It’s always a good time to start taking a deep breath and spending some time taking care of yourself. Everyone needs to take steps to relax and minimize the effects of life’s everyday stresses. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Get a physical. Busy people often wait until they get sick to see a doctor. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, it is important to get regular medical exams as a preventative step. A physical will ensure that any undiagnosed medical problems, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, are caught before they lead to serious health complications.
- Schedule some downtime. A state of constant motion and busyness is not conducive to peace of mind – or productivity. In fact, if you don’t give your mind and body a break, you are actually likely to be less productive. Be sure to regularly schedule a bit of time and be humble enough to realize that the rest of the world will continue to function just fine even if you are not around for half an hour!
- Drink enough water. You may already know that your body is composed of 60% water – and drinking sufficient water is essential for your body to function well. The fluids in your body are necessary for digestion, absorption, and transportation of nutrients, blood circulation, creation of saliva, kidney and bowel function, and maintaining proper body temperature. Staying hydrated will not only help your overall being but it will also help you look healthier.
- Exercise regularly. Obviously, exercise has many health benefits: It helps prevent or manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, stroke, and many types of cancer, and it can help you control your weight. People who exercise regularly also have more energy because they have stronger muscles and a cardiovascular system that works more efficiently.
- Get finances and estate plan in order. According to the American Psychological Association, money is a major source of stress for many Americans. You can take steps to lessen money-related anxiety by planning for both the present and the future.
- Make a budget. When you establish a budget, you can prioritize your spending to ensure that you will have sufficient savings for things that you really need, helping to eliminate the stress of the unknown.
- See a financial planner. A financial advisor can help you think through your long-term financial goals and come up with a plan to help you achieve them. Regardless of what stage of life you are in, regular meetings with a financial expert can provide substantial peace of mind.
- Create an estate plan. Most people worry about what will happen to their spouse, children, or pets if anything happens to them. You can alleviate this concern by consulting an estate planning attorney who can help you. Creating an estate plan will put your mind at ease by ensuring that your wishes are documented and honored.
You can implement many aspects of self-care on your own. However, a well-designed estate plan will require the help of an experienced estate planning attorney. We promise to be compassionate and invite you to call our office at 708.448.5169 to set up an appointment – and then take a moment for a quiet cup of tea.
