March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign organized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The goal of this campaign is to educate the public on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
I remember back when I was in grade school. Before taking a big test our teacher would remind us to make sure we got a good night’s sleep and that we ate a healthy breakfast. Of course, at that time I didn’t quite appreciate the importance of those words. It wasn’t until I grew older and wiser that I finally understood the true value of what was being said. Without proper nutrition and rest our bodies and minds are unable to perform at their highest level.
Court reporting is both physically and mentally demanding. It is fast paced, trying, and at most times stressful. Keeping your body at a peak state is vital for success in this profession, but unfortunately doing so can be challenging. With deadlines to meet day after day and jobs all over town, the constant push and pull of court reporting life can take its toll on your health and wellness, ultimately affecting your performance. With the proper game plan in place though, you can avoid this and maintain a happy, healthy, vivacious career.
Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a court reporter:
Get a good night’s sleep – There are many benefits to getting a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep is key to a healthy lifestyle. It benefits your heart, your immune system, and your mind. Studies have also shown that sleep helps improve your memory. With a good night’s sleep, you can strengthen your memory as well as have skills recently learned sink into your subconscious. If you are trying to increase your speed or learn a new stroke, you’ll do better after getting a good night’s rest.
Spend time exercising – The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Consistent exercise helps improve mental stability and supports optimal cognitive function. As a court reporter you need to be alert and focused. Following the minimum recommendations for exercise can improve your alertness and performance on the job.
Don’t skip breakfast – There is a reason they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. By feeding your body in the morning you are providing it with nutrition to start the day strong. Eating breakfast is vital for your overall health, it improves your memory, boosts your energy, improves your mood, and helps you focus. The morning is often the busiest time of the day for us and going without breakfast is easy to do. You need the nutrients from breakfast to stay strong throughout the day, so no matter how busy you might be, do not skip breakfast. Check out these quick breakfast ideas.
Drink plenty of water – There are many benefits to staying hydrated throughout the day, but as a court reporter one of the most important benefits is water helps energize muscles. A lot of court reporting relies on muscle memory. When muscle cells don’t have the proper amount of fluids they don’t perform as well and will slow you down. Bring a water bottle with you to every job and make sure to use it often.
Take advantage of breaks – Take advantage of the breaks you are given to refuel your body and mind. As a court reporter you need to focus for long periods of time; when the rest of the room takes a break it is important you do the same. Bring snacks with you to every job. Skip the candy bars and potato chips though. Nutritious snacks boost your energy between meals and supply essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some smart snacking ideas.
Don’t skip lunch – It is important not to skip lunch, especially on those days when the job seems to never end. Eating a well-balanced lunch helps support a healthy immune system and gives you the nutrients needed to sustain concentration and energy levels for the remainder of the day. Taking a lunch break provides an opportunity for your brain to recuperate.
Stay consistent – Consistency is key to a healthy lifestyle. Following the above steps each day will improve your life drastically, both on and off the job. Come up with a daily routine and follow it. Good nutrition and consistent exercise improves your well-being, strengthens your immune system, gives you energy, and increases your focus; all of which are necessary for court reporting.
Think of your body as a vehicle. In order to maintain its value and for it to perform at its fullest potential you must constantly maintain it, care for it, and fill it with the proper fuel. When you cultivate a healthy lifestyle, fill your body with the nutrients it needs to run, and maintain steady habits of physical activity, your body and mind will be able to operate at top gear each and every day.