Guest post by Zoe Price
One of the major problems with trying to turn over a new leaf and get into more positive habits is that they can sometimes come with a major price tag. Of course, there are many other obstacles towards taking steps towards being happier and healthier and being more environmentally conscious. It can be tough to shake yourself out of the habit of a lifetime, especially if it involves you taking more time out of your busy schedule to plan exactly how you are going to do it. However, one thing that we can help you with is finding a way to do this that won’t break the bank.
A lot of people out there save their resolutions for New Year’s Day, but this means that there is rarely a lot of thought behind it beyond trying to be better in the new year. Whether you want to get into better shape, cut down on habits that negatively impact your health, or go greener to do your bit for climate change, we have put together a guide to help you watch your pennies even as you stride into a new, brighter future for yourself. Let’s get started.
Getting Into An Exercise Routine
Anyone who has ever embarked on a new fitness programme that actually worked will tell you that throwing money at the problem is not the best way to go about it. This is especially important to remember given how much prices are going up right now. Signing up for an expensive gym membership may not actually be enough to get you out of the house and onto the cross-trainer. Buying an expensive new workout machine is not going to help matters if it sits in the corner of the room unused. If you want to get into a better exercise routine, then the money is not something that really comes into the equation.
To start with, think about where you can fit exercise into your daily routine. Can you realistically do two hours every day or is half an hour more feasible? Remember that it is better to exercise often than to exercise once every fortnight. Then, consider your fitness level carefully. Be realistic about where you are and where you should be starting. Don’t set yourself goals that you are not going to reach, and which will discourage you. Finally, it’s time to think about what you actually enjoy doing. One of the biggest things that will keep you in an exercise routine is having fun. Would you like to go for a jog around the park? Do you need some friends there to keep you going?
Going Greener In Your Daily Life
Now, even if you are someone who recycles regularly, you will know that there are plenty more things that you can do to cut down on your personal carbon footprint. Some of these habits actually involve saving money instead of spending money. These include cutting down on the amount of water you are using every day by swapping your daily bath for a daily shower and making sure that your electrical appliances are switched off at the wall instead of being left on standby. With electricity bills continuing to skyrocket, this is something that everyone should be doing. But there are some instances where spending money upfront is going to be the best way to go green and save money.
For example, if you are still using an old oven or an old dryer that barely works anymore, it is time for an upgrade. Yes, you are paying more right away, but you will be saving money on energy bills because they will be more energy efficient. And then there’s your car. It may sound improbable to suggest that switching to an electric car will save you money, but you don’t have to buy outright. You can lease an electric car to spread the cost of it, and one of the biggest savings that you would be making right now is by not spending any of your money on petrol. The cost of petrol is going up enormously, but a main question that a lot of people have about electric cars is how long do they take to charge? To learn more about the charging times of an electric car, and how you can lease them, visit LV ElectriX. They can help you get to grips with how they work and help to get you behind the wheel of one.
Eating More Healthily
When we are stressed and overworked, healthy diets can go out of the window. This is when we start falling back on the things that are easy, such as ready meals and takeaways. You do not need us to tell you that these are not ideal when it comes to your health, as they can be loaded with salt, fats, and sugars. However, it can sometimes feel like eating more healthily comes with a price tag. Yes, takeaways can be expensive, but so can making sure that you are buying healthy fresh foods.
If you want to eat more healthily without spending a huge amount of money, then planning and research are your friends. Start by finding out which fruits and vegetables are in season, as they will generally be cheaper (not to mention fresher and tastier) Then, look at what healthy recipes you can make in bulk. One of the main drawbacks with ready meals is that they are only going to do you one dinner at a time. If you cook from scratch, you can make healthy and delicious meals that will last you several days, spreading out the cost of your meals. Making a shopping list before you head to the supermarket is also a great way to make sure that you don’t impulse buy a load of expensive groceries on top of everything else. You could also look at more energy-efficient ways to cook your healthy food. Could a slow cooker save you money by avoiding turning on the oven, for example?
Working On Your Mental Health
Mental health has been a major concern for so many people over the last couple of years. We have all been through something that has had a tremendous impact on our health and happiness, but the good news is that we are far more aware of what we can do to look after ourselves and the people closest to us. Given that we can’t all afford to go on a long holiday to reconnect with our body and mind, some of us have to think a little more creatively about how we can look after ourselves in the months ahead.
The best place to start is with the little things. Getting fresh air and exercise is a great way to give yourself some peace and get the endorphins going. Try to make sure that you are taking some time for yourself every day, even if it’s just stopping in at a café for a treat coffee. Talking to your friends and family about how you are doing does not always seem like the easiest thing to do, but it is important to remember that there are people out there who care about you. If you are really struggling, then it may be time to talk to your GP. They can provide advice and help you towards your next step.
