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When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, it’s all a matter of priorities. For almost everyone, good sleep and daily exercise are of grave importance. Others place more of an emphasis on diet or spiritual wellness. I’ve also met a handful of people who work weekly massages into their budgets to alleviate stress and anxiety. Regardless of where sleep, diet, or massage land on your preferential totem pole, there’s no right or wrong way to care for yourself. However, in order to optimize and simplify self-care, it’s crucial that you identify what your priorities are. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a laundry list of lifestyle changes all at once. One of the most effective self-care strategies I’ve ever learned is to identify three key self-care priorities and integrate them realistically into an everyday routine.
For example, exercise, mental health, and physical wellness are top priorities of mine. If I don’t make these things priorities, I suffer. After all, our bodies are temples. When we don’t treat them as such, we suffer. Our minds are hazy, and our hearts are less generous. Physically, we’re more likely to feel overworked and ineffective. Spiritually, we may feel jaded or empty. The situation just isn’t ideal. So, I’m sharing my top three healthy lifestyle tips with y’all today!
Tip #1: Endorphins Make You Happy
First and foremost, Elle Woods is a genius who put an important principle into layman’s terms. “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” Moving our bodies, specifically getting outside, is vital to our overall happiness. Not only can it increase serotinin, which is the “happy chemical” in our brains, it has also been shown to help ease symptoms of depression. It also helps us sleep better, think more effectively, boost our creativity, and stay hydrated. Oh, and exercise helps us increase our lifespans. Wins all around.
I’ve also learned over the years that I’ll never be a gym rat. Outdoor physical activities, like morning hikes or bike rides, work best for me– and they may work best for you, too. Plus, spending time in nature is known to reduce stress levels and improve mental health, among dozens of other benefits.
Tip #2: Simplify Self-Care with Virtual Doctor Visits
Exercise isn’t the only component of physical wellness, by the way. I suffered from an eating disorder over a five-year period, so checking in with my doctor when concerns arise gives me invaluable peace of mind. Realistically, adulting is hard, though, and I work 50-60 hours a week on my business to support myself. I can’t afford to take an entire day of work to sit in a waiting room for five hours. UnitedHealthcare Virtual Visits have enabled me to see a doctor– whenever, wherever– on my cell phone or computer. They handle minor medical issues without the hassle– from allergies to the flu, migraines to sinus infections, and other issues in-between. I pay $40 (at most) with my United Healthcare plan, and I can get a prescription, if needed, in twenty minutes or less.
Signing up for a Virtual Visit with a doctor is quick and easy. There are two mobile apps available to provide a Virtual Visit– Dr. On Demand (what I use) and Amwell. Once you’ve downloaded your app of choice, the registration process is similar to creating a new email account. Entering your insurance information is super quick, as in 5 minutes or less, and you can see a doctor immediately. You can also schedule an appointment for a later time, as well. Even if you don’t anticipate needing to see a doctor in the immediate future, register ASAP, so you’re ready to tackle your medical concerns as soon as they surface.
Signing up for a Virtual Visit with a doctor is so much easier than I ever could’ve imagined. Entering your insurance information is super quick (as in 5 minutes or less), and you can see a doctor immediately. You can also schedule an appointment for a later time, as well. Even if you don’t anticipate needing to see a doctor in the immediate future, register ASAP, so you’re ready to tackle your medical concerns as soon as they surface. Once you’re registered, you can use either your computer or any mobile device to facilitate your virtual doctor visits.
Tip #3: Mental Health Matters
I have severe anxiety, so self-care means making my mental health a priority. Hence, I’ve worked weekly session with my counselor into my budget. Now that I use the Dr. On Demand app, it’s incredibly easy to schedule appointments. Plus, I can also research network professionals and find out exactly how much a session will cost beforehand.
In addition to therapy, I also make a point to show myself an act of self-love once a day. I pick one item off this list of 25 simple ways to practice self-love every morning. Although booking special trips and buying yourself fresh flowers is on the list, most acts of self-love are completely cost-free. Even if my daily act is as simple as repeating positive affirmations in the mirror or sending a text to an old friend, I feel so much more happy and healthy afterwards. You will, too.
What are your top healthy lifestyle tips? I’d love to hear how you stay proactive about your health and wellness!
I’m all about simplifying any type of routine. This is not the first time I’ve heard of virtual doctors but I think this is a wonderful idea. I often like getting answers to things almost straight away so this eliminates the hassle of having to wait at walk-in clinics!
A few of my favorite ways of taking care of myself include: eating well, exercising every day, and a monthly facial. Isn’t technology the best? Who would have thought we could have a doctor make a house call via our phone or computer? While I haven’t used a service like this before, I have a friend who does. She and her husband live in a rural part of Montana where the nearest doctor is 45 minutes away. It’s been a lifesaver. x
I wouldn’t necessarily say that I promote a healthy lifestyle these days. I have some weird health issues that prevent me from exercising, but I can still walk or ride my bike, which I do enjoy. I don’t sleep well, so I am always tired, but I feel as if once you have children, sleep just sort of evades moms. The one thing I do have going for me is I am a super healthy eater and I don’t drink or smoke. I wil have to check out this mobile doctor – this would be great for my daughters as they both have asthma
That is a really great service. I wish they had it here in Canada. I would definitely make use of it. I have ongoing medical issues and it would be so handy to be able to take care of some of them from home.
These are excellent reminders for taking care of myself. I don’t go to the doctor often. Nor, do I take care of my mental health like I should.
How incredibly impressive that you pay less than $40 for this wonderful and convenient service! This is definitely something I’ll have to look into. I have already heard about something similar and it’s definitely peaked my attention.
I think that this is a great service and one I could get used to making. I know we don’t make it to the Doctor’s office as often as we should, but you have some great tips to help people like me get on the right track. Keep up the great work and sharing great things like this with us.
A virtual doctor seems like a really great tool! especially to diagnose small things like colds or flues. Sometimes it’s best to stay at home to get an expert opinion.
http://stopdropandvogue.com/
Girl, I love this! Seriously such a great reminder today!
I am so old school. I can’t get my head wrapped around virtual appointments. I am reallly trying to step up wgen it comes to keeping our family heathly. Thank you for the excellent article.
Wow, this is very cool. Love these tips so much. thank you for sharing.
This is such an interesting concept! I fee like this would be super useful for those who live in really rural areas!!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
This is such a great service. I just recently heard that they have something similar here and I’d really like to try it out. It’s so handy on those days when I don’t have someone to watch my little one so I can go to the doctor.
Virtual Doctor’s Visits? I wish they had that here in Canada
We often forget that our health goes way past regular doctors check ups, it’s both mental and emotional as well. I’ve been trying my best to be positive throughout the day and give myself time to regroup.
The best part about a convenient service is when the price is reasonable! I’ve yet to try one of these services but I’ve heard time and time again how great they are!
Love your tips & totally agree that I’m much happier overall when I am regularly working out.
Ok, I definitely need to check this out. This sounds so convenient!
love your casual look, the sweatshirt and leggings are both so cute!
http://www.layersofchic.com
wow this is a great service. i’m going to have to try it out.
These are such great tips and was definitely a motivation for me because I’ve been slacking in the workout department lately!
xo, Sara
This is such an amazing service! Thanks for sharing your tips– so helpful <3
I want this outfit. It’s so cute!
I am all for self-care. It’s important to make sure that I take care myself.
what a great service. I’ve never used anything like it. thank you for sharing! I also love your athleisure look!
xoxo,
Elena Michelle
http://www.anewyorkloveaffair.com
Love these tips and love your outfit!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Great tips! This outfit is perfection!
My stepmom works at United. They are amazing!
I’ve heard about this!! My work just had a booth installed, actually! So cool that they can do this!
Such a great post! I really need to make more time for self care. I love the idea of a virtual doctors visit. I am so bad at making time to get in to care for myself. Love these tips! XO
Anna || A Lily Love Affair
This is very cool, but I have to say I really love your Nikes!!
this post is amazing, and so well done! i’m loving your outfit!
Such a convenient service!
Ok, this is such an amazing and needed service! I can tell you being in the medical field! Love your leggings as well!
I love that tee and I NEED those sneakers!
xo
Lacey
A Lacey Perspective
What???! That sounds amazing!
Love these tips! I totally agree with Elle Woods, when I work out I feel better no matter how busy I am!
Great reminders for taking care of ourselves! Also, lovelovelove your first point. Exercise always gives me a boost!
Love this post — so many good tips!
Virtual doctor visits?! Sign me up! Thanks for sharing these awesome tips!
XO
These tips are awesome! Love it 🙂
http://www.thefitbrunette.com