Health is Wealth

With COVID-19 and all the changes to life that has come along with it so far, when was the last time you have traveled? Getting out and taking a break from work and “reality”, going on a vacation and traveling is much of a controversial topic right now. But life has to go on and we adapt to the changes COVID-19 has put on us and we should still get out there and travel, whether it be to another county, state, or country. We know the precautions we should take to prevent the spread worsening, but we do not know when this will end or if life will be normal again, so taking the precautions of getting tested, wearing a mask, washing our hands, etc. can help us and allow us to continue with how life was prior to COVID-19.

It is okay to take a break from things that make you overwhelmed, stressed, or uncomfortable. With the fast pace of life we are accustomed to, always being on the go, or doing something to keep ourselves busy, we have to learn it is okay to remove our minds from that way of life for a little if it becomes too much for you. Take 10 minutes, an hour, or a day to yourself or ones around you that you find your happiness with. Do something else to get your mind off the task at hand that was causing pressure on you and come back to it later when you feel better and more at ease. 

Running is not only great exercise, but keeps the mind healthy as well. Finding a healthy way to relieve stress is very important and can improve anyone’s day a lot. During quarantine, I found that going for runs helped a lot while listening to my favorite podcast or pump-up music. Getting used to running to help relieve stress could be a really healthy lifestyle for you. You can control when and how far you want to go, your pace, and you are helping yourself feel better in the end. Even going for a walk could help get your mind off things with friends or family to get some exercise in and you so that you are not stuck inside all day. 

Do you ever feel like you cannot help yourself when you are stressed or flustered? Sometimes to the point that you need to just breakdown and cry to feel better? In this situation, deep breathes will help a lot more than you initially think. It helps to refocus you and brings back some relaxation. Deep breathing can help in a variety of situations, stressed or not, because it helps your mind and body to refocus and calm down. Taking a couple of deep breathes throughout your day can help to relieve stress and improve focus. Work on remembering to take random deep breathes throughout your day and observing how it helps you. It can help us all.

As mentioned in a previous blog post, holding yourself accountable and getting back into being consistent about the gym or working out can be tough, but once you do it and get back into a routine, it will be a lot easier. A way to do this is holding yourself accountable or by booking workout classes like cycle, pilates, or maybe even yoga. So you create a schedule and know the exact time you are going to workout and not have to worry about what your exercise routine is going to be each day. Most places like cyclebar, lifetime, and orange theory that offer workout classes only allow their members to only cancel without charge a certain amount of times, so this will hold you accountable in the end and most of the classes are really fun!

As a college student without a car and lives on campus, it is pretty easy to get your exercise in by walking to class, to get food, or walking wherever else it is needed to go in a day. Choosing to walk over going in a car or shuttle bus, you not only help the carbon footprint on our planet, but you get exercise without having to go to the gym. Walking to and from class or greek village each day, I easily get at least 10,000 steps most days. It is a great way to keep in shape, but also get outside and get fresh air. Also, it could possibly help improve mental health by getting out more and to help your physical health.

Finding your way back to the gym or exercise can be a struggle after taking a break or going on vacation. But once you get back into a schedule or get back into it, it will be easier to consistently go because your motivation will improve. Sometimes you just have to push yourself to just go or you could find motivation, a reason that keeps you going, whether it be to stay fit or a way to relieve stress. That is why I go a lot because it feels good after working out and a relief of stress is lifted off you by getting your mind off things for a little while doing something healthy and good for yourself.

https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/campus_recreation/ 

Cheers to the first foodie post on this blog! My last night home over the weekend my parents wanted to make me a homemade meal of my choice and what came to mind was the popular salmon rice dish on tik tok, but with our own twist. It was quite a healthy and easy meal to whip up because it has minimal ingredients. First, you will need rice, we used jasmine rice and bake some salmon or your meat of choice in the oven. Having some seaweed chips to eat with this meal was a great choice and adds so much flavor! Next, make 3 ingredient spicy mayo for a condiment, all you will need is mayo, sriracha, and lime juice. Next, chop up any desired toppings like avocado, green onion, tobiko, whatever else. And once the rice and meat are done cooking you are all set to go. This meal took a total of barely 30 minutes, go try it out!

After the first two weeks of being back at school and getting acclimated back into the rhythm of things I decided it would be good for me to go home for the weekend. I didn’t feel pressured to stay at school to go out with friends and without football games each weekend, I wanted to take a break so I don’t get tired of doing the same things every weekend. It is good to prioritize your wants even if it might not be what a norm of what your friends want to do over the weekend, but to do what you want and need for yourself because it is a break from the stress of school work and hopefully other stressors. Or it could be a time for tackling those assignments that are weighing down on you. Whether it be going on a get away or just going home, if it is what you want to do to relax, unwind, and enjoy your weekend, then you should do it!

New year, new you? New goals? Promising you’re gonna eat better or workout more often? Maybe work on your mental health or go on that trip you have been waiting to book. So let's do it, stop debating, weighing the pros and cons and get after it. Start by making a list of to do’s and what you want to get done, this could be homework, errands, workout, or even a self care day of getting your nails done or relaxing. Use a cute notebook or notepad, and the more you use it the more efficient you will get at using a to do list instead of just taking mental notes of what you would like to get done. I use to do lists at least three times a week and not going to lie, it feels good when crossing off things off the to do list!

Welcome to the Health is Wealth blog! First, let me tell you a little about myself, I am a freshman at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Psychology. I love getting outside, exercising, traveling, and food! Now, not just “healthy” food, but good food. Nutritious food. Everything can be eaten in moderation and balance is what I have learned over the past couple of years. I am very excited to be starting this blog and I hope whoever is reading this is, is excited as well for the growth we can all do together. Cheers to a new year, and an improved us!