Live Well While Working Hard

When you get busy and overwhelmed at work, it can be easy to let healthy habits slip. Maybe you eat more pizza or chicken nuggets than you normally would. Maybe you stop getting as much sleep as you need – restless from worrying over your to-do list. You stop going to the gym or hiking or whatever you did for exercise. Not only can this lead to health problems in the long run, but it could leave you vulnerable to relapse.

Here are some easy ways to stay healthy when your work life gets hectic.

Get enough sleep.

For people in recovery, sleeping well can already be a problem. Add in stress from work, and being well rested can become an even bigger hurdle. According to Healthline, sleep deprivation can lead to some serious, chronic health issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Not sleeping well over a long period of time can also put you at risk for depression. Learn how to improve your sleep habits here.

Eat right.

The old adage, “You are what you eat,” is true to some extent. Stress eating can add dangerous fat to your body – right around your internal organs. So, why do you do it? It’s a form of self-medication. Stress eating elevates your mood briefly, but in the long run, the fatty foods eaten when stressed out can lead to serious health problems. To stop yourself from stress eating or eating poorly when you’re busy at work, a simple diet can be a lifesaver. The Mediterranean diet is simple and easy to follow. And, as an added benefit, a new study has shown that the Mediterranean diet can help fight depression. Try some of these tips for eating well when your life gets busy.

Reduce stress.

When it comes down to it, a stressful work life can not only hurt you physically (a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, etc.) but it can also lead a person in recovery to relapse. Alcoholism and drug addiction are often the result of someone trying to self-medicate against emotional or physical pain and discomfort. When you are stressed out, your coping mechanisms can really be put to the test. If you want to find simple ways to balance your mind, body, and spirit, read this article .To find inner peace and combat anxiety, listen to the 10-minute guided meditation  MBS Senior Program Coordinator Mark Gerow recorded. Finally, exercise when you can, whether you hit the gym or take a hike. It all helps.

No matter how busy things get at work, remember that you have a right – and an obligation – to take care of yourself. Keeping your recovery safe is always a priority.