Live Healthy & Save Money, Easier Than You Think
Keeping your mind and body active and healthy is one of the best presents you can give yourself. Not only are you ensuring a longer and fuller life, but you’ll have more energy and happiness on the daily. One common misconception regarding wellness is that a healthy lifestyle is costly, especially if you have kids with diabetes. Guess again, it is possible to live healthy on a budget. Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!
Being Healthy Saves
Living a healthy lifestyle can seem expensive, especially if your kids are pre diabetic or have diabetes. The reality however is that being healthy saves you in the long term. For example, when you prioritize your health, you’ll benefit from lower health insurance premiums. Cooking at home is similar, as Forbes reports that it can help you save over 47% more than eating out. It is also a more healthy alternative for you and your family. In addition, when you choose to bike, walk or use public transportation, you’re being kinder to your wallet and the environment. All in all, committing to your health is an excellent option when you’re on a budget!
Get Your Home Environment Healthy
Your home environment affects your mental and physical health more than you know. Decluttering your home and organizing your space is a great stress reliever. It also keeps your home and head spcaes feeling neat and clean. Other steps you can take to create a stress-free home environment include bringing oxygen-boosting indoor plants into your place of solitude where you can meditate.
Kick Bad Habits To The Curb
Everyone has some kind of bad habit they’re trying to quit. Whether it’s smoking, drinking, or binge eating, it’s best to kick those bad habits to eliminate hefty expenses. After all, those packs of smokes add up – not to mention the medical costs of treating lung cancer and other lifestyle diseases. Prioritizing healthier eating similarly reduces the need for medical care and costly drugs down the line. While quitting your bad habits may not happen overnight, significant changes come to those who are committed and consistent in their lifestyle choices.
Health Tech
Tech can really help get the ball rolling on your health journey. Finding the right kitchen gadgets, workout equipment, and other health-focused products can make or break in getting you back on track. For example, kitchen equipment like juicers and air fryers can come in handy for making delicious yet healthy meals. At the same time, tech like a white noise machine or sleep trackers can help you get your sleep under control. If your child has diabetes, it will be worthwhile to invest in blood pressure trackers as well.
Walk the Walk
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise out there. It is a low-intensity workout that is great for cardiovascular, respiratory, and heart health. Thus, be sure to get your steps in each day – Eat This reports a brisk half-hour walk or 10,000 steps a day is the way to go. If you reside in a pedestrian-friendly area, you can take walks around your neighbourhood; otherwise you can take hikes or visit a local park.
There are also lots of platforms and service providers out there who offer rewards and incentives for walking more. You could win vouchers or discounts to your favorite store or cash back with walking incentive apps! Walking is thus great for your mind, body, and budget – a true win-win!
Use Employee Wellness Programs
If you’re currently working, your employer likely offers wellness benefits you may not be aware of! For example, some employers offer benefits like access to the gym or fitness classes. You may also get subsidized healthy meals or paid-for transit options at the office. In addition, some employers offer confidential support for mental health issues like stress, depression, or substance abuse. These programs can come in handy on your health journey and be just the ticket you need to stay committed to your goals.
Grow Your Own Veg
Growing your own veg might be a great option if you have a small backyard or patio space. After all, food prices seem to increase each time you go to the grocery store, and all those healthy fruits and veg can add up. You can quickly reduce your food bills by growing your own veggies. Start small by developing a few pots on your patio or opting for window boxes. This is a great activity to involve the kids in; while there is nothing more satisfying than growing and eating your own (organic) produce there actually exists an organic alternative that saves time and provides serious nutritional benefits!
Drink More Water
Those morning coffees and afternoon sodas can be pricey and put a dent in your wallet. Not only that, they’re not the best for you and your health journey! Drinking water, on the other hand, offers many significant benefits. Water helps promote weight loss, boosts energy levels, and prevents cramps and headaches. Bonus: it’s also free! You can save additional money using a sink filter or water filtration pitcher instead of buying overpriced bottled water.
Enjoying a healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to be pricey! In fact, you may actually save money committing to your wellbeing. Be sure to take a holistic view of your health when you do so – from creating a stress-free home to making sure you walk every day. Commit to you and your children’s health today – and your life and wallet will thank you for it down the line!
About the Author
Kim Thomas is on a mission to advocate for those with chronic diseases.
