative health and lifestyle solutions!

Reclaim Your Health Naturally With These Simple Lifestyle Changes

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Please check out this great article, written by Camille Johnson, who created https://bereaver.com

Photo via Pexels

Modern life, with its relentless pace and technological advances, often pulls us away from simple, natural practices that promote health and well-being. While conveniences abound, they sometimes come at the cost of our physical and mental health. By rediscovering and embracing natural methods to enhance our health, we can experience profound improvements in our overall quality of life. In this article, courtesy of StaceyNaito.com, we’ll go over several things you can do to feel better everyday.

Embrace Nature

Spending time in nature can significantly boost both your mental and physical health. The fresh air, sunlight, and green surroundings help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or a day at the beach, engaging with the natural world rejuvenates your body and mind. Regular outdoor activities also promote physical fitness, enhance overall well-being, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Perfect Posture

Practicing good posture is essential to prevent physical strain and maintain musculoskeletal health. Poor posture can lead to chronic pain in your back, neck, and shoulders, and may cause long-term damage if not corrected. If you work from home, investing in ergonomic furniture can encourage good posture while preventing wear and tear on your back, neck, and shoulders. Simple exercises and mindful sitting and standing can make a significant difference.

The Power of Herbs

Considering herbal supplements for minor ailments can be a wise and natural choice. Many herbs, such as ginger for nausea, peppermint for digestion, and chamomile for sleep, have been used for centuries with great success. Herbal remedies often have fewer side effects compared to conventional medicines, making them a safer alternative for treating everyday health issues. Always research and consult a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine.

Minimize Chemical Exposure

Reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals in cleaning products and cosmetics is crucial for maintaining good health. Many commercial products contain toxic substances that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other health problems. Opting for natural cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, and choosing organic, chemical-free cosmetics can protect you from these risks. Making your own products can also be an empowering and satisfying way to take control of your environment.

Laughter and Joy

Incorporating humor and laughter into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your well-being. Laughter reduces stress hormones, increases endorphins, and boosts your immune system. Watching a funny movie, reading a humorous book, or sharing jokes with friends can lift your spirits and improve your health. Remember, laughter is not just a temporary escape; it’s a vital aspect of a balanced life that fosters long-term happiness and resilience.

Stress Reduction

Engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga or pursuing hobbies can greatly enhance your mental and physical health. Yoga combines physical exercise with mindfulness, helping to reduce anxiety and improve flexibility. Pursuing hobbies you love can also provide a necessary escape from daily stressors, allowing you to unwind and recharge. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, these activities can bring joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to overall well-being.

Focus on Gratitude

Keeping a gratitude journal to focus on the positive aspects of life is a simple yet powerful tool for improving mental health. Writing down things you are thankful for can shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones, fostering a more optimistic outlook. This practice can enhance your mood, increase resilience, and promote overall emotional well-being. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on your blessings can lead to lasting happiness.

Embracing natural methods for health and well-being fosters a balanced and fulfilling life. By integrating these natural approaches into your daily routine, you can achieve a healthier, happier life, reaping the benefits of a more holistic approach to well-being and long-lasting vitality.

Can Booze Keep You Alive Into Old Age?

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Copyright: angrysun

We have all heard that excessive or regular alcohol consumption can have serious adverse effects on health and can contribute to a range of health problems. That being said, some studies have suggested limited health benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption. It’s also interesting to note that there are many instances in which centenarians, including a 105-year-old patient I once treated, have touted their regular intake of alcohol has played a part in keeping them alive and healthy into their elder years.

Here are several arguments which support the idea that moderate alcohol consumption could contribute to longer lifespans:

  1. Cardiovascular Benefits: Some research has suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. It is believed that alcohol can raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, which can have a protective effect on the heart.
  2. Antioxidant Properties: Red wine, in particular, is often touted for its potential health benefits due to the presence of antioxidants, such as resveratrol. These antioxidants may have anti-aging and disease-fighting properties.
  3. Social and Psychological Benefits: Moderate alcohol consumption in social settings can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. These factors may indirectly contribute to a longer lifespan by promoting mental and emotional health.
  4. Reduced Risk of Some Diseases: Some studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of certain conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. However, this relationship is complex and not well understood.

Certain populations, especially those found in regions known as “Blue Zones,” where people tend to live longer, healthier lives, include moderate alcohol consumption as part of their cultural traditions. However, it’s important to note that the longevity of these populations cannot be solely attributed to alcohol consumption but is influenced by a combination of factors, including diet, lifestyle, genetics, and social interactions. It’s important to stress that these potential benefits are associated with moderate alcohol consumption, which is typically defined as one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Excessive or heavy alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on health and longevity, including an increased risk of liver disease, addiction, cancer, and other serious health problems.

Furthermore, the relationship between alcohol and health is still a subject of ongoing research, and individual responses to alcohol can vary widely. If you have specific health concerns or are considering alcohol consumption for potential health benefits, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and individual circumstances. In many cases, the potential risks of alcohol may outweigh the potential benefits, and non-alcoholic means of promoting heart health and overall well-being should be considered.


6 Ways You Can Be Your Own Health Advocate

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Check out this fantastic article by  Julia Merrill of befriendyourdoc.org which will motivate you to take charge of your own health!

Image via Pexels

The word healthy is a broad term that covers a variety of topics. To ensure you are at your best, you have to be your own health advocate, and that means knowing what is going on with your health at all times. Start by considering these ways you can be your best and fight for your health.

1. Research Your Doctors

Think about the role your doctor plays and how important that is for your health. Use the weight of that role when researching new doctors. Research shows you should look into their educational background, their level of expertise, and what other patients say about them. Ask for recommendations from friends and family. That is a great place to start before you dig in deeper to learn more about the doctor’s experience.

2. Live a Healthy Lifestyle

A great way to take charge of your health is to start living a proactively healthy lifestyle. Start with eating better and getting physical exercise. If you are new on the health journey, try not to overdo it too quickly. Start by making small changes, such as eating more vegetables with every meal and going for walks. If you spend most of your time at work, get some physical activity by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You can find small ways to incorporate activities that will keep your blood flowing.

3. Stay Organized

Keep your medical records organized by maintaining them yourself. You can use an online tool to quickly combine videos and keep all medical images in a single file by uploading them to your computer and merging them into one pdf. Then download the new file to keep on your laptop. Be sure to back the information up to a cloud-based server so you can access it from anywhere.

4. Speak Up at Appointments

Don’t be afraid to ask doctors questions, and don’t worry about whether your questions are silly. Doctors are paid to provide you with information that will benefit your health. The only way to access that information is to ask questions. This can also be a great way to vet doctors. A good doctor is happy to answer your questions and will go out of their way to provide you with answers. You don’t want a doctor that seems irritated or uncooperative when you have questions.

5. Be Vigilant About Your Medications

Take your medications exactly as prescribed. Some medicines are ineffective if you fail to finish the prescription, and some can take weeks to start working effectively. If you skip days or leave a few pills in the bottle, your medications may not work as they should.

6. Prioritize Your Mental Health

Keep in mind that mental health is just as important as physical health. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you are struggling or have questions about your mental health. Talk to your doctor about getting a referral if you need to see a mental health professional, and remember there is no shame in having mental health issues. The majority of people struggle with them at some point in life.

Part of you being your own health advocate is doing things that make you uncomfortable, such as speaking up for yourself. However, the more you do it, the easier it will become. Remember how important your health is and you will always want to fight for it.

Saving Money While Living a Healthy Lifestyle

drstaceynaito 1 Comment

Image via Pexels

Karen Weeks does it again with another excellent article, this time tackling the subject of saving money while staying on track with healthy foods. Please be sure to check her out at Elderwellness.net

It’s important to think about how we can manage our spending and save money on healthy food and lifestyle as well. There are many ways we can cut down on the cost of eating healthy, from switching to a more affordable brand of canned food to making more nutritious meals at home.

Eat at Home

There’s no question that eating at home is a more affordable option than eating out. The convenience of being able to prepare and store a large portion of your food at home is one big benefit. 

You’re also likely to find a cheaper price on ingredients. You’ll also have more control over what you’re eating. Not only can you choose exactly what you want to eat, but you can also control portion sizes and food quality. 

Make Meal Prep a Priority

Many people think of meal planning as a way to save money. It is, but it’s also a lifestyle change that helps you save money on healthy food and lifestyle. Meal planning is a great way to cut down on the cost of healthy food. 

Plan Meals in Advance

Planning your meals in advance is a great way to reduce the cost of healthy food. It allows you to make certain meals at a certain time of the week that cost less. Planning in advance also helps you create healthy habits by making healthy eating a routine. 

Enjoy Lower Health Insurance Premiums

Health insurance premiums have risen significantly over the last decade. As people become more aware of the value of a healthy lifestyle, they are looking for ways to improve their health and lower their premiums. 

Healthy lifestyle habits, including eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity, can make a huge difference in your health. By leading a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce your chances of developing health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.

Take Advantage of Employee Wellness Programs

Healthy lifestyle habits can help you lower your healthcare costs and take advantage of employee wellness programs. Some companies offer wellness programs that encourage employees to adopt healthy habits, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. 

How to Monetize Your Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy lifestyle habits can help you lower your healthcare costs and take advantage of employee wellness programs. In addition to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, you can also monetize your healthy lifestyle. 

Start a Health Blog

Healthy lifestyle habits can help you monetize your healthy lifestyle. Many people are interested in healthy lifestyle blogs. This is especially true of younger people who are looking for ways to improve their health. 

If you have decided to start a health blog, you can monetize it quickly and easily. All you have to do is create a free WordPress website, add a blog feed, and start blogging. You can also monetize your health blog with an affiliate program. 

Open a Store Selling Sports Gear

Healthy lifestyle habits can help you monetize your healthy lifestyle and take advantage of employee wellness programs. If you are interested in starting a business that sells sports gear, healthy lifestyle habits can help you monetize your healthy lifestyle and make a profit.

In starting your own business, be sure to use a logo maker to create an attractive and attention-grabbing branded logo for your products. Creating an eye-catching logo for your brand is simple if you take advantage of a free logo design tool. The right tool offers great templates that you can then customize to make sure it beautifully represents your brand.

How to Live More Health-Conscious Without Worrying About Your Wallet

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Image via Pexels

By Camille Johnson

Many people are finding it tougher than usual to make ends meet nowadays. So much so, that the thought of leading a healthier lifestyle has become more of a burden than an opportunity to lead a better quality of life. So, if you’ve been wanting to cut your unhealthy habits but were worried about how it could affect your disposable income, Dr. Stacey Naito weighs in on how to adopt a cost-effective healthy way of living.

Relook at your health insurance options

One of the perks of leading a healthier lifestyle is that you probably won’t get as sick as often, and you won’t need to see the doctor as much. Therefore, why not explore your options as far as health insurance goes and find a plan with lower premiums such as a High Deductible Health Plan, for instance. Not only will your premium amount be reduced, but you could also qualify for a Health Savings Plan where you can save even more money because of certain tax-deductible advantages that come with having this plan. Plus, you can even use a Health Savings Plan as an investment for when you retire.

You don’t have to pay restaurant prices

Maybe you’ve grown more fond of cooking home-cooked customized meals than you thought you would. And you’ve been left wondering why you ever had to resort to restaurants or takeout to get the nutrients you require. Furthermore, perhaps you’ve noticed the positive impact it’s had on your budget too, which makes it the perfect time to ditch dining out and rather save the extra money you would have spent at restaurants on creating a personalized eating plan for yourself.

Why drive when you can cycle?

Ever experienced the world from a cyclist’s point of view? If not, then perhaps you should skip driving to work all together and take the bike instead. If your commute is too far, you could opt to take an electric bike instead so that you don’t have to cycle all the way. You’ll not only be saving on fuel costs, but you’ll also be getting fitter, and you’ll be helping to save the environment too.

Of course, you could even make money with your new, more healthy lifestyle. Some of these money-making ideas could include:

Changing your shopping habits

Buying healthier foodstuffs doesn’t have to be as expensive as it looks. In fact, with just a few simple changes to your shopping habits, you can still enjoy all your favorite fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and healthy grains by taking advantage of special discounts along the way. Or you could even decide to buy some of your more healthy non-perishables in bulk to reap the benefits of cost savings in this way.  Or why not grow your own fruits and vegetables to drastically reduce the cost of your food bill every month?

Enjoy the outdoors for free!

If you have access to parks, outdoor gyms, jogging trails, etc. why not make use of these free activities to enhance your fitness levels even more? Furthermore, you’re more likely to stick with outdoor fitness activities because, for one, the outdoors is usually more varied and interesting, you could make friends along the way, and it’s better for your lungs, etc.

Making money with your newfound passion for leading a healthier life

Perhaps, you’ve found your real passion in your pursuit to lead a healthier lifestyle. You could then build a business around this and generate even more income besides savings on general expenses. For example, you could earn extra money through affiliate marketing if blogging is something you’re interested in doing. Or maybe opening up your own eCommerce store that sells gym equipment and workout gear has more of a ring to it. Either way (and amongst other things) you’ll want a professional-looking invoice to send to clients when they are due to pay. 

An online invoice generator can help with this by allowing you to design a customized invoice that you can tweak as you see fit, including inserting your special logo, personalizing your color scheme as well as adding any other important information on their premade templates.

In conclusion, living healthier is going to be an exercise (excuse the pun). But it doesn’t have to be draining on your income by any means. In fact, it could be quite the opposite if you know to adjust your existing lifestyle wisely.

Exercise, Self-Care, and Finding the Right Balance to Boost Your Overall Wellness

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Photo credit: Pixabay.com

Please check out this excellent article by Shiela Olson which explores the delicate balance between pushing yourself to the next level and nurturing yourself at the same time.

– By Sheila Olson of fitsheila.com

You’ve decided you’re ready to stop perpetuating a cycle of sleeping in on weekends, spending weeknights slumped over in your couch, and eating out at greasy burger joints every other meal. You’re ready to live a healthier and happier lifestyle, and you’ve known the answer all along — diet and exercise. Diets aren’t very effective when practiced every other week, and fitness requires you to keep up and even build up the intensity over time.

So, what’s the secret?

The Importance of Prolonging Good Fitness

When someone decides they are ready to start running every day, or some other form of exercise, they typically feel this fire within themselves to keep it up. You go in for your first day, and you feel exhausted, but you also still feel pretty good knowing that you’ve taken your first step at getting healthy. After a few more gym sessions, you notice that you aren’t just tired but also sore, and that goodwill for better living starts to feel a little less compelling.

It’s natural to give it your all the first few times before your mind and body start to naturally resist the transformation that is occurring. It’s the kind of transformation that people from all walks of life seek to make their lives better. It’s why so many recovering addicts start running and bodybuilding. Exercise not only changes how we look on the outside but how we feel on the inside. It reduces stress and boosts positive self-image and confidence.

The process of transformation can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, especially when you’re just starting out, which is why it is important to not overdo it. If you work too hard or put too much emphasis on your physical fitness, you run the risk of burning out and not making the kind of progress you are looking for.

The Meaning Behind Self-Care

Right now, the buzzword of the day seems to be self-care. People are starting to collectively realize that we don’t need to punish ourselves to live our best lives. Exercise shouldn’t be something you dread to do but something you look forward to. To remedy this natural resistance to living healthier and a fitness-oriented lifestyle, people are turning to self-care as a way to supplement diet and exercise and avoid burning out during the process.

One of the ways you can practice self-care is by leaving plenty of rest days in between workouts to give your body time to recover. Recovery is essential to practicing good physical fitness and ensuring you have enough energy to keep going back to grind week after week. Self-care also addresses showing yourself love in alternative ways. Exercise is important for our physical health, but we also need to consider our mental and emotional health as well. Beyond exercise, there are a number of activities you can do, such as meditation, reading a book, or pursuing a hobby, that can all fill a specific need you have in your life.

The Need for Balance in Your Life

When you approach your physical fitness as just one piece of the puzzle, then you can start looking at other ways to enhance your life, while not overdoing your diet and exercise. You won’t just be working hard, you’ll be working smart. You’ll know that there are many activities you can work on to improve your overall well-being. By balancing out these different self-care activities, you will always make yourself better while also keeping a very diverse routine. Some days, you will be focused on your physical fitness, but when you need to rest and recover, you can then switch gears and focus on your mental and emotional health as well.

Once you decide it’s time to make a change, you’ve already started your journey to improve your wellness. You may have attempted to change your life a few times now, but all of those past experiences were just the lead up to this one moment where you finally committed to achieving personal wellness and living your best life.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Consistency (Updated Post)

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

As a physician, I am as much a therapist as I am a physical healer, and am well aware of the vital connection between mind, spirit and body. I have also seen how closely linked emotional stress is to development and exacerbation of physical ailments. What concerns me is when people abandon healthy habits during times of adversity, because it is at those times that some structure would provide balance to their lives.

A common question I hear from patients, clients, and strangers I meet is, “How can you maintain a regular exercise schedule and pack your food all the time with your busy careers?”, to which I respond, “I just do it.” Working out and eating right are as essential to me as sleeping and brushing my teeth. It never occurs to me to abandon healthy habits during stressful times. I recently went through a particularly difficult month during which I took a rigorous board certification exam, went through a residential move, and traveled to four destinations (two for my medical career, two for fitness and bodybuilding) over a two week period. Though I didn’t work out my usual six days per week, I did manage to train four to five days per week, every single week. The regular workouts gave me structure and balance which helped me to burn off some of the stress I was under, regulated my sleep cycle, and just plain felt good. In addition, I traveled with clean foods and lots of water, packing them and making sure I stayed on track.

Why would I push myself like this? Because I know that consistency is key to maintaining balance in one’s life. When I am consistent with my workouts and food, I maintain structure and focus and do not allow excuses of an insanely busy schedule to deter me from my mission to live an optimally healthy lifestyle. I know that if I were to deviate from a healthy lifestyle, I wouldn’t have the energy to push through my to-do list, and I certainly wouldn’t be very happy either. No matter whether I am traveling, working, or enjoying a rare free day for myself, I make sure to invest in myself every single day.

When I worked the Arnold Sports Festival Expo in Columbus, Ohio earlier this month, I made sure to drink plenty of water, filling up my one liter container 3 to 4 times each day. I also brought my Hot Logic Mini with me (https://youtu.be/GQltYTRLTC4) and had meals from Icon Meals with me, and I made sure to consume a meal every 3 hours to keep my energy levels up. If you are committed to living a healthy lifestyle, you will find ways to stay in line!

If you make an investment in yourself by being consistent with your exercise and meal habits, you will be rewarded with greater balance in your life and better health. Don’t you deserve that?