Balancing a Busy Life with Health and Happiness

It is safe to say that sometimes our lives can get the better of us. We all have stressful jobs, kid’s extra-curricular activities, pets that need exercise, bills to pay, and trouble squeezing in time for the grocery store. It seems like there is never a second to breathe let alone think about our own health and fitness. It is easy to forget that if we are not healthy ourselves then the chances of being successful in any of these everyday tasks are slim to none.

In reference to the term “healthy”, it does not necessarily require six-pack abs or the ability to run a marathon. What it means is that you make time to get some form of movement daily- walking the kids to school, hitting the gym, trekking through the woods with your dog, or doing an at-home exercise routine. Anything is better than nothing and the beginning is always the most difficult. Once you find it is possible to fit in a simple thirty minute walk around the block it will become part of your routine.

The term “healthy” also refers to your level of nutrition; what you put into your body to fuel your day. Thinking about food consumption as a source of energy to help you power through your busy schedule makes it easier to make nutritious choices. Rather than falling for the “fast food is easier” trick, instead stop at a local Coop and build your own salad or wrap. This kind of locally grown, minimally processed fuel will keep you awake and energized much longer than a greasy burger made from undisclosed parts of an animal. Your body craves these nutrients to disperse to your muscles, your brain, and throughout your body to improve growth, repair and maintenance.

When you find yourself being conscientious about your food intake and fitness routine, you will find yourself ultimately happier. Endorphins will run wild and the stress will seem easier to manage.

Visit this website for advice on what to buy at the grocery store for family meal planning in advance, for last minute recipes, and for general nutrition tips. http://recipes.familyeducation.com/

Here is a list of a few low-impact exercises to get you started as an individual or as a family:
Swimming, walking, rowing, body-weight training, yoga, and light weight lifting

By Catherine Pearson, Upper Valley Aquatic Center, Aquatic Director, dog owner and happy life liver :0))