HealthyLife Articles

Tag: schedule

  • Train Like An Olympian

    BE FIT

    Image of women running.

    Olympic athletes inspire us with their fierce discipline and natural talent as they smash records, going higher, farther and faster. Their can-do   spirit motivates us all to take on  new challenges.

    Whether your goal is to complete your first marathon or improve your golf game, there are lessons to be learned from the best of the best.

    Saint Louis University assistant professor of physical therapy, Chris Sebelski, gives this guidance on how to train like a champion:

    *Set a goal and break it down.For instance, if you’re training to get in shape for a cross-country hiking trip, you might aim to walk 3 miles a day for the first 2 weeks and build up to 10 miles a day by the end of 10 weeks.

    *Cross-train.Cross-training reduces risks of overtraining and helps avoid injury. It also enhances muscle performance and stimulates the mind so you don’t become bored by too much repetition.

    *Work out with others.Olympic athletes don’t train alone and they don’t train only with those at the same skill level. Run with different people. On one day, partner with someone slower than your normal pace. You’ll stay out longer and practice endurance. Another day, run with someone faster than your average pace. You’ll do a more intense cardio workout.

    *Create a team.Olympic athletes know that they cannot do it on their own. You shouldn’t expect to either. Seek people and methods that can help you accomplish your goal. It could be a face-to-face session with a trainer, a nutrition class, or an online chat room of like-minded people.

    *Find your motivation.Olympians use lots of techniques to manage their emotions. This year, for example, athletes reported using yoga, meditation, and even watching their favorite TV shows to calm themselves before an event.

    *Put on an Olympic attitude.For most of us, our jobs, families and personal commitments mean we can’t spend as much time training as a world champion might. But  you can adopt the mentality of  an Olympian during the time you  do train.

    *Enjoy.Regardless of the scale of your goal, train for and accomplish a physical goal you set for yourself. Crossing that finish line is a feeling unlike any other.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 3 Ways To Avoid Distractions At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Close up of hands typing on laptop keyboard.

    It’s a common problem: you need to focus on work, but you keep getting distracted. Here are three quick ways to focus and check things off your to-do list.

    1. Turn off the “rings” and “dings.” Turn off notifications for emails or texts on your phone before you start a task.

    2. Set a timer. Work blocks can be a valuable tool to help you get things done. Set a timer for 25-40 minutes and focus on one task during that time. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute breather. Get a drink of water or go for a quick walk.

    3. Schedule email check times. Check your messages at scheduled times between work blocks. Spend a few minutes checking and responding. Then, set your timer and start another work block.

    Source: Society for Human Resource Management

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Balancing Work & Caregiving

    WORK LIFE

    Women pushing man in wheelchair through the lawn.

    Many people have to care for a loved one and work outside the home. Doing both of these things can be challenging. If you’re having trouble with your dual role, you’re not alone. There are some things you can do to help make things easier.

    First, try to take care of yourself. Find time for exercise, relaxation or getting out. Self-care is important for caregivers!

    Be open with your supervisor

    Having a talk with your supervisor may help relieve stress. You can get your challenges out in the open.

    Find out if they have suggestions that could help you. Maybe you have some ideas of how you can get your job done while still meeting your caregiving responsibilities. If so, share them!

    Check into policies and programs

    Your workplace may have some policies or programs that can help you. Some examples include:

    *Employee assistance programs.Many employers have resources to help their employees deal with challenges. They may have counseling services or can help you find services in your community.

    *Flexibility with hours.Depending on your job, you may be able to work different hours. Talk with your supervisor or human resources department if this would work for you.

    *Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).Under FMLA, some employees are able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a loved one. You have to meet certain qualifications for this, so ask your human resources department about the details.

    Consider other options

    Caregiving can be difficult. Some people find that they need to use some caregiving services. These services can be life-changing if you work and need some extra help. You may want to check out:

    *Local Area Agency on Aging.This organization can help you locate programs and services that can help you. Go towww.acl.govto learn about U.S. programs for aging people.

    *Adult day care.These centers can provide social interaction for your loved one while you work. Some of them may also provide meals, personal care and medical care.

    *Help from others.Some people ask for caregiving help from a neighbor, family member or friend. You may also hire a nurse or home care aide to come in and help when needed.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine