Make Time for Your Health - Pay Yourself First

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown many of us off our game. With gyms and dance studios closed, long lines at grocery stores and many other businesses either shuttered or their services altered, we've had to change our schedules, our lifestyles and our workout routines - and that's just for starters. 

Now the holidays are here. The holiday season is a busy time for all us. But don't let the pandemic or the holidays deprive you of your health and fitness.

Here are some tips to help you stay healthy:

• Make time to exercise each day. We know that daily exercise is good for the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. Exercise also helps to reduce insulin resistance (so it improves insulin sensitivity) which helps to control blood glucose levels. Exercise also helps to improve mood.

• Shop for healthy, whole foods (not processed) either in-person or by utilizing the many grocery shopping apps. Plan your meals and invest in a little extra time to cook nutritious meals.

• Stay away from foods with additives. Unhealthy foods that contain food additives such as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives are inflammatory. They are not good for our bodies and brains. 

• And don't forget your sleep. Health experts generally advise to get between 7 - 9 hours of sleep per night. This helps to strengthen our immune system, and reduce the stress hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol can wreak havoc on the body when levels are too high for too long.

Pay yourself first. Make time for daily exercise, healthy eating and ample sleep each night. Why? If you don't make time for your health today, there's a good chance you'll be forced to spend time with an illness (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or heart disease) tomorrow.