Are You Neglecting You?

Everyone desires a long and healthy life yet very few are willing to work for it. Many would rather overindulge and turn an eye on health all in favor of things that frankly aren't as important. How come the one thing that shouldn’t be taken for granted is the very first to be overlooked by most? Face it, our schedules are packed with excuses and I am not downplaying your busy life. I'm simply stating that most should put health a little higher on the priority list.

While it's easy to identify obvious areas where change is needed (think of eating too much fast food) there are areas that just seem untouchable. Grocery shopping, commuting to work and helping kids with homework are just three examples of this. Though these are important things that need to be done, one’s own health and well-being should not be overlooked.

Consider waking up tomorrow morning to news that a friend has cancer. At some point, most people will think, 'Did their lifestyle do this'. 'Will mine?'. Ill health is a state that we avoid thinking about until it actually hits us. The importance of having an active lifestyle need not be restated, yet it gets ignored until us or someone close to us gets affected by it. Don't wait to make changes until the day you're waiting for a biopsy result. Make a few minutes in your day today to think of areas in your life that need to change.

Though sometimes there is little you could have done to prevent what life throws at you, in most cases a little due diligence can make all the difference. Here are a couple of simple examples and we've linked to several previous articles that will help as well.

• Research Your Doctors
  This is the most important step to ensure your health is in the right hands. Just because the doctor is in your vicinity or is accepting new patients is not a good enough reason to make them your choice. Look into their working history and get feedback from past or current clients to see if they meet your needs. Websites like RateMDs or DoctorScorecard can be great sources of information with forums to discuss concerns or apprehensions. It encompasses valuable reviews from concerned citizens and is an efficient way to learn from others' experiences. Though opinions can be biased, common traits both positive and negative can become apparent through the reviews and assist you in your decisions.
  
• Utilize Insurance Benefits
  Most companies offer great health and dental plans for employees and their families. How many of us take full advantage of it? Not many. Ensure that you utilize the benefits available to you. From visiting the dentist to the masseuse or the chiropractor, why leave anything out? Early detection of the origin of back aches or joint issues can prevent significant deterioration and prove to be a major asset in life. Find time for these little activities and see the difference they can make.
  
• Workout and Meditate
  The importance of being physically and mentally active is no secret. I personally love the idea of being fit yet absolutely dread the treadmill. From having no time for it to a thousand other excuses, I’ve got it all. Though at the end of the day, the only thing I’ve learned from all of this is the fact that there is no escape; it’s something you just have to do.
  
  The only solution is to make exercising and relaxing the mind a part of your daily routine in such a way that you don’t get a chance to second guess yourself. It’s like brushing your teeth; you don’t contemplate every morning if you feel like brushing today, or if you have the time to, you simply do it. Here are some resources to consider:
  
  • How to Turn Exercise Into Something You Love
    
  • How to Get Fit When You're a Couch Potato
    
  • 7 Harsh Truths that Will Improve Your Health
    
  • How To Shape Your Lifestyle to Improve Your Fitness
    
  • Meditation Techniques for the Busy or Impatient
• Listen to yourself
  Our body is capable of treating itself to a very large extent. Have a cold or a tummy ache? Pay attention to the signs your body gives you; it may want you to slow down or avoid certain kind of foods. Though you may be tempted to take a pain killer to numb the pain and get on with your busy schedule, realize that it’s not the finest solution. How about trying some natural remedies? Why deal with the side effects of fancy medications when all you may really need is a little rest and a warn cup of tea?

Sometimes life gets so busy and confusing that we are unable to pinpoint what takes up all our time and drains us of our enthusiasm. Though such phases are inevitable, be certain that they are temporary and you need to give yourself the time and respect you deserve. Striving towards creating a balanced life is the key, but it cannot happen if you overlook yourself. Great moments in life will not feel as great if the back ache is on your mind, and the last thing you want is to slow down too early, just to see your life fly by in front of you.

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