Tips for Time Management and Healthy Living

Time is never a factor in life that seems to be in many people’s favor. There might be seasons where time is abundant, and other seasons where there does not seem to be enough hours in a day. With a crunch on time it can lead us to comprise on things of priority, like our health. Here are a few simple tips that can kill two birds with one stone and help the tasks of a day feel doable.

Evaluate How You Are Spending Your Time

For the week, pay special attention to how you spend time either by mental note or keeping a daily log. This can help evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Ask these questions:

What am I doing well?
 What can I do better?
What are unhealthy and unproductive tendencies?

Answering these questions with evidence to how you spent the week will help to pinpoint the needed areas of adjustment.

Make a To Do List

Now I know this sounds tedious, but writing everything down in one place will relieve stress. Make a to do list for the day and leave it up to the paper to remember each task. After the list is made, take these steps:

 Organize it by priority

 Delete any unnecessary tasks

Be reasonable about what you can accomplish

Try to pair tasks together (talk on the phone while completing a mindless task)

This will help you have more of a grip on your day and minimize last minute rushes.

Time to Yourself

Often taking time off or taking a 10-minute break can seem like a setback when in reality it can do the opposite. If our bodies are run into the ground each day it can result in sickness or a decrease in productivity. Here are some ideas in taking a break:

Take a walk

Do stretches in the middle of the day

Make time for a hobby

 Give your body enough sleep

All of these factors can relate back to health. When our health is put on the back burner, we end up becoming less motivated and lack in time management. These are small ways we can implement into our daily schedule for a healthier more organized lifestyle.

Sources:

https://svpply.com/item/42521/Finetime_clock

http://www.lucilleroberts.com/blog/diet/sharpening-time-management-skills

http://expressbloomington.com/ownerblog/lack-of-time-management-skills-lead-to-health-problems/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/time-management/wl00048

Q&A with Michelle Owens, Blossom Bariatric's Nutrionist

You asked and Michelle Owens, our nutritionist at Blossom Bariatrics, has answered some of your questions from our Facebook page.

Q:  Is vomiting to be expected after bariatric surgery? What steps can I take to prevent or reduce it?

A:  Around 50% of patients experience nausea post surgery, which can be caused by nerves or pain medication. The most important thing is to relax and to eat as directed by Dr. Umbach and the nutritionist.

Q:  How can I add protein to my diet with a busy schedule?

A:  RTD's are great! These are Ready to Drinks in single-serving size containers. EAS, Pure Protein and Premier Protein are ones that taste the best, and they can be found at GNC, Sam's Club, Trader Joe's, and Vitamin Shoppe. The goal, as always, is to look for whey protein and LOW sugar content. 

Q:  What are some top foods to avoid in the first months post surgery? What are some of the best foods?

A:  This question is covered extensively in our pre-surgery classes called Blossom Bites, and the list would be a little too long to add here. The classes are about 1 1/2 hours long and many food questions are covered. It all varies on the patient, though, as far as how they feel after they eat a particular food. Some can do beef for instance and some cannot for the rest of their lives.

Q:  What exercises do you recommend for people post surgery?

A:  Dr. Umbach usually clears patients for exercise on their 2 week post op visit. If cleared by their PCP and Dr. Umbach they usually can always walk or work out on a stationary bike or elliptical trainer. Adding weight berrings to exercises helps immensely! I always encourage hiring a gym's personal trainer to introduce simple exercises and machines when starting out.

Thank you very much to everyone who asked questions! If YOU have any questions, comment below or ask us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/blossombariatric, and we will answer them in the next Q&A blog post. Have a healthy day!