by Samuel K. Burlum

There is no doubt that we are living in a fast-paced society. We can receive communications in seconds, order a meal in minutes, and travel cross-country in a matter of hours. However, we pay a price for this lifestyle full of modern conveniences: our health. In order to fulfill all of the day’s demands, we ignore our bodies and minds when they need our attention the most.

One common excuse for ignoring our health and wellness needs is a lack of money. Healthcare can be expensive and it may be that certain options seem out of reach. Another reason is lack of time, which many will relate to given that everyone seems busier than ever before. However, with commitment and a little creativity, there are some small steps that each person can take to reinvest in their own health.

1 Leave the car at home. If your destination is not too far away, elect to take a walk or ride a bike, and combine exercise with the handling of the day’s tasks. If you will normally walk a couple of blocks, stretch it to a mile.

2 Eat healthier on the go. Sometimes our schedule does not allow us the time to cook a healthy meal. Try instead to pack a bag of healthy snacks such as fruit or salad for those times that you will be traveling a lot. If you must stop for fast food, consider ordering a salad and water instead of a burger and soda. An increasing number of restaurants also offer organic food selections.

3 Drink more water. The human body consists of between 60 to 70 percent water, which needs to be replaced throughout the day. When we consume water, our body disposes of water that carries with it the toxic influences that we have ingested or absorbed. In addition to making the choice to drink more water, also pay attention to its quality, for not all options are the same.

4 Switch to non-toxic chemicals in the home. Many of us enjoy a clean environment free from dirt and grime, resulting in any number of chemical cleaners filling cabinets and closets. When we use these products to clean, the chemicals are also released into the air, so select non-toxic cleaners for maintaining your home. Reducing the number of chemicals used will result in fewer being inhaled.

5 Take time out from screens. People are exposed to digital screens all day, including phones, mobile devices, tablets, computers and televisions. They bombard our lives with news, information and advertisements. Take a break from screens in order to give the mind a few minutes of clarity. Choose instead to enjoy an activity outside, or pick up a book and read a chapter.

6 Commit to crushing bad habits. They say too much of anything can become a bad thing. Smoking is one the leading causes of lung disease and cancer, so look for alternatives to picking up a cigarette or tobacco product. Alcohol has also been connected to many health issues, so make an intention to reduce your consumption of it. Commit to having one less drink at the bar, reducing the alcohol you purchase for your home, or attending happier hour less frequently or for less time. To really pack a punch, replace a bad habit with a more productive or healthier one.

7 Slow down the clock. Many of us schedule every minute of every day with an activity, imposing additional burdens and stress on our minds and bodies. Instead of filling the day with activities, prioritize the day’s goals and focus on doing the best job you can for each task you perform. Slowing down will not only increase the quality of the outcomes achieved, it will decrease stress levels as well.

8 Take a rest. It is commonly believed that we need around eight hours of sleep in a twenty-four hour period. Life gets in the way, and many of us do not get the sleep we need to allow our body to rejuvenate and heal itself. After lunch or mid-afternoon, take time out for a 20 to 30 minute nap, allowing your mind and body a break to refresh itself.

Many of these suggestions only require a bit of extra attention and time. These low- and no-cost practices may help encourage you towards better health and wellness practices for your body and mind. The first step is making a choice to commit to your own health, for no one can make that choice for you.

Samuel K. Burlum is an investigative journalist, a consultant for small businesses and the author of “The Race to Protect Our Most Important Natural Resource” and “Life in the Green Lane–In Pursuit of the American Dream”, as well as many articles addressing environmental concerns, small business and public policy. For more information, visit SamBurlum.com or ExtremeKleaner.com.