Getting back on track following a tough year can come with its fair share of challenges, but there is no doubt that you’re on the right road. It can feel a bit overwhelming when it comes to getting things back together and maintaining the balance you need to thrive. If you take it one step at a time and make a plan, though, things can be a little more manageable. Check out these tips, courtesy of Become Better Sport Performance & Personal Training.
Cope with Stress
Long-term stress takes a big toll on your physical and mental well-being. As Verywell Mind explains, it can lead to fatigue, anxiety, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and a host of other symptoms.
Managing stressful moments can include doing deep breathing exercises or a distracting activity like playing a game, reading a book or taking a walk. But the key to prolonged well-being is to make lifestyle changes that keep stress at bay. This is particularly crucial if you’re struggling with an addiction linked to your troubled times.
Develop a Wellness Plan
Recovering from tough times isn’t just about surviving, it’s about living a healthy life, so make sure you create a wellness plan that deals with the various areas of your life that you need to keep in check. Among other things, Strava notes this should include eating balanced meals and getting a fitness check to find out your health status.
It’s also helpful to develop mechanisms to handle the stressful situations that will come your way. Being physically active can help maintain positivity as well as keep you healthy. If you’re not sure what exercises will work for you, feel free to try options like walking, swimming or yoga.
Get Your Bills Paid
If you’re not sure about the status of your utilities, you need to contact the utility companies as soon as possible. While there might be certain state-specific laws that can delay disconnection during winter or under other special circumstances, you still need to make sure your bills get paid. In some cases, you can set up a payment plan with the companies or find out if you qualify for a loan to settle your debt.
If your driver’s license was suspended, Car and Driver suggests keeping your auto insurance policy up to date. You might need to get insurance through another party, or, depending on the length of your policy lapse, you could look into insurers who specialize in high-risk drivers as you might no longer be eligible for traditional auto insurance coverage. The premiums will be higher, but at least you’ll be covered.
Take Control of Your Finances
One of the difficult realities of the pandemic is job loss and in some cases, drained financial resources. Now that you’re in recovery mode, you’ll need to find employment that’s in line with what you’re trying to accomplish. Most importantly, be patient and don’t let the frustration from your job search affect your recovery. It might even be time to plug into the gig economy or get your own startup off the ground.
If you decide on beginning your own business, be sure to lay a proper foundation. This would include things like coming up with a unique business name and forming an LLC. An LLC — or limited liability company — helps protect your personal assets. It’s easy to establish if you use an online formation service, too.
Once you have money coming in, you’ll need to put steps in place to manage it. It’s best to set a budget and maintain a list of your necessities. You can automate savings and bill payments while getting rid of debit and credit cards.
Just getting on the road to a low-stress, balanced lifestyle is no easy feat. To make this happen, make sure you have a plan in place that you can follow. And remember to look to Become Better Sport Performance & Personal Training for information and fitness programs that will encourage you in your journey. Call 262-408-9750 to learn more about how we can help you live a happier and healthier life.
Guest Article by Lisa Walker from Neighborhood Sprout
Photo courtesy of Unsplash