We all try to cut corners for the sake of saving some time. Even though it's okay to do with some of the time, there are five things you should NEVER do to save time, since it can jeopardize your health.
#1. Skipping Breakfast
Never skip a meal, especially breakfast. Having a healthy breakfast sets a foundation for your day nutrition-wise.* Do you ever feel depleted of energy by midday and start craving more sweets or that 3 o'clock coffee? Do you feel dizzy and lightheaded? Your breakfast or lack thereof may be to blame. Mornings are busy for most people: getting ready for work, school, making lunches, finishing up the work that's due for the day, etc. That's why breakfast is the most skipped meal for a lot of people, simply for the lack of time. However, the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is true. After you wake up, your body needs to be refueled. To avoid the mad rush of not knowing what to eat in the morning prepare food ahead of time. Always have breakfast essentials in the fridge such as hard boiled eggs, avocados and nut/seed butters that you can quickly spread on your toast. Nourish yourself with a yogurt with granola and a banana, or make a smoothie with quality protein powder. In the long run your health will thank you for it.
#2. Not Removing Makeup at Night
This one is for the ladies. Do you ever have late nights when you come home and are too tired to remove your makeup so you just fall asleep with it? If you think the worst is a dirty pillow case in the morning, think again. Night time is when our bodies regenerate and replenish. Skin is our largest organ, and we detoxify through it. The makeup blocks the pores and doesn't enable the skin to breathe and replenish the way it should. It can also give you breakouts. So don't be lazy! However tired you are take the extra five minutes to remove makeup and clean your skin. The end result will be blemish-free radiant skin.
#3. Using Air Fresheners Instead of Cleaning
Yes we are all busy, and with the daily hustle and bustle the cleaning usually gets pushed aside. When it gets too bad though many people end up reaching for the air fresheners to give the house that "clean" smell. However, have you ever stopped to consider what is in those air fresheners? According to EWG.org there are on average 18 chemicals released into the air with a squirt.** Some very popular brands release up to 89 contaminants. Still want to mask that odor? You and your family are breathing in all these toxins. So next time you have the urge to reach for the air freshener, open a window instead, and if the house is dirty get out the good old-fashioned soap and vinegar and clean it up. It definitely beats the toxic exposure.
#4. Skipping Workouts
Even though skipping a workout here and there won't do any harm; consistently not working out doesn't do your body any good. The benefits of working out are immense; you feel exhilarated, more energetic and in a better mood. You are also helping your heart and reduce your chances for osteoporosis.*** That alone should get you moving. Don't forget, a workout doesn't have to be long. If you have 15-20 minutes, you have time for a quick workout that incorporates some weight resistance as well as cardio. Do this 3-4 times a week and you will be a healthier, happier, leaner you.
#5. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Our society thrives on being busy, and in our daily lives we want to accomplish more in a very short period of time. What most people (including myself sometimes) end up sacrificing is sleep in order to get everything accomplished. If you are letting lack of sleep become a habit then you really have to evaluate your priorities. Chronic sleep deprivation puts on tremendous stress on your body. First of all, cognitively you are not at your peak performance. You cannot think or concentrate well, you are depleted of energy, have increased tension and become more prone to depression.**** Since the body's regenerative and restorative functions happen at night, having chronic lack of sleep ages your skin, and makes you more prone to colds/flus as it weakens your immune system. So prioritize all your tasks and leave the ones that are not so important and go to bed. Having 7-8 hours of sleep at night helps keeps you healthy, happy and young.
References:
* http://www.livestrong.com/article/443601-what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-skip-breakfast/
** http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2011/09/your-best-air-freshener-isnt-air-freshener
*** http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteoporosis-exercise http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/exercise-healthy-heart
**** http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteoporosis-exercise
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