As you head into what is often the busiest time of the year for health insurance brokers, it’s important you take steps to prepare – not just in terms of business, but in terms of self-care. We have assembled some tips to help you. Obviously, you don’t have to adopt all of these suggestions. Even a few can make a real difference in helping you cope with life’s challenges and stay focused in peak season.
1. Get a good night’s rest.
Sleep is essential for every part of your body. It affects you physically and emotionally. If you do not get enough sleep, in both the short and long term, it can lead to major health issues.
Make sure you turn off your cell phone at least an hour before going to bed. That will give you time to wind down before falling asleep. If you feel you must have your phone nearby while you sleep, consider a relaxation app. Many are available free or at minimal cost. Mindful.org published an online comparison in 2021, and Well + Good published its own review of nine free apps in 2022.
2. Exercise regularly.
Daily exercise is ideal, but even if you cannot commit to each day, there’s still a benefit from even a few days a week. It can benefit you both physically and mentally – reducing anxiety, clearing your mind, improving your mood, and helping you maintain your weight or help you lose a few pounds.
You don’t need to visit a gym (although that works best for some). Walking, playing tennis, or taking up yoga are great gym alternatives. GQ published The Best Workouts That Don’t Require Equipment in 2020 with ideas about getting in some exercise wherever your location.
3. Embrace smart eating.
Eating a balanced diet helps ensure you are giving your body the nutrition it needs, and it can also help you avoid weight gain, too. You may not know it, but warm foods like soup can be soothing. Fish is rich in calcium and phosphorus – and it is an excellent source of iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Plus, it’s filled with Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin), which can improve mood.
4. Choose healthy snacks.
Ditch the chocolate bar and consider a banana with peanut butter, strawberries, yogurt with blueberries, or an apple instead. Fruits and vegetables are a major source of vitamins and minerals, and they offer lots of fiber, too. They are low calorie and low fat. Plus, many contain substances that can protect against diseases.
If you can’t go completely without chocolate, consider dark chocolate over milk chocolate. A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa offers you 11 grams of fiber and healthy doses of the recommended daily value of iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Cocoa and dark chocolate are a great source of antioxidants and can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
5. Do something for yourself.
It is important you do something you enjoy every day, apart from your daily demands. That could include listening to music, watching a favorite TV show, reading, painting, taking a bath, walking the dog, meditating, or even dancing. Fifteen, twenty, or 30 minutes can make a difference.
There are countless other self-care methods you might consider. Oprah Daily published an article in May 2022 with 40 Self-Care Tips to Boost Your Mental Health, which could also help you get ready for peak season.
