We all have our time management challenges. Whether we run a single-income household or a dual-income home, we Americans are busier than ever trying to make ends meet. This time of year brings new responsibilities and tight schedules as our children go back to school.
Unfortunately, in the hustle and bustle of the American culture, the work schedule can interfere with healthy eating habits. Have you ever had a day when you literally had 30 minutes to transition from oncology nurse to hockey mom or soccer coach?
Dinner isn’t the only meal that tends to be quick, easy, and full of fat and sugar.
The quickest breakfast usually comes in a box, instead of originating in the garden or on the farm. Simplicity and convenience often interfere with the long-term goal of wellness.
In the healthcare profession, nurses are aware of the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Regrettably, information does not equal motivation, inspiration, or perspiration! In a 2008 study of 760 nurses, almost 54 percent were overweight or obese (Miller, Alpert & Cross, 2008). It’s time to change that statistic.
Time management is likely be one obstacle to achieving wellness. I assure you that even the best intentions fail without a plan. What’s the likelihood that you’ll feel like exercising after working 12 hours and watching your child’s two-hour baseball game? It isn’t going to happen without a concrete plan in advance.
Here are a few quick tips to wellness:
- Calculate your body mass index (BMI)
- If your BMI is above 24, all beverages should be calorie-free, unless it’s a meal replacement (such as Bariatric Advantage)
- Consume more fruits and vegetables daily
- Don’t eat junk food until you have eaten the minimum of five servings of fruits and/or vegetables. If you have eaten all five servings and there’s still room for ice cream, go for it!
I challenge you to prioritize your health for the next 30 days. The Oncology Nurse Community can get well together. If you have a wellness tip, please share it in the comments.
When it comes to health, there’s no need to sprint to the finish line: slow and steady wins the race.
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