These days, a healthy lifestyle may seem unaffordable. Gym memberships, superfoods, and other associated items are often expensive. Fortunately, with a little planning and practice, it is possible to live healthy on a budget.
Diet
When creating a meal plan, focus on affordable, nutrient-dense meals. Affordable and nutritious staples include:
- Dried beans
- Frozen produce
- Canned fish
- Eggs
Shop store brands and buy in bulk to save. When buying in bulk, make sure the product will keep in the freezer. There are many healthy freezer meals that allow you to use up ingredients before the expiration date. These meals are just as convenient and often healthier and cheaper than store-bought frozen meals.
Exercise
A good workout does not have to be expensive. Try bodyweight exercises or go for a brisk walk. Follow along with aerobics videos online. There are a variety of household items that can be used as free weights, including canned goods, laundry detergent jugs, or milk cartons. Or you can check out the Juke shop for weights and other fitness gear that won’t break the bank.
Small changes to your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, generally don’t cost anything and can help you get in better shape.
Sleep
Good sleep is important for good health. To get better sleep, create a nightly routine that allows you to relax before bed. Try to go to sleep at the same time. Make sure your room is cool, dark, and quiet. If you have difficulty getting adequate sleep, talk to your doctor.
You might also want to take stock of your coffee intake during the day. Know that some coffees have more caffeine than others, which could affect your sleep quality, especially if taken late in the day.
Work
Data show that most stress experienced by Americans is work-related. Practicing stress management at work is essential for good health. If you feel overwhelmed, take a short break and a few deep breaths. Wear noise-canceling headphones if job site noise or office chatter is contributing to your stress. If you can’t control your stress levels at work, speak with your boss about the problem or consider looking for a less stressful job.
Exploring a different career path is also worth thinking about if work is getting you down. Ease into it by exploring job opportunities within your industry or a different one that you’re passionate about. Keep your resume updated, so it’s ready to go as soon as you find something that interests you. Take a look at online tools that can help you here. By creating your free resume via this customizable template, you have the potential to stand out among other applicants.
For some individuals, starting their own business is the best way to deal with work-related stress. There are many different options for modern entrepreneurs, including turning your healthy habits into a business. For example, you could start a blog about nutrition, fitness, or mental health. For the best chance of success, create a detailed business plan. This should include financial projections, details of the product or service, an overview of the business structure, and an outline of your marketing strategy. Conduct market research to ensure there is a strong market for your business idea. The wellness industry is trendy right now, but finding the right niche can help your business succeed. Receiving payments in a timely manner is key for maintaining cash flow. Using an invoice template allows you to quickly and easily create customized invoices that feature your logo and other pertinent information.
Tools for Better Health
A healthy lifestyle does not have to be expensive, but as you get started, you may find some purchases to be helpful. For example, resistance bands are inexpensive and versatile pieces of exercise equipment. A mattress topper can improve the quality of your sleep for much less than the cost of a new mattress. Some affordable kitchen tools can make meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. Read reviews from unbiased sources before making a purchase to ensure you get the best quality for your money.
Although a healthy lifestyle can be expensive, it does not have to be. With a little creativity and dedication, you can improve your health without going over your budget.