When you’re balancing a demanding schedule, it can be hard to maintain healthy habits.
By preparing food ahead of time, exercising whenever you have the opportunity, you can have a fit, healthy lifestyle no matter what your schedule looks like.
It’s so easy to just grab a fast food lunch or sleep in until the last possible minute when you’re stressed and busy all the time, but following these simple tips can help you have a healthy lifestyle:
Cook your meals ahead of time to stay healthy
Having healthy meals like lean chicken breast, light stir-fry, or pork loin ready to eat at all times will help you resist the temptation to just order a pizza after a hard day at work or school. There are several ways to ensure that you always have a few healthy, fast meals ready to go.
2. Eat a healthy breakfast
Never skip breakfast, no matter how busy you are! Skipping breakfast will decrease your productivity by making you tired, lethargic, and prone to stress. Buy quick, healthy breakfast options like fresh fruit, granola, or instant oatmeal.
3. Bring snacks with you to work
Having a variety of healthy snacks on hand will prevent you from indulging in junk food when you need an energy boost. Granola bars, nuts, fresh fruit, trail mix, baby carrots, and baked chips are good options.
4. Avoid drinking or eating out too often
Alcohol and restaurant food are both high in calories, low in nutritional content, and can make you tired and sluggish. If you still want to go out with your friends, consider bringing a healthy snack along, drinking seltzer instead of alcohol, or limiting yourself to one drink or one half-portion of a meal.
5. Drink lots of water
You will save a lot of calories and feel better physically by switching to water for most of your liquid intake. Too much caffeine and sugar in your drinks can increase your exhaustion and decrease your energy levels.
6. Wake up early to exercise
Set your alarm for a half-hour earlier and use that time to get in a quick workout. If you get your workout done early in the day rather than saving it for the end, you are less likely to put it off or cancel it altogether.
If you are completely unable to schedule specific workout times, look at your routine and see how you can add exercising to the schedule you already have. You don’t need to block out an hour at the gym every day to add more fitness to your routine!
8. Think positive, helpful thoughts
Staying positive will decrease your stress and exhaustion levels, making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite a busy schedule. When you become tired or irritated at work or school, think about things that you enjoy.
9. Get plenty of sleep
When you’re juggling a busy schedule, cutting back on sleep can seem like a good idea, but it will actually make you less healthy and more stressed out! Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep, so take a look at your schedule and see what you can change to ensure that you get into bed at a reasonable hour.
