If rules were made to be broken, chances are, you’re feeling guilty about wellness transgressions. And if you continue your slip-ups in the present, take heart. It is never too late for redemption.
Time to own up to your weaknesses. Rather than punish yourself with guilt, you can do something about your lapses before the results of your negligence reflect in your next executive checkup.
Here’s a checklist of omissions and commissions:
1. “I’m too lazy to exercise. The last time I visited the gym was six months ago.”
When laziness takes hold of you, it can be extremely difficult to get back on track. But not to worry. Bring out your fitness shoes and gear, where you can see them daily. Then, one day, you will get dressed to exercise.
Try basic walking for 20 minutes daily. This should get you going. Increase your exercise time the next day. Put it in your head that exercise is a daily must-do.
2. “Food bingeing is my midnight habit. As a result, I have gained 20 lb.”
Every bingeing episode— whether a bowl of pasta, a box of chocolates, cake or ice cream, puts stress on your stomach, pancreas and liver. There is just too much to digest.
3. Giving your tummy some rest time is crucial to digestive health.
It pays to eat less— whether during regular meals or not. Learn to cut back on the quantity of your food intake.
There will be no urge for midnight snacking if you had your meals on time. Should cravings overcome you by 11 p.m., try to outwit your body (and mind) by getting to bed by 10 p.m.
You may also opt for something light to check your bingeing.
Suggestions: multigrain crackers and 2 tbsp tuna; 2 pc sardines; 1 glass warm milk with 1 banana; ½ apple with walnuts or cashews.
Skin rescuers
4. “Sun worshipping is second-nature to me. I enjoy baking myself under the sun.”
It seems you might be guilty of abusing your skin and complexion. Even if you’ve been wearing sunblock, perhaps you didn’t reapply the lotion as frequently as required. You might have sunspots and blemishes. It is best to consult a dermatologist.
Dr. Mary Jane Torres of Zen Institute says there are skin-rescuers that can address the problem of sun-damaged skin.
Before applying anything, allow your skin to cool down. Stay indoors for one week. Stop sunbathing.
If you have to go outdoors for some reason, then wear protection—sunblock, long-sleeved shirts, hat, sunglasses, umbrella.
To heal the skin slowly, apply virgin coconut oil liberally on the face and body.
Increase vitamin C dosage or go for intravenous therapy of vitamin C and glutathione.
When your skin is no longer red and begins to flake, have a diamond peel. Try this immediate facial mask called Carboxy. This is a breakthrough carbon dioxide therapy which creates bubbles to increase oxygen.
The results are visible after one 30-minute treatment— skin hydration and moisturizing, tightening of pores, reduced pigmentation. Your face will look well-rested.
Call Zen Institute at 4411712 or 8562027.
5. “I always fight off sleepiness with coffee because it’s at night when I catch up on movies.”
All it takes is one cup of coffee to keep you awake for 8 hours. So, if you drink more after your first cup, you will have difficulty sleeping.
Try to watch your movies by 6 p.m. so that, by 11 p.m., you can hit the sack. Retrain yourself to sleep earlier each night.
Sleep deprivation can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and depression.
Unwind slowly
6. “When I get home exhausted from work, I sometimes fall asleep with my work clothes and makeup on.”
No matter how tired you are after work, you need to unwind slowly. The worst thing you can do is to sleep without removing your makeup. You will develop skin rash or allergy from your cosmetics.
It would be nice to have a warm shower and cleanse your face. This ritual will relax your tense muscles and lead to a good sleep.
