The Working Parent's Guide to Simple Self-Care: 6 Easy Systems That Stick
I talk a lot about productivity and keeping organized at work and at home. In order to show up with our best in both of those spaces, we have to remember to take care of ourselves.
Here are a few tips and tools to assist in improving your health:
Get some sleep
“AMAZING BREAKTHROUGH! Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new treatment that makes you live longer. It enhances your memory and makes you more creative. It makes you look more attractive. It keeps you slim and lowers food cravings. It protects you from cancer and dementia. It wards off colds and the flu. It lowers your risk of heart attacks and stroke, not to mention diabetes. You’ll even feel happier, less depressed, and less anxious. Are you interested? While it might sound hyperbolic, nothing about this fictitious advertisement would be inaccurate. If it were a new drug, many people would be disbelieving. Those who were convinced would pay large sums of money for even the smallest dose. Of course, the ad is not describing some miracle new tincture or a cure-all wonder drug, but rather the proven benefits of a full night of sleep. The evidence supporting these claims has been documented in more than 17,000 well-scrutinized scientific reports to date. It’s free. No prescription required. Yet all too often, we shun the nightly invitation to receive our full dose of this all-natural remedy - with terrible consequences.” - Dr. Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep
We hear all the time how important sleep is, yet so many of us stay up late and wake up early (sometimes due to things outside our control) and never seem to get enough of it. Why We Sleep is one of my all-time favorite books (and I read a LOT of books!)—it made a huge impact on me years ago and my sleep habits are much healthier these days.
So, get some sleep. That’s the #1 tip.
Try some Energy Gummies
If sleep isn’t enough, maybe try these Auri gummies. These gummies were suggested to me a while back after mentioning I was trying to be intentional about protecting and building my energy, and I’ve been taking them ever since.
Packed with 12 functional mushrooms and developed to target brain and gut health as well as immunity and moods, they’ve had a noticeable impact on my energy levels.
Of course, as with any supplement, consult your doctor first. Which brings me to my next tip…
Get medical check-ups
If it's been a while since you've seen a medical professional, here's a gentle and friendly reminder to schedule a check-up.
This famous woman who'd never smoked a day in her life found lung cancer early enough to save her life because of an abnormal result during her an annual check-up routine, so take time to take care of yourself in this way.
Make sure to have your doctor order a blood test panel to check up on your basics.
Try a Walking Pad
While you’re at it, get more steps in your day by adding a walking pad.
As more people have moved to working from home and started thinking about the cautions against sitting for too long, many have opted for standing desks and some have added walking pads—a stripped-down version of a standard treadmill (lower cost, fewer bells and whistles, no side rails, and reduced max speed).
A walking pad aims to keep you around 5 mph—perfect for keeping your legs moving while also maintaining your ability to type at your desk or take a work call—though some will go up to 10 mph. A good walking pad has been a game changer in promoting more movement in my life.
I have a P1 model from Walking Pad (which is one of the more affordable ones) that has lasted me over 4 years. Walking Pad also sells on Amazon, so you can compare prices there as well.
Take care of your skin
As you’re making strides to take care of your eternal health, you can enhance your external glow by taking good care of your skin.
The sheer number of skincare products available is truly overwhelming at times, so it’s helpful to have an all-in-one system that provides everything you need for your unique skin type and concerns.
I started using Proven a few years ago after it was recommended by a friend. They personalize your formula based on a quiz you take about your skin, and then you've got the essential elements covered (a cleanser, a day moisturizer with SPF, and a night cream).
This simple approach has helped me feel like I'm doing what I need to take care of my skin without a 10-step routine.
Spend time with your friends
This one is really important. In Life Reimagined, Barbara Bradley Hagerty writes,
“I once believed having friends was a luxury. Now I know that losing friends can be lethal. Feeling lonely and isolated, no matter what your age, will shorten your life as much as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. It destroys your body as effectively as alcoholism. It is twice as lethal as obesity. Maintaining relationships with friends, family, of work colleagues increases your odds of survival by 50 percent."
When it comes to our health and longevity, friends matter more than just about any other thing. So, if you’ve been meaning to catch up with someone but haven’t made the time, do it now. It’s as simple as sending a text: "Hey! Life has been so busy these days but I was just thinking about you. Would love to catch up sometime soon for lunch if you're up for it."
Want more tips?
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About The Author
Jessica Eastman Stewart is a consultant, workshop facilitator, and podcast guest expert. She teaches busy professionals how to get more organized at home and at work so they can stop feeling worn out and start living a Joyfully Managed Life! Thousands of readers drop everything when her weekly newsletter, The Friday Five, arrives in their inbox. Every Friday, you’ll get FIVE amazing tips to help life feel INSTANTLY more joyful and easy!
