A groundbreaking wave of lifestyle changes is sweeping the UK and further afield, as individuals ditch detrimental habits and adopt healthier alternatives, paving the way for cancer prevention and that feel-good factor. This shift comes in light of escalating concerns over preventable cancers, with smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, inactivity, and poor diets remaining major contributing factors.
Here are some lifestyle trends and solutions to bad old habits that are reshaping the lives of freelancers.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Rewiring your brain for success
According to the Rogel Cancer Center, feeling down often leads to more pessimistic and negative thoughts, which can lead to unhealthy habits. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool that can help break this cycle. CBT teaches you to identify those negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more constructive ones.
In some cases, CBT can be as effective as antidepressant medication and can create lasting change. While medication can provide immediate relief, combining it with CBT may enhance its effects and promote long-term improvements in mood and outlook. Studies have found smokers coping with depression can help heal both their addiction and negative thoughts with the help of CBT.
Non-alcoholic and nootropic drinks: Get a buzz without the hangover
The burgeoning trend of nootropic non-alcoholic drinks is also making waves in the health-conscious community and was a hit at this year’s Glastonbury Music Festival. These innovative beverages, infused with natural ingredients that enhance cognitive function and well-being, provide a satisfying alternative to alcohol, potentially curbing the risk of cancer.
Arribar!, the bar experts behind the Rock the Kasbah and Chameleon bars at Glastonbury Festival, have crafted a selection of delectable non-alcoholic cocktails. These innovative drinks offer an exciting alternative for those choosing to abstain from alcohol for any reason.
Dan Gardner, Bar Manager at Arribar! has shared some of his alcohol-free cocktail creations online including a Wake Me Up Martini and a Bohemian Raspberry.
Fruit and fibre: How to get your daily dose effortlessly
Increasing fruit and fibre intake, crucial for cancer prevention, doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Simple strategies, such as adding berries to breakfast cereals or incorporating a handful of nuts and seeds into daily snacks, can make a substantial difference. Having bowls of fruit and nuts in your home office is an easy way to snack while boosting your immunity and lowering your inflammation.
Accessibility and convenience to healthy treats will make it that easier to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Frozen fruits and pre-cut vegetables are convenient options for busy individuals. Adding a side salad to meals or swapping sugary snacks for a piece of fruit can significantly boost your intake. Incorporate one meal with ample veg (2 to 3) and a fruity snack you are on your way to a healthier immunity and gut microbiome.
Dessert tip: If you make your own whipped cream you can have a delicious dessert with your favourite fruit. Simply get double or whipping cream from the shops, put in an electric mixer on a whisk setting or whisk by hand. Get the cream to your desired consistency but make sure you don’t overdo it or the cream will curdle.
If you want a slightly sweet whipped cream add a quarter of a teaspoon of sugar or your choice of sugar alternative while whipping the cream. Dollop on top of fruit such as mangoes, raspberries, blueberries or strawberries. Keep the remaining cream in the fridge in a sealed container and have it all prepped for your next decadent fruity dessert or snack.
Are you eating your food in the right order?
If you eat your meal in a certain order you could also avoid getting a glucose spike.
Eat in this order for the next few meals and see if it makes a difference:
- Eat vegetables first
- Followed by protein (dairy, meat, nuts, etc.)
- Then finish up with carbs (potatoes, rice, oats, etc.)
The Takeaway
By harnessing the power of CBT, exploring the world of non-alcoholic and nootropic drinks (always check for any interactions with any medication you are taking and consult a doctor), and effortlessly integrating fruit and fibre into your diet, you are taking proactive steps towards cancer prevention and feeling good. With so much riding on your health as a freelancer, scheduling healthy daily habits and eating the right foods in the right order could also improve your cognitive function and mood. Both of which are vital for your productivity and success.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
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